New Aggies (9/9): Donnie Tillman

We conclude our series on 2020 Aggie newcomers with the big man senior transfer from Utah/UNLV, Donnie Tillman. Please enjoy the final installment of this 9-part series!

Point guards CJ Roberts, 6'1, 190, JR - former 4-star HS prospect (originally signed with Missouri out of HS) Shooting Guards & Wings Jason King, 6'4, 190, JR Marcus Watson, 6'6, 215, FR (eligible mid-December) - former 4-star HS prospect (originally signed with Oklahoma State out of HS) Kalen Williams, 6-2, 160, Soph, JC Transfer

Power Forwards Wilfried Likayi, 6'9, 210, JR - former 3-star HS prospect Rashaun Agee, 6'8, 210, FR

Jacob Tryon, 6-11, 210, SR - Transfer from Portland

Donnie Tillman, 6-7, 225, SR - Transfer from UNLV (No official announcement yet from NMSU; probably will sit out 2020-21 due to transfer rules)

Centers Mayan Kiir, 6'9, 218, JR (eligible mid-December) - former 4-star HS prospect (originally signed with LSU out of HS)

Donnie Tillman

6'7", 225, Sr

Twitter

High school and JuCo Rankings

• A highly touted three star recruit coming out of high school. Tillman had offers from Cal, Boston College, Creighton, Virginia Tech, Marquette, and GCU (lol).

• Tillman was named the sixth man of the year during his Sophomore season at Utah after averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and contributing 27 mpg for the Utes. Following his successful sophomore campaign, he transferred to historic Aggie rival, UNLV, where he put up similar numbers for the Rebels.

• Check out Justin Martinez's coverage of his transfer here, as well as a phone conversation that Adam Young had with Tillman this spring where he mentions the 2019 NCAA tournament game against Auburn putting NM State on the map for him.

Highlights

• Interview and highlights from Tillman's sophomore season. Versatile forward with length and above average athleticism. Surprising vision that allows him to facilitate to others and versatile defense that allows him to guard at many positions.

Eligibility and Fit

• One year of eligibility remaining after playing three years of D1 ball. It's unclear whether Tillman will play immediately as a grad transfer or whether he'll have to sit out a year per D1 transfer rules.

• While Tillman is listed as a forward, his athleticism and abilities as a facilitator allow him to play on the wing. I'm unsure how he'd fit in on the wing with Henry and fellow newcomer Watson or at the four with Johnny and newcomer Likayi bound to get playing time. This conversation may be moot if Tillman is led to sit out this upcoming season.

Aggie Comparison

• Size and craftiness around the rim that reminds us of Justin Hawkins (2006-08)