Texas A&M Basketball: How will the Aggies replace their frontcourt’s production from this past season?

With Tyler Davis officially off to the NBA Draft, Texas A&M Basketball will have to replace their frontcourt talent from this past season.

After an up and down campaign this past year, the off-season for Texas Basketball was a giant question mark. On one hand, the Aggies entire starting lineup was devoid of seniors, so everyone could’ve come back.

But reality struck, with potential lottery pick center Robert Williams quickly signing with an agent and going pro. He was followed by 6’8 wing DJ Hogg, a surprising blow to the team.

When it comes to the backcourt for Texas A&M next year, they should be in solid shape. TJ Starks became a revelation in the second half of the season and will have an elevated role his sophomore year.

Admon Gilder, who averaged 12.3 ppg last season (second on the team) still has his name in the draft – without an agent. His return would be huge, but 6’3 guard Wendell Mitchell, considered to be the top guard out of Junior College can fill his void if need be.

That’ll be harder to do in the post, with the announcement on Sunday afternoon that forward Tyler Davis was staying in the draft.

The departures aren’t too surprising considering the off the court drama, suspensions and all. To a small degree, it might be addition by subtraction in the locker room, with better team leaders for the program. What isn’t up for debate is the talent lost, with both Davis and Williams combining to average around 25 ppg and 20 rpg. With 6’10 role player Tonny Trocha-Morellos graduating as well, the Aggies have big shoes to fill in the frontcourt.

Good news is that head coach Billy Kennedy somewhat saw this coming and planned ahead for it. Last off-season Texas A&M got  6’8 forward Josh Nebo from Saint Francis, who had a great sophomore season. He averaged 12.0 ppg and 8.2 rpg, while leading the Northeast Conference in blocks. He’s a prototypical post scorer who stays in the paint, which fits the style of play that the Aggies like to do with their frontcourt players.

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With rising sophomores Savion Flagg and Isiah Jasey the only current returnees over 6’7 besides Nebo, Texas A&M is likely going to have to play some “small ball” next year. There’s still some talent on the roster, but the Aggies will have to make some strategic changes to remain a contender in the SEC.