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Texas A&M Basketball: Is Billy Kennedy on the Hot Seat?

By Matthew Bartlett

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In his sixth season as the head coach of the men’s Texas A&M basketball team, Billy Kennedy finds himself edging closer and closer to the hot seat.

While with the Aggies, Kennedy has shined as a recruiter. Texas A&M has never been known as a basketball powerhouse. In spite of that, Kennedy has kept them in the neighbor of the nation’s top 25 recruiting classes during most of his tenure. That includes the 2015 class that finished ranked fourth in the nation.

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That 2015 class is the core of a young, talented basketball team that is struggling to win right now. DJ Hogg, Tyler Davis, and Admon Gilder are all sophomores now. Last year’s team was led by seniors Danuel House, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Jones. That mantel has fallen on the young guys in 2017.

For whatever reason, the team has consistently fallen behind by double digits. One could understand a deficit against Kentucky, UCLA, or perhaps even West Virginia. But Vanderbilt and Mississippi State? Something clearly isn’t working.

So where does Kennedy Stand?

In six seasons at Texas A&M, Kennedy has made the NCAA tournament just once. That was last year’s squad. Those guys made it to the Sweet 16 after a dramatic comeback against Northern Iowa. They were one of two Aggie teams under Kennedy that finished .500 or better in SEC play. Both teams found a way to take might Kentucky to overtime.

With all that talent, why can’t the Aggies break through? Every year there seems to be at least one big “but”. This team could win in March, but they don’t have an inside presence. Or, this team could win the SEC, but they don’t have a true point guard. The Kennedy era has been filled with lots of excuses, and not enough results.

How hot is Kennedy’s seat?

Does this all mean that Kennedy is headed out the door? Not necessarily. Regardless of the frequency (and I realize that’s up for debate), Kennedy has proven he can win at Texas A&M. He’s gotten the right guys to College Station and he’s coached them up to play at high levels. It’s not a mistake that the Aggies have beaten Kentucky in Rupp Arena under Kennedy.

You also won’t find a better man and leader on the coaching circuit. His players love to play for him, and they believe in him. Programs outside of Kentucky, Kansas, and Duke don’t land players the caliber or Robert Williams very often. Those that do have some of the best recruiters in the game.

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Kennedy has done everything to endear himself to the fanbase and the administration. Everything except win consistently. A down season is forgivable after the team lost so much senior leadership and scoring. This team is going to get better and Kennedy is going to get another shot. Here’s hoping he makes the best of it.

***Ranks from 247 Sports***