2010-11 College Basketball Predictions: Texas A&M

November 18, 2010

The Texas A&M Aggies has done a great job of exceeding expectations under head coach Mark Turgeon. After getting picked to finish in the bottom half of the Big 12 last season, Texas A&M went on to go 24-10 overall and 11-5 in the league, ending up in a tie for second place overall. Texas A&M did lose a tough one to Purdue 63-61 in overtime in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a loss that surely leaves a bad taste in Turgeon’s mouth. Something you probably do not know, but A&M is one of only two squads to win at least one game in the NCAA Tournament for five straight years. The other is the Pittsburgh Panthers, so that’s an accomplishment in itself. This team has proven they can overcome hardship, and they had a lot more of it this offseason. In May, top recruit Tobi Oyedeji died in an automobile accident. Then in July, the NCAA denied Derrick Roland an extra year of eligibility after getting hurt last December.

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Frontcourt:

Junior forward David Loubeau has made big jumps in his first two years on campus. He displayed potential as a freshman, and genuinely learned a nice back-to-the-basket game as a sophomore. If the Aggies can earn a sixth straight showing in the NCAA Tournament, Loubeau will be one of the biggest reasons as he’s depended upon to do most of the scoring. Sophomore Ray Turner needs to get better, and with his athleticism it’s a likely possibility. Turner’s ability to play above the rim gives him the potential to be one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the conference. If the Aggies are to be so strong in the paint again this year, they’ll need to get a lot from three true freshman in Kourtney Roberson, Keith Davis and Daniel Alexander.

Backcourt:

Because Texas A&M is lacking depth in the frontcourt, they’ll likely go to small ball lineups lineups while playing a faster tempo. The Aggies have the tools to run this type of style, especially with point guard Dash Harris running the show. He dished out a team-best 109 dimes last season, and if he can shoot better than his 37.4 mark from a year ago, he’ll keep opposing defenders honest. B.J. Holmes is the team’s leading scorer back at 9.3 PPG, and he’s a sharp shooter who shot 36.6 percent from 3-point range last year. Developing senior Nathan Walkup along with sophomores Khris Middleton and Naji Hibbert will be important pieces to Texas A&M’s season as well. Middleton has the athletic ability and length that has many comparing him to former Aggie great Josh Carter. Walkup has made big perimeter shots in the past, but he struggled last season hitting just 26.5 percent from 3-point range.

Jack’s Pick: 8th Place in the Big 12 – If the sophomores on this roster can develop, Texas A&M will shock some people again in 2010-11. But I believe there are too many holes to fill, and too many questions surrounding the players coming back for Texas A&M to make a sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. An NIT appearance is most likely, but as Turgeon has shown in year’s past you can never count his teams out.

Written by admin · Filed Under College Basketball Predictions