There’s a new buzz around College Basketball at Texas A&M. With the arrival of new head coach Bucky McMillan, excitement is building as the Aggies reshape their roster and bring in fresh talent for the upcoming season.
A New Era Begins in Aggieland
Texas A&M’s decision to move on from Buzz Williams after a rollercoaster tenure has opened the door to a new chapter. While Williams helped the Aggies finish the 2023-24 season at 23-11 overall and 11-7 in the SEC—capped by a win in the NCAA Tournament—his departure for Maryland prompted big changes.
Enter Bucky McMillan. The former Samford head coach arrived in College Station with a 99-52 career record and a recent NCAA Tournament appearance. Known for his high-energy, up-tempo style, McMillan is already making waves in the transfer portal.
The Aggies Land a 6-Foot-11 Center
The latest addition to Texas A&M’s revamped squad is Federiko Federiko, a 6-foot-11 forward from Finland. Federiko is transferring from Texas Tech and will bring size, experience, and versatility to the Aggies’ frontcourt.
Federiko has three seasons of college basketball under his belt. He began his career with the Pittsburgh Panthers before spending last season with the Red Raiders. While at Texas Tech, he started in six games and averaged 5.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.
Though his numbers may not jump off the page, Federiko made key contributions in big moments. In the Elite Eight matchup against Florida, he logged 17 minutes, scoring four points and grabbing two boards. A game earlier, he tallied seven points and nine rebounds in just 13 minutes against Arkansas—showing flashes of impact on both ends of the floor.
Building a New-Look Roster
Federiko’s commitment marks the ninth addition for Texas A&M during the offseason, as McMillan continues to reshape the team’s identity.
Earlier this week, Marcus Hill also pledged to join the Aggies, further bolstering the roster. Other key frontcourt pickups include:
- Zach Clemence – A 6-foot-11 power forward from Kansas known for his floor spacing and rebounding.
- Jamie Vinson – Another big man from Texas who brings length and shot-blocking ability.
These additions are critical for Texas A&M as they prepare for the physical and competitive nature of SEC play.
SEC Challenges Ahead
The Southeastern Conference is no cakewalk. With perennial powerhouses like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas in the mix, the Aggies will need depth and toughness to compete.
Fortunately for A&M fans, McMillan’s recruiting and transfer portal strategy show that he’s not shying away from a challenge. He’s bringing in players who fit his fast-paced, high-effort system—and that includes experienced bigs like Federiko.
Departures and Rebuilding
Every offseason comes with roster turnover, and this one is no exception. Six players from the 2023-24 Texas A&M roster have entered the college basketball transfer portal, and four of them opted to follow former head coach Buzz Williams to Maryland.
Losing that many players would normally be a red flag, but in this case, it’s more about a coaching transition. McMillan is building his program with his vision—and the early returns are promising.
Federiko’s Fit with Texas A&M
So how does Federiko Federiko fit into the Aggies’ plans?
At 6-foot-11, his size alone makes him an asset in the SEC. He’s a solid rebounder, capable rim protector, and has shown flashes of offensive efficiency around the basket. More importantly, he fits the mold of a McMillan big man—mobile, active, and unafraid to get physical in the paint.
With Federiko likely competing for starting minutes, Texas A&M suddenly has legitimate frontcourt depth, something that could be the difference in tight conference games.
A Roster Taking Shape
Adding nine players through the transfer portal may sound like a complete overhaul, but it’s also an opportunity. McMillan is crafting a roster filled with experience, size, and athleticism—traits that win games in college basketball.
The mix of returning talent and incoming transfers could give Texas A&M the edge they need to stay competitive in the SEC and make another NCAA Tournament push.
A Program on the Rise
There’s no denying that Texas A&M basketball is undergoing a major transformation. And in the current era of college basketball, change is the name of the game.
With the transfer portal playing such a central role in roster building, landing players like Federiko Federiko shows that McMillan and the Aggies are ready to adapt—and compete. Whether or not it results in immediate success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this team is going to look very different next season, and Aggies fans have plenty to be excited about.