2005 Texas A&M Aggies Basketball Preview

2005 Texas A&M Aggies Team Preview

Last season first-year Aggie coach Billy Gillispie worked his players harder than they’d ever been worked before. Then they went on to have the third best season in Texas A&M basketball history, going 21- 10. That fourteen game turnaround, the best in the NCAA, brought in more fans than Aggie basketball had ever before attracted. This year’s team has the potential to go beyond the achievements of last year’s club.

They no longer have star guard/forward Antoine Wright who left school a year early for the NBA draft after popping in 17.8 PPG and grabbing 6.0 RPG. Also missing is the team’s solid guard Bobby Leach who was good for 8.7 PPG. Despite those loses, the Aggies possess a strong talent pool, including sophomore forward/center Joseph Jones. Jones was one of the best frosh players in the Big 12 last year and will be asked to do even better than his 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest. Jones, who stands 6’ 9” and weighs 250-pounds will have help inside from Junior College transfer Antanas Kavaliauskas who, at 6’ 10” and 250-pounds, will mix it up physically at the post position.

Point guard Acie Law showed last season, his second as an Aggie, that he could score as he pumped in 12.0 points per game. Like Jones he too will have to rise to the occasion and like Jones he too will have help from a new player—Eddie Smith. Smith comes from the juniors after being named Juco National Player of the Year and averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. He can contribute in a major manner, helping the Aggies go a long way this season.

The final starting forward will probably be either Chris Walker or Edjuan Green, both of whom offer maturity and experience. Both players are capable of having strong senior years.

This season coach Billy Gillispie will continue to work his players so they can reach and go beyond their full potential once again. That means there could be even more improvement on this team and more excitement in the Aggie arena.

We have also listed the link to the official Texas A&M Aggies athletic site, for those that would like more info on the 2005 Texas A&M mens basketball team. If not continue on below to more of the individual big 12 schools.