AggieHuddle.com’s look at the 2026-27 basketball team begins with a look at the front court, the centers and forwards.

Returning players

Mackenzie Mgbako (6-9, 225; 10.4 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game in 2025-26)

Zach Clemence (6-11, 230; 6.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG)

Jamie Vinson (6-11, 250; 3.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG)

Chris McDermott (6-7, 228; .7 PPG, .7 RPG)

New arrivals

Jalen Shelley (6-9, 215; 13.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG at Loyla Marymount)

Cade Phillips (6-9, 225; 3.8 PPG, 4 RPG at Tennessee)

Josh Irving (6-11, 220; 4-star prospect; 8.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.4 blocks per game in final year of AAU play)

Strengths

• Scoring versatility. A&M’s big men are not a bunch of back to the basket, dribble inside of five feet and shoot types. They’re capable of doing that — Vinson has a physical game and Clemence improved his as last season progressed — but aren’t limited to close-in shots. Clemence is a good 3-point shooter (exactly 40% on 95 attempts), while Mgbako can shoot from distance or take larger defenders off the dribble. Shelley shot nearly 46% from the field while shooting less than 29% from beyond the arc, a pretty clear indicator he’s able to get to the basket frequently. He’s also got a very good midrange game, something not many of the Aggies have.
• Improved depth. The addition of Shelley and Irving, along with Mgbako finally being healthy, gives the Aggies a lot of options up front. They do have a little more bulk than last year, but they also have players who aren’t being sent out there to buy time and pick up fouls.
• Tougher around the basket (on both ends). Vinson and Clemence have both bulked up from last year. Phillips is perfectly happy fighting for rebounds at both ends of the court and Irving brings long arms that could change shots. Shelley doesn’t mind attacking the basket or fighting for rebounds either.

Weaknesses

• Are they still not physical enough? The only truly big big they have right now is Vinson. Clemence has gotten bigger from last year, but his forte remains on the perimeter. Irving is still putting on weight, but will likely get plenty of time on the court due to his height and ability to block shots. Phillips will bring toughness and battle in the low post, but they’ll need someone else to assist.