I know, I know, this is TexAgs and rational thought escapes most on here, but I'm wondering based on the talent we've brought in through the transfer portal what a realistic outlook for next season is. Also, what is the pulse around the rest of the SEC? Was last season an anomaly with how strong the conference was across the board?
Realistic expectations
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Last: 2 mo ago by FTAG 2000
Conference will continue to be strong and we will be middle of the pack next year.
Stating the obvious here but how well we do will depend on how well the team comes together and how Buckyball works in the SEC.
Luckily, pretty much every SEC team had major roster turnover so they will be facing the 'getting the team to gel' issue as well.
Obviously, the big NIL budget teams will have been able to bring in bigger stars to rebuild with so they will probably end up at the top of the league.
Luckily, pretty much every SEC team had major roster turnover so they will be facing the 'getting the team to gel' issue as well.
Obviously, the big NIL budget teams will have been able to bring in bigger stars to rebuild with so they will probably end up at the top of the league.
How is anyone supposed to have an answer to this question? What evidence is there to present?
Let's simply remind ourselves that people here on this fan site generally have the desire to hope for a competitive outcome. So in service to that hope we take the most optimistic outcome that still seems possible until the losses pile up.
I think Elko will field a better team this year because he seems to teach preparation and believing in each other. I have zero evidence to support a stronger take. Are my hopes too high? Possibly…
Let's simply remind ourselves that people here on this fan site generally have the desire to hope for a competitive outcome. So in service to that hope we take the most optimistic outcome that still seems possible until the losses pile up.
I think Elko will field a better team this year because he seems to teach preparation and believing in each other. I have zero evidence to support a stronger take. Are my hopes too high? Possibly…
Yeah, at this point who knows what to expect. Unlike last year where we were all pretty sure we were going to be really good, at this point nothing between being one of the worst power conference teams in college basketball and being a fairly comfortable (8-9 seed) level team would surprise me much.
We do have some decent pieces, but none of them have ever played together. We're not even like a Maryland this year or Arkansas last year where a coach made a move and brought a bunch of staff and players with them.We only have two coaches who were together last year (Bucky and Cole), three sets of players and/or coaches that were together last year (Cole, Bucky and Holloway at Samford; Haith and Vinson at Texas, Clemence and Griffen at Kansas).
I don't know how you could even begin to predict what the pieces are going to look like.
I think last year was both an anomaly and not. It was in the sense that it's unlikely the SEC will be maybe the best conference in the history of college basketball again. That seems impossible to replicate. I also think you'll see more balance in the league this year. Last year the league had four of the top six or so teams in the country. I think it's unlikely to have that many elite teams again.
So I think you'll see a little fall off, but I'd guess the SEC will still be the best overall league because of how good the bad teams are compared to other leagues.
We do have some decent pieces, but none of them have ever played together. We're not even like a Maryland this year or Arkansas last year where a coach made a move and brought a bunch of staff and players with them.We only have two coaches who were together last year (Bucky and Cole), three sets of players and/or coaches that were together last year (Cole, Bucky and Holloway at Samford; Haith and Vinson at Texas, Clemence and Griffen at Kansas).
I don't know how you could even begin to predict what the pieces are going to look like.
I think last year was both an anomaly and not. It was in the sense that it's unlikely the SEC will be maybe the best conference in the history of college basketball again. That seems impossible to replicate. I also think you'll see more balance in the league this year. Last year the league had four of the top six or so teams in the country. I think it's unlikely to have that many elite teams again.
So I think you'll see a little fall off, but I'd guess the SEC will still be the best overall league because of how good the bad teams are compared to other leagues.
8-10 conference wins if we don't struggle with team chemistry.
World's worst proofreader
Today I expect us to be predicted to finish in the bottom 4 in the league. Doesn't mean that is where we finish, but I would expect us to be 12th to 16th in the preseason poll based off today's roster
As it stands right now, if we can make the NIT that would be great imo.
