Texas A&M (1-0) opened up the 2026-2027 season with a dominant 97-66 win over Alabama State, led by an impressive performance from Kansas State transfer guard PJ Haggerty, who led the game with 22 points, finishing 8-14 from the field, while fellow transfer guard Jordan Pope (17 points) and forward Jalen Shelley (14 points) also shone in their Aggie debuts.
The return of senior forward Mackenzie Mgbako resulted in 12 points and five rebounds from the former Indiana transfer, while Tennessee transfer forward Cade Phillips (7 points, 5 rebounds) looked physical in the paint, which is important after losing Rashaun Agee, who led the Aggies in scoring and rebounding last season.
Overall, shooting 48.4% from the field and 34.8% from three is an average
game for a Bucky McMillan-led team, but losing the rebounding battle 44-43 and recording just 14 offensive rebounds will be the focus during the rest of non-conference play. Still, Texas A&M's defense forced 25 turnovers and 13 steals, playing with a competitive edge from start to finish.
After watching Oklahoma lose a buy game to East Texas A&M on Monday, Bucky McMillan and every player on the roster will tell you that winning by 33 points against an inferior opponent is as important as a conference victory.
Before the Aggies host Northern Kentucky on Friday night, here is everything Bucky McMillan, PJ Haggerty, and Jalen Shelley had to say after Tuesday's season-opening victory.
Jalen Shelley on what led to the season-opening win
"Being able to grab defensive rebounds and push it gets the team going, and that happened tonight."
PJ Haggerty on Texas A&M's free-throw issues
"We got fouled a lot. We're better than the free throw percentage we shot. It's our first game so just keep building on it."
PJ Haggerty on Texas transfer Jordan Pope's 17-point debut
"He's been a big help. His ability to shoot, leadership, and he's been in SEC games. Adding what he does to our team has been helpful for all of us."
Bucky McMillan on scoring 97 points in the opener, and what the Aggies need to improve on
"I think that 97 points is the minimum we could've scored in that game. We had 30 points off turnovers, turning them over 25 times. Jalen Shelley rebounding the ball was great. Pope was great, Haggerty is always going to score. Overall I don't think our guys played their A game when it came to skill. I think the strength of this team will be getting to the line. Going 29-for-48 in your home gym at the free throw line can't happen. I do think you'll see we're a more physical team. We've got to get a lot better."
Bucky McMillan on Jordan Pope's debut
"I like Pope's rhythm. I love his game. Every time it leaves his hand I think it's going in. His IQ is really high. He has so many intangibles. He can see rotations, his IQ knows where the ball should go next. He's easy to coach."
Bucky McMillan on freshman guard Neiko Mundey's potential return
"Neiko Mundey should be back here really soon. We're obviously missing two players that should be back for us."
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything HC Bucky McMillan, players said after season-opening win
