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

Overview and Ranking

The main question for Texas A&M is: Can J.J. Caldwell bring stability to the PG position?

The Aggies lacked a true point guard last year, which torpedoed their season. Gilder and Hogg were forced into different positions and had to create more on offense. If Caldwell can hold down the position, Hogg and Gilder will be more comfortable and their efficiency will increase.

This will have a domino effect and push Trocha-Morelos, Williams, and Davis into their most effective roles which should fix most of the problems that plagued the Aggies in 2016-17. We know that Gilder, Hogg, Williams, and Davis will be productive starters, but a great playmaker like Caldwell can make them even better. If Caldwell can create for others and limit his turnovers, the Aggies will finish towards the top of the SEC.

Texas A&M’s depth will also serve as a great strength. Last season, a lack of depth forced players like Trocha-Morelos to play out of position for extended periods of time. This season, the Aggies have an abundance of players to turn to in reserve roles. Two of these players, Trocha-Morelos and Duane Wilson, are seniors who have logged significant minutes and have extensive starting experience. The bench also has numerous highly-rated freshmen who can be eased into major roles. Players like Savion Flagg and T.J. Starks should see some playing time this year, while guys like Isiah Jasey, Jay Jay Chandler, and John Walker have extremely high upsides and bright futures.

Next: Baylor 17-18 Season Preview

Overall, this is an extremely talented Texas A&M team which should make last year’s disappointing season a distant memory for Aggies fans. I have Texas A&M at No. 15 overall and No. 2 in the SEC behind Kentucky but don’t be surprised if the Aggies challenge UK for that top spot. The Aggies also come in at #23 in our Busting Brackets preseason top-25.