Location: College Station, Texas
Date/time/TV: Dec. 17, 10 a.m., ESPN2
Game location: Toyota Center, Houston
Series with UA: Part of Lone Star Shootout doubleheader, and of a two-game series to be continued in Phoenix during the 2017-18 season.
Last season: 28-9 (13-5 SEC), RPI: 18
Coach: Billy Kennedy (sixth year, 169-99)
Go-to guys: C Tyler Davis (11.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Tonny Trocha-Morelos (7.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Glue: G J.C. Hampton (Lipscomb transfer)
Key newcomers: Hampton, F Robert Williams (freshman), G Caleb Smith (freshman), F Eric Vila (freshman)
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Upside: The Aggies reached a peak in Billy Kennedy’s tenure last season, setting a school record for wins, tying with Kentucky for the SEC regular-season title and reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Four starters were lost off that team, but the Aggies are still big and defense-minded. Momentum and confidence could remain. Davis was the SEC’s best offensive rebounder last season and getting him the ball initially will likely be a priority for the Aggies this time.
Downside: Even if the Aggies avoid what appears an inevitable slip this season, having 10 freshmen and sophomores on the roster suggests they’ll be still working through many issues when they meet Arizona in December. The backcourt is relatively inexperienced and Hampton may have to take over some of the leadership, at least early, despite being a newcomer. But the game with Arizona will be played early in the day, especially on the Wildcats’ body clocks, so who knows what might happen.