As good as we think our portal class is based on TexAgs hype, the recruiting service rankings currently have it towards the bottom of the SEC. There are 8 SEC schools with top 25 portal classes(we aren't in that group) not including schools like Ark and Florida who are porbably top 10-15 teams next year who only have a couple of transfers each. We only have 3 transfers incoming who are considered to be among the top 50 transfers coming into the SEC. Now if we add another high level all conference caliber piece like Claude that certainly gives us a big boost.
There are 15 SEC schools with more highly ranked recruiting classes than us. Our 1 signee is not in the top 30 highest ranked recruits in the conference.
There are 15 SEC schools who return more production than us.
Obviously recruiting rankings and transfer rankings aren't everything, but on the average they give you a decent idea of the talent level other teams are bringing in and the rest of the SEC is absolutely reloading this year.
Pretty much every team in the SEC has the talent to be an NCAA tournament team including us, but bringing it all together in year one with a new staff and completely new roster is going to be quite a challenge.Vandy did it this year with probably less talent on paper than we'll have so it is possible.
As good as we think our portal class is based on TexAgs hype, the recruiting service rankings currently have it towards the bottom of the SEC. There are 8 SEC schools with top 25 portal classes(we aren't in that group) not including schools like Ark and Florida who are porbably top 10-15 teams next year who only have a couple of transfers each. We only have 3 transfers incoming who are considered to be among the top 50 transfers coming into the SEC. Now if we add another high level all conference caliber piece like Claude that certainly gives us a big boost.
There are 15 SEC schools with more highly ranked recruiting classes than us. Our 1 signee is not in the top 30 highest ranked recruits in the conference.
There are 15 SEC schools who return more production than us.
Obviously recruiting rankings and transfer rankings aren't everything, but on the average they give you a decent idea of the talent level other teams are bringing in and the rest of the SEC is absolutely reloading this year.
Pretty much every team in the SEC has the talent to be an NCAA tournament team including us, but bringing it all together in year one with a new staff and completely new roster is going to be quite a challenge.Vandy did it this year with probably less talent on paper than we'll have so it is possible.
Yeah, and we've said this in other threads but the only thing I'm going into next season hoping to accomplish is that we can see the vision by the end of it. I've been calling it a "proof of concept" season.
What that actually looks like could go a lot of ways, but take Buzz's first season. We were absolutely terrible to start, but by the end of it we were a competitive team.
I think there's several scenarios where we don't make the tournament next year but we still come out of it feeling pretty good about the future, especially if some of our pieces with multiple years left have big seasons. (Mgbako, Holloway, Hill)
What that actually looks like could go a lot of ways, but take Buzz's first season. We were absolutely terrible to start, but by the end of it we were a competitive team.
I think there's several scenarios where we don't make the tournament next year but we still come out of it feeling pretty good about the future, especially if some of our pieces with multiple years left have big seasons. (Mgbako, Holloway, Hill)
Follow up question: how many "the sky is falling, fire Bucky!" Posts will we get next season if the worst case scenario occurs and we only get 3 or 4 conference wins (or worse)? Do you feel those are warranted?
Yeah, even just trying to build expectations based on the talent moving around on paper seems like a fool's errand, but add in that we're going to be playing a completely different type of basketball than everyone else and who knows what might happen.
I am already a believer based off the talent he has been able to land in a short time and having never been a coach at this level. Obviously it needs to translate to on the court, but I think talent acquisition was probably my biggest concern with him and I am not concerned of that going forward as it will only get easier for him. I don't really have expectations for year 1. Sure it would be great to make the post season, but I dont expect it based off where things startedbobinator said:
Yeah, and we've said this in other threads but the only thing I'm going into next season hoping to accomplish is that we can see the vision by the end of it. I've been calling it a "proof of concept" season.
Now this is how you TexAgs offseason. A preemptive discussion of hypothetical posts of a hypothetical disappointing season. It's too meta to comprehend.
