Texas A&M is bigger, stronger for opener against Alabama State

Texas A&M will take its first step toward what many pundits believe could be a deep NCAA Tournament run when it hosts Alabama State in Tuesday's season opener in College Station.

The Aggies have rebuilt under second-year coach Bucky McMillan, who led them to a 22-12 record last year and to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Aggies were picked in this year's Southeastern Conference preseason poll to finish ninth in the league.

Texas A&M is expected to lean on guard PJ Haggerty, who transferred from Kansas State, where he averaged 23.4 points per game last season.

Also in the fold are guards Jordan Pope, who heads south from Texas after scoring 13.1 points per contest in 2025-26, and Tyshawn Archie, who transferred from McNeese, where he averaged 14.3 points last season and hit 65 3-pointers.

"We have more attackers, guys who can get to the free throw line, guys that can get to the charge circle and get fouled," McMillan said. "We've got a good team this year. Last year, we were very close."

Another key for the Aggies is a bigger front line led by Mackenzie Mgbako, who returns after missing all but seven games with a broken foot last season.

The Hornets head to the Brazos Valley for their opener after a 10-22 campaign last year that ended with a first-round loss to Alcorn State in the SWAC tournament. This is Alabama State's first year under coach Chris Wright, who was hired in April 2026 after a dominant NAIA run at Langston University.

Alabama State also recently hired NBA legend and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins as its program's general manager.

"To be at a place like Alabama State University is exciting; it's a new challenge," Wilkins said in a statement. "The programs are trending upward, so it's an exciting time to join them and accelerate the growth."

The Hornets' top player is guard Mike James, who transferred from Mississippi Valley State after averaging 21.4 points last season. Alabama State was picked to finish seventh out of 12 teams in the SWAC preseason poll.

--Field Level Media