Texas A&M Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Aggies

Starting Lineup

JJ Caldwell

Caldwell should earn the starting point guard role for Texas A&M. The 6’1’’ freshman is a prolific passer with terrific court vision who will be able to create quality shots for his teammates. Caldwell was the projected starting point guard last season but was deemed ineligible, leaving the Aggies without a true floor general. He brings balance to the Texas A&M lineup and fits perfectly with the four returning starters. Unfortunately, Caldwell is suspended for the first five games so Duane Wilson or TJ Starks will be the short-term replacements.

Admon Gilder

Gilder is a natural scoring guard who had to play some point guard last season. While Gilder proved that he is not a future lead guard (3.9 apg to 2.7 topg), playing the position will only further his future development. The 6’4’’ junior will move back to the off-guard where he can focus on scoring once again. Gilder averaged 13.7ppg and shot an impressive 37.7% from three (58 makes) as a sophomore.

DJ Hogg

Hogg should be the biggest beneficiary of improved point guard play as he will not have to create as much offense. He will be able to play off the ball and run off screens more often, which is where he is best utilized. Hogg will benefit from being asked to do so much last season and his shooting percentages should increase significantly in a more comfortable role. The 6’9’’ junior averaged 12 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 3.4 apg, but only shot just 39.7% from the field last season. Expect Hogg to be more efficient while maintaining his production.

Robert Williams

Williams had a fantastic freshman season where he established himself as a potential top-10 NBA Draft pick. The 6’10’’ big man has elite physical tools (7’4’’ wingspan) and is a great athlete, which enhances his rim protection and rebounding skills. Williams is a terrific lob target due to his large catch radius and his reliable hands but has also flashed a perimeter jump shot. If Williams can improve his jump shot, he will take his game to the next level and could even sneak into the top-5 of the draft. The talented sophomore averaged 11.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 2.5 bpg last season, but expect Williams to look even better now that he is playing with a quality point guard.

Tyler Davis

Davis was Texas A&M’s leading scorer last season and is one of the best interior scorers in the entire country. The 6’10’’ junior excels with his back-to-the-basket play where he uses his wide body and soft touch to score inside. Davis has excellent footwork which is apparent in his post play, but also on his rolls to the rim where he is also quite effective. He averaged 14.1 ppg and 7.0 rpg while shooting 61.7% from the field last season. It will be interesting to see how Davis’ role changes with the emergence of Williams. Also, the newfound depth will allow the Aggies to play small for stretches. Expect similar numbers in his junior season.