aggieswire
Texas A&M basketball coach Bucky McMillan is gearing up for his second year leading the Aggies, and he has significant momentum on his side. After guiding the program to the NCAA Tournament with a roster heavily constructed via the transfer portal—headlined by senior forward Rashaun Agee—McMillan now welcomes back another key contributor. Senior guard Rylan Griffen, who posted 8.6 points per game and connected on 40% of his attempts from beyond the arc, went undrafted in the NBA Draft and has chosen to return to College Station for one final collegiate season.
However, Griffen's path to a fifth year has not been without complications. Like other college basketball players seeking an additional season, his injunction hearing was postponed, and a new date has yet to be scheduled. Nevertheless, after re-enrolling at Texas A&M, Griffen is now officially listed on the 2026-2027 roster as of Wednesday, according to 12thman.com. He joins Texas transfer guard Jordan Pope in that regard.
In a related roster note, freshman guard Neiko Mundey will wear No. 3, the same number Griffen donned last season. According to the team site, the former Alabama transfer will wear No. 5.
Griffen's temporary restraining order (TRO) permits him to participate in every game this season, mirroring the situation Rashaun Agee navigated last year.
With his return, Griffen bolsters a revamped Aggie backcourt that now includes transfer guards PJ Haggerty, Jalen Reece, Tyshawn Archie, Lukas Walls, and Jordan Pope, who was one of the Longhorns' most dependable and clutch shooters, particularly during their NCAA Tournament run to the Sweet 16.
Griffen is a sharpshooter and one of Texas A&M's premier on-ball defenders, offering depth and invaluable starting experience to a lineup that could potentially lead the SEC in scoring, especially if forward Mackenzie Mgbako remains healthy throughout the season.
Key Analysis
Griffen's return provides a significant boost to Texas A&M's perimeter game on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch defenses with his shooting and lock down opposing guards will be crucial in a competitive SEC. The delay in his injunction hearing adds a layer of uncertainty, but the TRO ensures his availability for the entirety of the 2026-2027 campaign. With a talented supporting cast, the Aggies appear poised for another postseason push.
Originally reported by aggieswire.