2007 Texas A&M Aggies Basketball Preview

The Texas A&M Aggies (27- 7 overall, 13- 3 Big 12) finished second in the conference and went three deep into the conference tournaments where they lost to Memphis 65- 64. Once again this team, which is led by new head coach Mark Turgeon (153- 118 overall in nine years), looks to be a contender. Former coach Billy Gillispie, who replaced Tubby Smith at the University of Kentucky, left Turgeon with a fine team.

The Aggies had some of the best team stats in the conference, placing first in scoring defense (59.4 PPG) and assists (17.4 APG). They were also second in rebound margin (plus-4.8) and in turnovers (12.2 TPG). Texas A&M finished first in field goal and three-point percentages, with a .498 FG% and a .422 3PT%. The team’s .716 FT% was very respectable and was so indicated by the college basketball lines.

Power forward Joseph Jones (13.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 55.2 FG%), a senior, looks to notch a breakout final season. Freshman center DeAndre Jordan, who should start, can open the lane for Jones and also commandingly dunk the ball. Potential contributors upfront include up and coming sophomores Bryan Davis (1.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 40.7 FG%) and Chinemelu Elonu (1.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 65.2 FG%). This could be a potent frontcourt.

Guard Acie Law (18.1 PPG, 5.0 APG, 1.1 SPG) was a playmaker and team leader. His loss will be felt. But guard Donald Sloan (5.2 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 48.9 FG%) is a fine athlete who possesses strength and stamina. Shooting guard Josh Carter (11.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 49.2 FG%), a junior, hit 50% of his threes last season. Carter has also begun to develop a slash and shoot game, making him even tougher to defend against.

The Aggies started to come back in 2005 when they went from seven wins the previous year to 21. In 2006, Texas earned 22 victories and last season they had 27. Expect more of the same in 2007- 2008. Although Acie Law is gone, this is still a very fine club. Can they get to the Sweet 16 in the college basketball bracket like they did last season? Wait and see.