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Texas A&M's basketball roster for the 2026-2027 season is shaping up to be the most talented group head coach Bucky McMillan has had in his second year at the helm. The Aggies secured seven transfers, highlighted by former Kansas State shooting guard PJ Haggerty, who averaged close to 24 points per game last season.
Alongside Haggerty, McMillan has added forward Jalen Shelley and guards Jalen Reece and Tyshawn Archie, giving the team ample perimeter playmakers. The task of replacing forward Rashaun Agee, who paced the Aggies in scoring and rebounding a year ago, will fall to former McDonald's All-American and Indiana transfer Mackenzie Mgbako.
Mgbako's first season in College Station was cut short after just seven non-conference games due to injury. However, after deciding to return, he dedicated himself to offseason strength training to regain his NBA-caliber shooting and aggressive inside presence.
Mgbako joined Haggerty and McMillan as the second team representative at Wednesday's SEC Media Days, underscoring his importance to the squad.
With 17 players on the roster, Aggie fans and Coach McMillan alike recognize Mgbako's critical role in the team's quest to return to the NCAA Tournament. McMillan didn't hold back his praise for the senior forward.
"This guy is really going to be a great player in this league if he stays healthy," McMillan said. "He's stronger, can shoot it, leading us in rebounds. He's a special player and a special dude. He came to Texas A&M without knowing us, but he saw our plan for him, and he deserves to have a great year."
If Mgbako can remain healthy for most of the season—barring some rest games late in the year—McMillan's fast-paced and aggressive system could propel the Aggies back to the NCAA Tournament and potentially past the second round for the first time since 2018.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: 'He's a special player': Bucky McMillan heaps praise on senior forward.
Originally reported by yahoo.