Texas A&M transfer named to Jay Billas' preseason All-America teams

Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies WireFri, October 23, 2026 at 9:15 AM UTC

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Texas A&M basketball's 2026-2027 season begins Tuesday, November 3, when the Aggies host Alabama State in Reed Arena. Under second-year coach Bucky McMillan, A&M's revamped roster is by far its most talented in over a decade, now led by former Kansas State guard PJ Haggerty, who averaged nearly 24 points per game during his lone season with the Wildcats.

With six other transfer portal additions, including guards Tyshawn Archie and Jalen Reece, Texas A&M's backcourt is the program's primary strength, while the return of former Indiana transfer forward Mackenzie Mgbako bolsters a once-questionable front court that lacked size and depth last season.

Former Texas guard Jordan Pope is expected to be available throughout the season after being granted a preliminary Injunction, while senior guard Rylan Griffen is still awaiting his hearing.

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If Mgbako can stay healthy, fellow big men Zach Clemence and Jamie Vinson add exceptional depth and experience, especially in SEC play. Still, PJ Haggerty's elite NBA-level slashing will get him to the free-throw line more often than not while kicking out to the perimeter, which is what Bucky McMillan's scheme is all about.

After naming him Second Team Preseason All-SEC, ESPN's Jay Bilas also names PJ Haggerty to his Preseason All-America Second Team and the Preseason All-Transfer Team. If Haggerty matches his 2025-2026 scoring numbers this season, Texas A&M will return to the NCAA Tournament and could contend for a Sweet 16 berth for the first time since 2018.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M transfer named to Jay Billas' preseason All-America teams

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