Could transfer portal guard Jayden Epps be a seamless fit with Texas A&M basketball?
If you thought you could rest easy with Texas A&M men’s basketball heading into their offseason, think again because the transfer portal has rendered the college basketball landscape a 24/7 news cycle. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered here at Aggies Wire as the latest significant name to hit the portal has reportedly landed on A&M’s radar.
Illinois guard Jayden Epps officially entered the portal on Tuesday, and in a subsequent move that proved quicker than gossip, he’s already heard from more than a few noteworthy programs.
Per a report from Andrew Slater, Epps has been contacted by a dozen schools to date, including Georgetown, NC State, Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin, Minnesota, DePaul, Pittsburgh, Auburn, LSU, Arkansas, and last but not least, Texas A&M.
The freshman guard, who was a former four-star recruit from the Class of 2022, would arguably command interest from any school based on name alone. But as it pertains to joining the Aggies, would he truly fit with this program, or is the thought of him coming to College Station simply wishful thinking?
Epps averaged 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists as the Fighting Illini (20-13) reached the 2023 NCAA Tournament, eventually falling 73-63 to Arkansas in the first round.
Though the Aggies will return All-SEC First Team guard Wade Taylor IV, the departure of Dexter Dennis and potentially Tyrece Radford means that the backcourt could benefit from some additional depth.
In 247Sports’ prospect profile, Jerry Meyer had this to say of the combo guard:
A physically well built combo guard at 6-2. Has a quick burst with strength giving him explosiveness in tight spaces. A polished three-level scorer with an old school efficient pull up game in the midrange. Long range shot must be respected. Strong driver especially going right. Loves to finish at rim with a one hand scoop lay up. Capable distributer as well. Strong and composed with the basketball. Rebounds his position well. Has quality lateral quickness and the ability to defend the one through the three.
The Aggies ranked third in the nation in free throw attempts per game (24.9), largely as a result of driving downhill and attacking the paint. Now pair Epps alongside Taylor and you have two versatile guards that can make defenses pay for reaching close to the basket. Simply put, that translates to “match made in heaven.”
His adaptability in being able to match up across both guards and wing players would also make him incredibly valuable in Buzz Williams’ rotation, as the departure of Dennis means the loss of his defensive prowess.
The portal officially opened on March 13 and runs through May 11, so there is still plenty of time for the Aggies to make corresponding moves. After reaching a second-consecutive SEC title game and subsequent NCAA Tournament appearance, expect the Maroon and White to be active via the portal as a means of building on their success from this past season.
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