I think the only way any regulars on here will come away truly disappointed next season is if we just get absolutely shredded a whole bunch of times late in the year.
Assuming Bucky is going to run the same defense here as he has everywhere else, which there's no reason to think otherwise, we're probably going to get absolutely nuked a few times early. But as the players get better at it and learn how each other player and that sort of thing it should look a lot better by the end of the season. But if we're giving up 1.2 points per possession or something to mediocre teams in late February then it's not gonna feel very good.
I think the only way any regulars on here will come away truly disappointed next season is if we just get absolutely shredded a whole bunch of times late in the year.
Assuming Bucky is going to run the same defense here as he has everywhere else, which there's no reason to think otherwise, we're probably going to get absolutely nuked a few times early. But as the players get better at it and learn how each other player and that sort of thing it should look a lot better by the end of the season. But if we're giving up 1.2 points per possession or something to mediocre teams in late February then it's not gonna feel very good.
Yeah, especially with basically no preparation.
I do think what we're going to see a lot with this staff is us go after some transfers that most of us on here will be like "okay that's a decent depth piece" but then we turn those guys into featured players based on some specific skills that they have.
You don't have to watch a lot of Samford tape to see that they were VERY good at getting people in situations to be successful on offense. Just a really good screening and spacing team.
I do think what we're going to see a lot with this staff is us go after some transfers that most of us on here will be like "okay that's a decent depth piece" but then we turn those guys into featured players based on some specific skills that they have.
You don't have to watch a lot of Samford tape to see that they were VERY good at getting people in situations to be successful on offense. Just a really good screening and spacing team.
bobinator said:
You don't have to watch a lot of Samford tape to see that they were VERY good at getting people in situations to be successful on offense. Just a really good screening and spacing team.
I forgot what this is supposed to look for our guys in Maroon. It may take me a while to adjust.
Mikesyracuse1
Yeah, I liked Buzz, I think he's overall a good coach and expect him to be successful at Maryland so this isn't some "now that he's gone he sucked" thing because I pointed this out his whole time here, but our lack of offensive fundamentals was just wild.
I think we were the only team in the history of basketball that was actually less open when we had someone some set a screen or a pick.
I think we were the only team in the history of basketball that was actually less open when we had someone some set a screen or a pick.
bobinator said:
Yeah, I liked Buzz, I think he's overall a good coach and expect him to be successful at Maryland so this isn't some "now that he's gone he sucked" thing because I pointed this out his whole time here, but our lack of offensive fundamentals was just wild.
I think we were the only team in the history of basketball that was actually less open when we had someone some set a screen or a pick.
Prevent Offense
If Bucky fills out this roster the way he has recruited so far, I don't see the NCAA tournament as impossible
Yeah, I agree with the concerns about the defense. When you extend out trying to create pressure, good players will go by that and have numbers. I hate giving up easy baskets so I'm gonna have to realize there's gonna be more of this.
That's why I think Federiko could be huge, because I think he can alter/block some of those defensive breakdowns.
hopefully, the pressure creates more easy baskets to offset our defensive breakdowns...it's just hard to turn over good teams.
Having what appears to be 3 legit shooters (Lane, Griffen, Mgbako) appears to be a major upgrade, and should offset some of the defensive gambling.
Very much looking forward to seeing more movement/screening off the ball as opposed to one on one James Harden offense.
That's why I think Federiko could be huge, because I think he can alter/block some of those defensive breakdowns.
hopefully, the pressure creates more easy baskets to offset our defensive breakdowns...it's just hard to turn over good teams.
Having what appears to be 3 legit shooters (Lane, Griffen, Mgbako) appears to be a major upgrade, and should offset some of the defensive gambling.
Very much looking forward to seeing more movement/screening off the ball as opposed to one on one James Harden offense.
I am expecting to not make the tournament and get blown out a lot more than we did under Buzz. That doesn't mean we won't see promising improvement, but his style combined with lots of new pieces (that are being overrated by our fanbase) is going to lead to lots of ugly games along the way. That is not a slam at our players; he has done better than I thought, given his timeline, but we are a pretty mediocre roster.
