2006 Texas A&M Aggies Basketball Preview

2006 Texas A&M Aggies Basketball Predictions

The Aggies lost by one point in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to LSU. Up to that point, the team had not been to the NCAA since 1987. No such drought will start in 2006- 07. Texas A&M should be a major contender in the post-season this year.

Point man Acie Law IV (16.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 44.8 FG%, 76.4 FT%) and 2-guard Dominique Kirk (6.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 40.4 FG%, 64.3 FT%) make for what may be the roughest tandem in college basketball. Law is certainly not poetry in motion, but he is a no-holds barred type of player, capable of making the big play, setting up the big play and passing inside to enable the big play. Kirk can play offense but he can really play the big “D.” He’s one of the best stoppers in the game.

Once again, like the backcourt, the frontcourt features tough guys who can handle the boards and the bodies that bang inside. Swingman Joseph Jones (15.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 50.8 FG%, 73.5 FT%) can shoot and he can also rebound. Senior forward Antanas Kavaliauskas (6.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 58.5 FG%, 56.4 FT%) proved in the post-season that he can score. Forward Marlon Pompey (5.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 47.0 FG%, 64.7 FT%) is a fine defender and redshirted freshman Chinemelu Elonu brings an athleticism that could translate into dominant inside defense.

Coach Billy Gillispie (43- 19 in 2 years at Texas A&M) knows how to put together determined defenses and well conditioned teams. Three years ago, the Aggies had a conference record of 0- 17; last season they were 10- 6. This team features a fine mix of veteran and new talent.

The Sweet 16 and better is certainly a possibility for Texas A&M. The club has confidence and a fighting spirit. Gillispie loves tough players, which equals durability in the long run. With all but one starter returning, the Aggies look poised to take on the conference, including top schools Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma State and Kansas State.

If you want more info on the 2006 Texas A&M Aggies College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Kansas Jayhawks and Texas Longhorns.