New Mexico State guard Shahar Lazar announces plans to transfer after program suspends operations

The dominoes are starting to fall for New Mexico State after the program suspended operations Friday. Freshman guard Shahar Lazar announced his plans to enter the transfer portal Saturday.

Lazar released a statement on his Twitter and explained his decision, saying he thought he’d have a different experience in the program under first-year coach Greg Heiar. He didn’t register a stat this year as a freshman.

“Eight months ago, I made one of the biggest decisions of my career,” Lazar wrote. “I decided to leave my friends and family in Israel and pursue my academic and athletic dreams in the United States as a student-athlete. While the recruiting process was not easy, I eventually made the decision to attend New Mexico State University and play basketball for the Aggies.

“Having served several years in the Israeli military, I was raised on the values of excellence, discipline, respect, reliability and accountability. However, in retrospect, I don’t believe the program that I originally committed to currently aligns with my beliefs and core values. … With all 4 years of eligibility remaining I look forward to finding the next step in my journey!”

Lazar can’t enter the portal until the college basketball transfer portal window opens March 13 — one day after Selection Sunday. It will remain open for 60 days.

More on New Mexico State’s decision to shut down operations

It’s unclear when or if the Aggies will play another game this season after it shut down following new allegations — later reported to be hazing allegations, according to Stadium’s Jeff Goodman. The university released a statement Friday night announcing the decision.

“New Mexico State University is suspending operations for the men’s basketball program until further notice,” the statement read. “NMSU personnel were recently informed of new allegations, separate from the events that took place in Albuquerque late last year, involving potential violations of university policy. While those allegations are being investigated, the men’s basketball coaching staff has been placed on paid administrative leave. The game scheduled for February 11 against California Baptist will not be played.”

Goodman provided more details on the situation, reporting multiple players allegedly hazed a teammate on more than one occasion. A police report was filed, and that led to the decision to shut down operations.

The NMSU Board of Regents also sent a statement to KTSM-TV regarding the situation.

“The New Mexico State University Board of Regents were informed this evening of the suspension of operations for the men’s basketball program,” the statement read. “The board supports the action taken by the university leaders and is confident a full and thorough investigation will be conducted.”