Playing fast and pressing with a team that is bottom 1/3 of the conference talent-wise is a recipe for lots of blowouts. Some will like Bucky because we lose 97-80, rather than 65-62. I think we see lots of higher-scoring games that are still blowouts, but maybe feel a little better because we at least score some, and the offense is competent.
I hope I am wrong, and we are fighting for a tournament spot, but I expect an 18-14 type season, with something like 6 or 7 conference wins. Anything better, I will be excited for the future.
Playing fast and pressing with a team that is bottom 1/3 of the conference talent-wise is a recipe for lots of blowouts. Some will like Bucky because we lose 97-80, rather than 65-62. I think we see lots of higher-scoring games that are still blowouts, but maybe feel a little better because we at least score some, and the offense is competent.
I hope I am wrong, and we are fighting for a tournament spot, but I expect an 18-14 type season, with something like 6 or 7 conference wins. Anything better, I will be excited for the future.
18-14 with 6 or 7 conference wins would probably be right around the cut line.
Do yall expect the SEC to perform in November and December the way we did last year? Im expecting that we might see a step back
I asked chatGPT to predict next year's record based on our current roster.
Predicting Texas A&M's 2025-26 men's basketball record is challenging due to significant roster turnover and a coaching change. The team enters a transitional phase under new head coach Bucky McMillan, known for his fast-paced "Bucky Ball" style .Houston Chronicle
Predicted Record: 17-14 Overall, 8-10 SEC
Considering the roster overhaul, new coaching system, and challenging schedule, a realistic projection for Texas A&M's 202526 season is a 1714 overall record with an 810 mark in SEC play. This performance would place them on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with their fate likely hinging on key wins during conference play and the SEC Tournament.
Roster Outlook
The Aggies face a substantial rebuild, having lost key players like Wade Taylor IV, Henry Coleman III, Manny Obaseki, and Hayden Hefner . Currently, the roster includes a mix of returning players and new additions:SI
Schedule Considerations
The non-conference schedule includes matchups against Central Florida, East Texas A&M, and Prairie View A&M. Additionally, Texas A&M will participate in the "Players Era" tournament in Las Vegas, facing strong programs like Alabama, Kansas, and Gonzaga . The SEC schedule remains challenging, with formidable opponents such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas.TexAgs
Early Projections
ESPN's Joe Lunardi places Texas A&M among the "First Four Out" in his early 2026 NCAA Tournament projections, indicating the team is on the bubble for tournament selection . Bart Torvik's analytics project the Aggies with an adjusted offensive efficiency of 114.1 and a defensive efficiency of 96.4, ranking them 40th nationally .On3+1Athlon Sports+1Bart Torvik
Predicting Texas A&M's 2025-26 men's basketball record is challenging due to significant roster turnover and a coaching change. The team enters a transitional phase under new head coach Bucky McMillan, known for his fast-paced "Bucky Ball" style .Houston Chronicle
Predicted Record: 17-14 Overall, 8-10 SEC
Considering the roster overhaul, new coaching system, and challenging schedule, a realistic projection for Texas A&M's 202526 season is a 1714 overall record with an 810 mark in SEC play. This performance would place them on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with their fate likely hinging on key wins during conference play and the SEC Tournament.
