Texas A&M basketball embodies everything that college sports should be, but what it's tragically leaving behind

Texas A&M basketball is coming off of maybe one of the biggest games in program history, knocking off a decisive number one team in the Auburn Tigers. This wasn't just a big win for tournament chances, though, nor was it simply a landmark in the history of the program.

No, this win was more than that— thanks to the group on the floor that pulled it off. And though we've talked a lot about the impact that Zhuric Phelps and Pharell Payne have made on this team— and they did indeed further that impact with their vital roles in this win— I'm talking about the long-timers that have been in Aggieland for three, four, even five years.

The core of this team has been here through thick and thin. They've weathered storms and achieved huge victories. They've seen losing streaks and late-season runs of improbable wins. And through it all, they're still here— for just a few games more.

Texas A&M basketball embodies what fans want and what college sports are tragically leaving behind

In the modern era of college sports, loyalty at the highest level is becoming more and more of a rarity. A glut of transfer announcements has become a routine every single offseason— it's expected at this point. But in the midst of that milieu, this Texas A&M basketball team has built something special and highly meaningful.

Take a look at this video that the media team put together and coach Buzz Williams tweeted out:

This is a team that truly loves this school. They won so many huge games over the years— bringing Texas A&M basketball their first-ever wins over an AP number 2 and an AP number 1 team— and none of this core ever even dabbled with the portal.

It's not just meaningful that it's Texas A&M basketball winning these big games. It's meaningful that it's this Texas A&M basketball team winning these big games. That it's Wade, Manny, Andersson, Solo, Hayden, and Henry out there on the floor bringing home the victories.

Each one of those guys has given so much to this team and this program. They've stuck through the good and the bad— the ups and the downs— at the expense of what many might consider greater opportunities elsewhere.

I can't help but feel that we'll look back several years down the road and see this team for what it has been: a rare gem in modern college athletics. Made up of seniors and leaders who stuck it out for years on end, stayed loyal, and embodied the idea of playing for the name on the front of the jersey rather than the back.

And of course, we can in no way neglect to mention the man at the center of all of this: Buzz Williams. I've been critical of him at times, yes, but if this is the culture he brings to this program— one where players stay rather than leave, love each other and their school rather than pursue self-interest, and reap the profound rewards of doing so— then I think Texas A&M basketball will be just fine.

There's a lot still yet to happen in this basketball season. There's a lot left to achieve. But Aggie fans need to take a moment and appreciate what we're witnessing.