Reggie Theus has left New Mexico State to become coach of the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and Herb Pope might be leaving New Mexico State, too.

Pope, the former Aliquippa High School star, was Theus' top recruit from the class of 2007. Pope left Aliquippa Saturday to begin his freshman year at New Mexico State. But, with Theus gone, Pope is seriously considering leaving.

"I'd say it's a little better than 50-50 that he won't stay at New Mexico State," said Nick Lackovich, an Aliquippa assistant coach who was heavily involved in Pope's recruiting.

Lackovich talked to Pope on the telephone Tuesday night and yesterday morning. Lackovich also has received calls from a few major colleges who want to know what Pope will do. Pope, a 6-foot-9 forward, was a Parade magazine All-American.

"Herb's pretty upset about [Theus' departure]," Lackovich said. "I think he might wait a week to see what happens."

Lackovich said when Pope signed with New Mexico State, Pope and Theus had a verbal agreement that the school would release Pope from his letter of intent if Theus went elsewhere.

"I tried to prepare Herb that this might happen, but he's still upset, no doubt," Lackovich said.

Pope is close to fully recovered from four gunshot wounds he suffered April 1 while at a party in Aliquippa. He was shot twice in the abdomen, once in the thigh and once in the left wrist. The wrist was the major concern for his basketball future, but Pope began playing pick games recently and planned to play as a freshman at New Mexico State.

"He was not 100 percent yet, but he was close enough already that he thought he had a real good chance to play when practice started [in October]," Lackovich said. "He's been playing, running, jumping and shooting."