Texas A&M Coach Bucky McMillan Discusses Roster Updates and Upcoming Season

This offseason, McMillan and his staff successfully utilized the transfer portal, acquiring several players, including standout shooting guard PJ Haggarty, who averaged nearly 24 points per game at Kansas State last season. With key returning players like forward Mackenzie Mgbako, the team is poised for a strong run this year.

However, the program faced challenges regarding eligibility, particularly with former G League guard Bryson Warren, who was anticipated to play a crucial role but was declared ineligible and subsequently entered the transfer portal. To address this, McMillan quickly added Texas transfer Jordan Pope, a guard known for his backcourt experience and playmaking abilities. McMillan expressed confidence in Pope's contributions, stating, "I’ve seen him make enough shots to know he can help us. He’s with the good guys now. You can tell when players' hearts are right, and Pope really wants to win."

Additionally, senior guard Rylan Griffen is expected to rejoin the team after averaging 8.6 points and shooting 40% from three-point range last season. He will await a preliminary injunction hearing on Monday that will determine his eligibility for the upcoming season.

Despite predictions from national analysts placing the Aggies in the bottom half of the SEC, McMillan believes they have built one of the more complete rosters in the country. He mentioned, "We’re further ahead knowing each other and playing together. We’re more physical. You’ll see a lot more dunks, finishing at the basket, and slashing. This year we have more individual playmaking, which is needed."

Texas A&M is set to begin the basketball season against Alabama State on November 3.