29-05-2025
Texas A&M basketball included in CBS Sports analyst's Top 45 preseason rankings
Texas A&M basketball included in CBS Sports analyst's Top 45 preseason rankings
New Texas A&M head basketball coach Bucky McMillan is one of the shining stars of the offseason, becoming the program's 23rd head coach last month after Buzz Williams departed College Station for Maryland after six seasons. So far, the Alabama native has landed nine players from the transfer portal, including his latest acquisition, former Texas Tech/Creighton point guard Pop Isaacs.
Right now, Texas A&M's 2025 roster is filled with talent at every position, as McMillan's fast-paced system relies on elite guard play to quarterback the offense and shoot the ball at a high and efficent rate, especially from beyond the arc, as five of the Aggies' portal additions shot at least 30% from 3-point range last season.
In addition to Isaacs's commitment, the news that Indiana transfer forward Mackenzie Mgbako withdrew from the 2025 NBA Draft jolted the Aggies' potential next season as a likely NCAA Tournament team, which CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein wholeheartedly agrees with.
On Thursday, Rothstein released his "Rothstein 45" preseason rankings ahead of the 2025 season, placing Texas A&M at No. 35, just below, yes, Buzz Williams' Maryland Terrapins at No. 34. Here is Rothstein's projected starting lineup, which is very similar to my own for the 2025 Aggies.
G Pop Isaacs
G Marcus Hill
G Rylan Griffen
F Mackenzie Mgbako
C Federiko Federiko
With this starting lineup, Texas A&M's offense should be one of the top units in the SEC, based on Isaac's and Griffen's past performances. Mgbako's shooting performance during the NBA Combine also showed an improved player from 3-point territory.
However, the first 10 or so games of the season will define this team, as it needs to mesh this offseason and find an early rhythm before entering SEC play.
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