Texas A&M Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Aggies
Key Reserves
Tonny Trocha-Morelos
Due to a lack of depth and numerous injuries, Trocha-Morelos was forced to play on the wing for much of last season, which destroyed his shooting percentages. Now that the 6’10’’ senior can play as a power forward, his natural position, one can expect a bounce-back season. Trocha-Morelos brings a different skillset to the frontcourt with his ability to stretch the floor. This will allow him to play next to Williams or Davis, giving Texas A&M three talented big men to rotate through two positions. Even though Trocha-Morelos will play less this season, the senior power forward will still play a major role.
Duane Wilson
Marquette transfer Duane Wilson will add defense and stability to the Texas A&M bench. Wilson was a double-figure scorer as a freshman and sophomore, but, to his credit, embraced a defensive stopper role last season. The 6’3’’ grad transfer is better off the ball but could see some early playing time at point guard while Caldwell is suspended.
Savion Flagg
Flagg will be a crucial rotation piece as a freshman. The 6’7’’ wing is known for his powerful dunks, but he will be most valuable as a multi-positional player. Flagg has the size to play as a small ball power forward which creates lineup flexibility for the Aggies, something they desperately needed last season. Expect Flagg to earn around 15 minutes per game this season, but by next season he should be a productive starter.
T.J. Starks
Starks is a 6’2’’ scoring guard who will have the chance to earn some early season minutes with Caldwell suspended. The shifty lefty is adept at getting to the basket and can surprise the defense with a pull-up jump shot. Starks has the luxury of easing into the rotation since Texas A&M is so deep and experienced, but he is a key piece for the future
Jay Jay Chandler
Chandler should also compete for playing time, but he may be facing an uphill battle due to the surplus of wing talent. With Gilder, Hogg, Wilson, Flagg, and Starks all vying for playing time on the wing, we may have to wait until next season to see Chandler’s well-rounded offensive game.
Isiah Jasey and John Walker
Jasey and Walker will play sporadically and provide frontcourt depth, but both players have extremely high upside. Jasey is a 6’10’’ freshman who is an athletic shot blocker. At 248 pounds, he has the body to compete inside, but it will be tough to pry minutes from Texas A&M’s experienced big man trio. Walker was a late stock riser and a former Duquesne pledge who committed to the Aggies late in the recruiting cycle. The 6’9’’ lanky PF is very skilled, but his extremely thin frame will keep him from seeing consistent playing time this season.