Before March Madness, an expert identifies a serious red flag for the Texas A&M Aggies.
As the excitement around the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, begins to build, the Texas A&M Aggies find themselves in a familiar position: on the cusp of greatness, with a strong season behind them and the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. However, as the Aggies prepare for the high-pressure, win-or-go-home format of March Madness, an expert in college basketball has raised a serious concern about the team’s ability to succeed on the national stage.
While the Aggies have shown flashes of brilliance this season, their performance has also been marked by inconsistencies and vulnerabilities that could cost them dearly in the tournament. The red flag identified by this expert is not one that can be ignored—it’s a glaring issue that, if left unaddressed, could prevent the Aggies from living up to their full potential in the postseason.
In this article, we’ll explore the red flag that has been raised for Texas A&M, analyze how it has affected the team’s play throughout the season, and discuss what they can do to overcome this challenge as they head into March Madness.
The Red Flag: Offensive Inconsistency
The major red flag identified by basketball experts for Texas A&M is their offensive inconsistency. Despite having a roster full of talented players, the Aggies have struggled with maintaining a high level of offensive execution for prolonged stretches. This issue has been a persistent problem throughout the season, one that has plagued their ability to close out games and take control of tight matchups.
On paper, Texas A&M has the offensive firepower to compete with some of the best teams in the country. The team boasts standout players like Tyrese Brooks, who has the ability to score at all three levels, and Henry Coleman III, a versatile forward capable of both inside scoring and mid-range jump shooting. Guards like Quenton Jackson and Marcus Johnson bring speed, playmaking ability, and athleticism to the court, while Emanuel Miller offers a dynamic presence in the paint and on the boards. Yet, despite these assets, Texas A&M has repeatedly struggled to generate consistent offensive output, particularly when it matters most.
In many games this season, the Aggies have experienced periods of offensive stagnation, where they either fail to convert on open shots or become overly reliant on individual play. This has been especially evident in close games, where Texas A&M has often struggled to execute in the final minutes. Whether it’s missed free throws, poor shot selection, or a lack of ball movement, these lapses in offensive efficiency have prevented the Aggies from pulling away in tight contests and could be a major hindrance in the high-stakes environment of March Madness.
Examining the Cause of Offensive Inconsistency
There are several factors contributing to the Aggies’ offensive inconsistencies. One key issue lies in the team’s offensive system. Head coach Buzz Williams has built a team based on balanced play, mixing up offensive sets and encouraging both inside and perimeter scoring. However, this system requires a high level of precision and execution, which the Aggies have sometimes struggled with.
A primary area of concern is the team’s three-point shooting. Texas A&M ranks in the lower half of the SEC in three-point shooting percentage, and this lack of perimeter shooting has often led to offensive stagnation. In games where the Aggies’ outside shots aren’t falling, they have struggled to create good scoring opportunities. Without the threat of the three-pointer to stretch defenses, opponents are able to pack the paint and limit the Aggies’ ability to drive to the basket or work inside-out.
While Brooks and Johnson have shown flashes of proficiency from beyond the arc, their three-point shooting percentages have been inconsistent. In crucial moments, the Aggies have failed to knock down the big shots needed to keep the defense honest, which has led to scoring droughts in games against tougher opponents.
Another factor contributing to the Aggies’ offensive inconsistencies is their reliance on isolation plays. While Texas A&M has some excellent individual scorers, the team can sometimes become too dependent on one-on-one play. When the offense stagnates, players like Brooks or Jackson can try to take over the game by attempting difficult shots, often at the expense of team-oriented basketball. This is particularly problematic in a tournament setting, where defenses are more disciplined and game plans are more refined.
Texas A&M has also struggled with turnovers, particularly in high-pressure situations. While they have improved their ball-handling as the season has gone on, they still occasionally lose possession at inopportune times, either due to poor decision-making or miscommunication. These turnovers often lead to fast-break opportunities for opponents, further exacerbating the team’s offensive woes.