Roster Outlook
The Aggies face a substantial rebuild, having lost key players like Wade Taylor IV, Henry Coleman III, Manny Obaseki, and Hayden Hefner . Currently, the roster includes a mix of returning players and new additions:SI
- Returning Players:
- Marcus Hill (Sr)
- Josh Holloway (Jr)
- Mackenzie Mgbako (Jr)
- Jamie Vinson IV (So)RealGM Basketball+1A Sea Of Blue+1
- Incoming Freshmen:
- Aaron Glass (SG, 6'2")
- Jeremiah Green (PG, 6'2")
- Jasir Rencher (GF, 6'5") RealGM Basketball+1247Sports+1
Schedule Considerations
The non-conference schedule includes matchups against Central Florida, East Texas A&M, and Prairie View A&M. Additionally, Texas A&M will participate in the "Players Era" tournament in Las Vegas, facing strong programs like Alabama, Kansas, and Gonzaga . The SEC schedule remains challenging, with formidable opponents such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas.TexAgs
Early Projections
ESPN's Joe Lunardi places Texas A&M among the "First Four Out" in his early 2026 NCAA Tournament projections, indicating the team is on the bubble for tournament selection . Bart Torvik's analytics project the Aggies with an adjusted offensive efficiency of 114.1 and a defensive efficiency of 96.4, ranking them 40th nationally .On3+1Athlon Sports+1Bart Torvik
This is what I was getting at with the SEC prediction. Last year's SEC non-con was unprecedented. I think the SEC could still be far and away the best conference in college basketball and not be as good as it was last year.
Reading this makes me realize how trash so many season previews are going to be next year as reporters start using language models more and more.
Gross.
Gross.
Next year is proof of concept + seeing what the go forward recruiting infrastructure looks like (Bucky and staff's capabilities plus the NIL and rev sharing).
Postseason will be bonus.
Postseason will be bonus.
Really, anyone is just guessing at this point (including me). I'm tempted to dwell in BAS as a long suffering Aggie sports fan, and predict a complete disaster. New coach, new system, entirely new roster. Who knows how these guys will play?
But, like someone else said, every team is facing some amount of turnover (maybe not this much). So, maybe we're decent? Even if Bucky coaches his butt off and gets this collective of transfers to gel, finishing in the top 5 or 6 of the SEC seems really unlikely. However, in today's age of professional college athletes I think some criticism will be more than fair should they finish near the bottom of the league.
But, like someone else said, every team is facing some amount of turnover (maybe not this much). So, maybe we're decent? Even if Bucky coaches his butt off and gets this collective of transfers to gel, finishing in the top 5 or 6 of the SEC seems really unlikely. However, in today's age of professional college athletes I think some criticism will be more than fair should they finish near the bottom of the league.
MarcAg said:
Today I expect us to be predicted to finish in the bottom 4 in the league. Doesn't mean that is where we finish, but I would expect us to be 12th to 16th in the preseason poll based off today's roster
Probably true. The roster has 2 or 3 proven guys and the rest are situational players or inexperienced.
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no one has predicted a natty? come on where is the faith guys.
in all seriousness i think we have a really wide range of what we could accomplish next season. i do believe there will be some growing pains sprinkled in with a surprise quality upset as well. i think sec takes at least a small step back which is helpful.
i will say we go 7-11 in sec play and 19-13 overall.
in all seriousness i think we have a really wide range of what we could accomplish next season. i do believe there will be some growing pains sprinkled in with a surprise quality upset as well. i think sec takes at least a small step back which is helpful.
i will say we go 7-11 in sec play and 19-13 overall.
No idea but I'm excited. If you ain't in our jersey, Buck you.
Pointless thread. AggieCrew44 made is abundantly clear a number of times that if we lost Buzz we'd be really, really bad next year.
And the odds of that happening are still really really highProposition Joe said:
Pointless thread. AggieCrew44 made is abundantly clear a number of times that if we lost Buzz we'd be really, really bad next year.
He's recruited better than I thought he would given the situation. This is still a bottom quarter SEC roster
Rent free buddy
To win
agspirit_09 said:
Follow up question: how many "the sky is falling, fire Bucky!" Posts will we get next season if the worst case scenario occurs and we only get 3 or 4 conference wins (or worse)? Do you feel those are warranted?
This is such a softball question. It will happen after every early season loss by a bunch of meatheads and trolls who only come to post derogatory stuff. Then, later in the season it will happen after close wins, and eventually after every missed free throw.
Sorry, was confused lol
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