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Texas A&M basketball: Admon Gilder joining a contender where he belongs

By Jeff Shull

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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Now former-Texas A&M basketball guard Admon Gilder announced his decision over the weekend, and we wish him the best in his journey.

Texas A&M basketball is getting quite the overhaul in the 2019 offseason. The first brick fell when Billy Kennedy was fired as head coach and Buzz Williams was hired away from Virginia Tech to be his replacement. It was a final parting gift from ex-Athletic Director Scott Woodward. Upon Kennedy’s firing, all the recruits in the 2019 class then asked for their release.

Williams has spent the last month or so cleaning house, apparently right down to the support staff. The players he inherited have definitely noticed and are mostly looking to find new homes. Admon Gilder was the first to announce he would be transferring, followed by Brandon Mahan, and finally John Walker III.

Williams has replenished the recruiting class and still has something resembling a starting five returning — TJ Starks, Savion Flagg (unless he officially leaves for the NBA), Wendell Mitchell, Jay Jay Chandler, and Josh Nebo.

But we’re here to focus on Gilder, who gave it his all in four years in Aggieland. It’s almost impossible to blame Gilder for wanting to leave. Not only is the coaching staff he spent all four those years learning from gone, but the Aggies are not expected to compete this season. His talents would be better spent with a contender.

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You might be wondering, “if that’s the case, why was he planning on playing his senior year?” That’s a fair question. He had to know the Aggies weren’t competing for anything really this year either. Gilder did declare for the 2018 NBA Draft but decided to return. He didn’t transfer last year out loyalty for Kennedy, most likely, and didn’t expect to need to use a medical redshirt. He would have had to sit out a season had he left last offseason.

Things change when a new coach comes to town. So, if he has to play for a new coach anyway, it might as well be for one contending for national titles every year. Gonzaga is one of those programs. Gilder also apparently had some interest from Kentucky and Texas Tech (which just played in the national championship).

Gonzaga is in an interesting situation. They could need guards, and they could be deep at guard. They are awaiting Zach Norvell’s NBA Draft decision and the transfer status of David Jenkins. Gilder’s a fantastic two-way player who can shoot and was one of the best perimeter defenders in the SEC. He will factor into Gonzaga’s rotation regardless.

Next. 3 things to know about Oregon AD Rob Mullens. dark

We truly wish Gilder the best of luck and will be rooting for him. Well, except for when the Aggies take on Gonzaga in non-conference this year.