Finally, the Aggies’ free throw shooting has been another point of concern. Throughout the season, they have struggled to convert at the free throw line, ranking near the bottom of the SEC in free throw percentage. In close games—particularly in tournament settings where every possession counts—poor free throw shooting can be a game-changer. Missed free throws in critical moments can not only waste scoring opportunities but also undermine a team’s overall confidence and rhythm.
The Impact on Texas A&M’s March Madness Hopes
As Texas A&M prepares for the intensity of March Madness, their offensive inconsistencies are a significant red flag. In the tournament, where teams are often facing high-caliber opponents with deep rosters and the pressure of single-elimination games, teams cannot afford long stretches of poor offensive execution. A bad shooting night, poor decision-making, or a lack of ball movement could quickly end the Aggies’ tournament run.
In games against lower-seeded teams, the Aggies’ defense and athleticism may be enough to carry them through despite offensive shortcomings. However, against more well-rounded and disciplined teams, such as those in the upper echelons of the bracket, Texas A&M could find themselves outmatched if they cannot generate consistent offense. A sluggish offensive performance could result in a frustrating early exit from the tournament, disappointing both the team and the fanbase.
Moreover, if the Aggies are unable to solve their offensive issues before the tournament, they could struggle to build the necessary momentum in a single-elimination format. In March Madness, one bad game can spell the end of a season, and a team that struggles to score could find themselves on the wrong side of an upset. The unpredictability of the tournament only heightens the need for Texas A&M to address these issues before they take the floor.
What the Aggies Can Do to Address Offensive Concerns
While the concerns about Texas A&M’s offense are real, they are not insurmountable. There are several adjustments and improvements that the Aggies can make in the weeks leading up to the tournament to give themselves a better chance at success.
- Improve Perimeter Shooting: The most obvious way for Texas A&M to become more effective offensively is by improving their three-point shooting. The Aggies must focus on getting their shooters, particularly Brooks and Johnson, more open looks from beyond the arc. This could involve more off-the-ball movement, setting screens, and getting the ball into the hands of players who are shooting with confidence. Even modest improvements in three-point shooting could make a huge difference, as it would force defenses to spread out and open up driving lanes for the team’s other playmakers.
- Balance the Offense: The Aggies need to focus on maintaining a more balanced offensive attack. This includes not relying too heavily on isolation plays and ensuring that the ball is shared among multiple players. Texas A&M has the talent to be effective both inside and out, and they need to move the ball more efficiently to create better shot opportunities. Ball movement and player movement will be key to keeping defenses on their heels and preventing the offense from becoming too predictable.
- Limit Turnovers: The Aggies must prioritize ball control in the lead-up to the tournament. Limiting turnovers and ensuring that players make smarter decisions with the ball will be critical. Texas A&M has shown they can play disciplined basketball at times, and that discipline will need to carry over into March Madness. Reducing turnovers will help the team maintain offensive flow and prevent easy baskets for opponents.
- Free Throw Efficiency: One area where Texas A&M can make significant strides is at the free-throw line. The Aggies need to ensure they are converting at a high rate, particularly in crunch-time situations. Free throws can make the difference between advancing and going home early, and improving in this area will give the Aggies an edge in tight games.
- Deep Bench Contribution: One advantage Texas A&M has is their depth. Players like Marcus Johnson, Jalen Johnson, and Emanuel Miller provide a significant boost off the bench, and the Aggies need to lean on their depth to keep the offense flowing. The more players who are involved in the offense, the less likely it is that the team will fall into stagnation during key stretches.
The Road Ahead for Texas A&M
As the Aggies look ahead to March Madness, their offensive inconsistency remains the most significant red flag. While the team has the talent and potential to make a deep run in the tournament, they must address this issue if they hope to succeed on the biggest stage. By improving their perimeter shooting, balancing their offensive attack, limiting turnovers, and converting free throws, the Aggies can put themselves in a better position to compete with the nation’s best.
Texas A&M has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and with the right adjustments, they have the tools to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. However, if their offensive inconsistencies persist, they could find themselves falling short of expectations when it matters most. As the clock ticks down to March Madness, the Aggies will need to sharpen their offensive game and find ways to execute under pressure if they are to fulfill
their championship aspirations.
