Someone check the calendar, is it opposite day? It must be because Texas A&M got some well-deserved respect from Joe Lunardi in his early ESPN bracketology projections. As Aggie fans know, Lunardi’s relationship with A&M basketball has been, contentious, at best.
College basketball is still just around the corner, but it’s never too early to take a pulse check on how the Aggies fare in the latest preseason rankings. One of those staple gauges is none other than ESPN’s bracketology.
Joe Lunardi’s initial preseason rankings have Texas A&M pegged as a four-seed, which is admirable. Not in the sense of the Aggies being “worthy” of their seeding, but rather, that Lunardi is actually giving the due respect that the Maroon and White have earned.
Of course, all that matters is how A&M produces when on the court. But when looking ahead to the start of the season, it’s hard to ignore the wealth of respect the Aggies are getting in the early power rankings, and for good reason. The Maroon and White return the second-highest percentage of returning scoring, while their starting lineup boasts arguably one of the best talents in the country.
Wade Taylor IV was recently tabbed as the No.1 ranked junior for the coming season, named to the 2024 Bob Cousy Award Watchlist, and last but not least was named the SEC preseason Player of the Year. Those individual accolades are joined alongside Texas A&M being picked to finish second in the SEC during this year’s media days.
After a a 25-10 (15-3 SEC) campaign last year, a second consecutive SEC title game appearance, and an NCAA Tournament berth, the expectations on this program have been raised, and for good reason. It will be a tall task to reach these new heights but with a bevy of returning talent led by one of college basketball’s best leaders in Buzz Williams, the Maroon and White are more than equipped to rise to the occasion.
As Taylor himself noted during SEC media days, the Aggies have turned this basketball program around for good.
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