In the heart of Texas, the Aggies are gearing up for an exciting new chapter in their basketball journey, all thanks to the dynamic leadership of their new head coach, Bucky McMillan. Stepping in to rebuild a program that faced a tough setback with the departure of Buzz Williams to Maryland, McMillan has orchestrated quite the turnaround in just a couple of months.
His strategy? Tap into the incredibly rich vein of talent available through the transfer portal.
And he hasn't just dipped a toe—McMillan has made a splash, bringing in nine players, five of whom are already being hailed as elite, poised to make an immediate impact as we look ahead to the 2025-2026 season. That's the kind of roster magic that could set the stage for something special in Aggieland.
The analytics world has taken notice. Evan Miyakawa, a guru in college basketball metrics, recently unveiled his much-anticipated Top 100 transfer portal rankings. Using a fine-tuned grading system that evaluates both offensive and defensive ratings from the 2024 season, Miyakawa's list sheds light on who stands a cut above the rest.
Among the Texas A&M newcomers, five remarkable players have earned spots in this esteemed list. With names like Mackenzie Mgbako, Rashaun Agee, Pop Isaacs, Federiko Federiko, and Rylan Griffen all ranked, the Aggies are the only team boasting more than four players on Miyakawa's radar. That's a testament to McMillan's recruitment finesse and bodes well for a team eager to climb the ranks.
So, where do these stars shine on the chart?
- Forward Mackenzie Mgbako lands at 40th.
- Guard Pop Isaacs follows closely in 51st place.
- Forward Rashaun Agee is hot on their heels at 60th.
- Center Federiko Federiko secures the 61st spot.
- And shooting guard Rylan Griffen rounds out the group at 80th.
Currently, with 12 players forming the core of Texas A&M's 2025 roster, fans and analysts alike are wondering how McMillan will use the flexibility of three more spots to further fortify the team. The buzz suggests that he's on the lookout for additional depth at guard, wing, and center positions.
Whatever the strategy, one thing is clear: Texas A&M is assembling a basketball team that promises to be both formidable and thrilling to watch. The new era under Coach McMillan is one to keep a close eye on as the Aggies aim to make waves in college basketball.
