SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Billy Kennedy watches game action against Oklahoma Sooners during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Texas A&M Aggies

2015-16 record: 28-9 overall, 13-5 in SEC, reached NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Head coach: Billy Kennedy

Notable departures: Danuel House, Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso, Anthony Collins

Notable returnees: Tyler Davis, Tonny Trocha-Morelos, Admon Gilder, D.J. Hogg, Tavario Miller, Kobie Eubanks

Notable newcomers: Four-star power forward Robert Williams, non-ranked PF Eric Vila, Lipscomb GS JC Hampton

Under the guidance of the reigning SEC Coach of the Year, the Aggies will attempt to maintain their winning ways despite the departure of a ton of experience.

The Aggies were also dealt a heavy blow this offseason when they learned that four-star freshman point guard J.J. Caldwell was deemed ineligible for the season by the NCAA. Caldwell is still officially a member of the team and a student at A&M, which bodes well for the future of the program.

Without their four main talents from a year ago (Danuel House, Jalen Jones, Alex Caruso and Anthony Collins), and without two of their top recruits (Deshawn Corprew is also ineligible), the Aggies will have to rely on sophomore Admon Gilder to run the point.

This year the Aggies will also look to concentrate their efforts in the front court offensively, as they have two centers in their second years who got solid minutes as freshman.

They also add four-star recruit Robert Williams. At 6’9″, Williams stands a chance at making an impact against the tougher teams in the conference.

Due to the lack of experience within the Aggies’ locker room, it wouldn’t shock anyone if A&M was unable to live up to the success they enjoyed last year. However, this is still a dangerous team with a good crop of young talent. They should finish near the top of the league.

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