Since the 2026 transfer portal opened earlier this month, Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan and his veteran staff have been on quite a heater, landing five transfer additions, led by former Kansas State star shooting guard PJ Haggerty, who also played one season at Tulsa with the program’s latest addition, McNeese transfer guard Tyshawn Archie.
Combined with former NBA G-League guard Bryson Warren, Texas A&M’s 2026 backcourt is by far the best unit in the SEC, but in order for “Bucky Ball” to truly work, adding more size in the frontcourt, especially stretch bigs who can wreak havoc from beyond the arc, is vital for McMillan’s fast-paced system to thrive.
With star forward Mackenzie Mgbako officially returning, Sunday’s news provided Aggie fans more excitement for the future, as McMillan and his staff have landed a big-time commitment from Loyola Marymount transfer forward Jalen Shelley, who is coming off his weekend visit in College Station.
One of the top available forwards in the portal, Shelley averaged 13.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 2.7 APG in his final season with the Lions, and his ability to play inside out and shoot a high percentage, shooting 45.7% from the field, matches McMillan’s need to replace senior forward Rashaun Agee’s production in the paint.
Right now, Texas A&M’s previous size disadvantage isn’t an issue with senior Zach Clemence, junior Jamie Vinson, Mgbako, Tennessee transfer Cade Phillips, and now, Jalen Shelley in the fold, who is a perfect fit and has slashing ability as one of the more productive wings in college basketball last season.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M commitment from star LMU transfer forward
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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