Texas A&M basketball has officially turned the page — and it might be writing a thrilling new chapter under first-year head coach Bucky McMillan. After a week filled with twists, roster reshuffling, and speculation, the Aggies closed things out with a major statement: former Alabama and Kansas guard Rylan Griffen is headed to College Station.
Griffen, a 6-foot-6 junior and Dallas native, announced his commitment to Texas A&M on Friday, giving the Aggies a sharp-shooting, battle-tested veteran with serious postseason pedigree. The move marks a massive victory for McMillan and signals that the new era of Aggie basketball is wasting no time making noise.
Griffen Brings Big-Game Experience and Elite Shooting
Griffen isn’t just another portal pickup — he’s a proven performer who’s played for two of the most respected coaches in college basketball: Nate Oats at Alabama and Bill Self at Kansas. In his sophomore year with the Crimson Tide, he shot over 39% from beyond the arc and played a crucial role in Alabama’s run to the 2024 Final Four. He brings both offensive firepower and a calming presence to a Texas A&M backcourt that’s been in flux.
While his numbers dipped slightly at Kansas last season (6.3 points in 20 minutes per game), Griffen’s shooting ability, defensive awareness, and leadership potential make him a prized addition — especially for a program rebuilding its identity.
A Wild Week Ends on a High Note
Griffen’s commitment ends a roller-coaster week for the Aggies, who began by landing Texas Tech big man Federiko Federiko before losing Oklahoma transfer guard Duke Miles. Buzz around a potential addition of Rylan Griffen had circulated for days, but locking in the commitment gives McMillan the signature moment of his brief tenure so far.
This isn’t just a depth move — it’s a culture-defining acquisition. In Griffen, Texas A&M is getting a guard who has competed at the highest level, understands the grind of the NCAA Tournament, and is ready to lead a team hungry to climb.
McMillan Wastes No Time Shaping the Program
Bucky McMillan hasn’t coached a game yet in College Station, but he’s already shown a fearless approach to rebuilding the program. The transition from Buzz Williams may come with challenges, but McMillan is doing something Williams never had to — reconstructing a roster nearly from scratch.
Griffen’s arrival is symbolic of the belief top players already have in McMillan’s vision. It’s a sign that the Aggies aren’t just hoping to stay competitive — they plan to be relevant on the national stage.
What’s Next?
With the backcourt beginning to solidify and the frontcourt strengthened by Federiko, Texas A&M suddenly looks like a team that could surprise in Year One of the McMillan era. There’s still work to do, but if this past week is any indication, Bucky Ball is alive and well in College Station — and it’s just getting started.
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