November 04, 2005
The Texas A&M men's basketball team opens its two-game exhibition schedule against Arkansas Tech on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Reed Arena.
Admission is free for fans donating a spare coat or blanket to the Athletic Department's annual coat drive. The drive benefits Twin City Missions in Bryan. Aggie Athletes Involved will be accepting the items at the main entrance at Reed Arena.
A&M returns four starters from last year's team that finished 21-10 overall and advanced to the NIT quarterfinals. Sophomore Joseph Jones and junior Acie Law earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Jones averaged 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds while Law contributed 12.0 points and 4.9 assists.
The Aggies ranked as the nation's most improved team in coach Billy Gillispie's first season, winning 14 more games than the previous year. A&M also ranked third nationally in increased attendance. Gillispie was the consensus pick as Big 12 Coach of the Year and was a finalist for national coach of the year honors.
An NCAA Division II school, Arkansas Tech went 10-17 last year and tied for sixth in the Gulf South Conference. The Wonder Boys return two starters in seniors Marcus Lyons and Rone Smith. Smith averaged 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds and earned second-team all-conference honors.
The Aggies play their final exhibition game on Nov. 12 against Texas A&M-Commerce. A&M opens the regular season against Southern on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Reed Arena.