Bucky McMillan has been stocking up in the portal, and if you thought he was done, think again.
Loyola Marymount forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Texas A&M, adding to McMillan's killer offseason in the portal. Shelley brings versatility and scoring, but is also 6-foot-8. Last season, the Aggies lacked big depth following Mackenzie Mgbako's injury, and Shelley is the perfect answer to last year's height concerns.
BREAKING:
— Luke Evangelist (@lukeevangelist_) April 26, 2026
Loyola Marymount forward Jalen Shelley has committed to Texas A&M 👍
He averaged 13.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 2.7 APG as he was one of the most productive wings in the WCC.
The 6-foot-8 forward brings size, athleticism, and slashing ⚡️
Welcome to Aggieland @JalenShelley pic.twitter.com/xaR7tz5aWq
Per Luke Evangelist of TexAgs, McMillan now has 14 players for next season, and his depth just got seriously better after signing Shelley.
Texas A&M basketball gets major size upgrade after Jalen Shelley signing
After Mackenzie Mgbako went down, Texas A&M played nearly half their minutes without anyone taller than 6-foot-7 on the floor.
— Luke Evangelist (@lukeevangelist_) April 26, 2026
Next season, if they stay healthy, A&M projects to play over half their minutes with 3 players 6-foot-8 or taller on the floor.
Major size upgrade 📈 https://t.co/fdSV0tsYCd
After Mgbako went down, Rashaun Agee had to be THE big man to do everything. Playing small ball in college is OK as a temporary tool, but it shouldn't be used as a full-time substitute.
Along with Shelley, Texas A&M now has Mgbako, Zach Clemence, Jamie Vinson, Cade Phillips and Josh Irving. All of those guys are 6-foot-8 and above, something McMillan couldn't rely on last season.
Now, McMillan can operate with a traditional lineup, rather than relying on small ball as a permanent tool. Assuming the guys stay healthy, McMillan can play around and use some killer lineups next season.
He's rounding up a dream team that the SEC will fear next season. P.J. Haggerty was the first domino to fall, and since then, Texas A&M has been one of the best teams in the portal this offseason. Bryson Warren was a G League player, and while that itself has been the subject of controversy this season, McMillan decided to take advantage.
Lukas Walls is a familiar face from Samford, McMillan's old school. Tyshawn Archie was signed over the weekend, hoping to add hustle to McMillan's press defense. These are guys that aren't potential stars, but they fit the system.
Shelley is another perfect fit for Bucky Ball, and Texas A&M is getting very close to developing its 2026-27 roster.
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