MEN
Coach: Mark Turgeon, 178-130 overall in 10 seasons, 25-11 in one season at Texas A&M.
2007-08: 25-11 overall, 8-8 in Big 12, Sixth.
Postseason: Lost in NCAA Tournament Second Round.
Starters lost: 3
Key returnees: Josh Carter, 6-7 Jr. G/F; Bryan Davis, 6-9 So. F; Donald Sloan, 6-2 So. G; Derrick Roland, 6-4 So. G; Chinemelu Elonu, 6-10 So. F/C.
Key newcomers: Nathan Walkup, 6-6 Fr. F; B.J. Holmes, 5-10 Fr. G; Dash Harris, 6-0 Fr. G;

So far
The Aggies are 10-1 with the only loss coming to Tulsa. Texas A&M has victories over Arizona and at Alabama.

Plusses
In Year Two under Turgeon, the Aggies should be more comfortable with what their coach wants. Texas A&M was a fierce rebounding team last season and that should continue in 2008-09. The Aggies have a chip on their shoulder following what they considered to be an unfair end (last-second loss to UCLA) in the NCAA Tournament.

Minuses
A&M's roster lacks upper classmen. Leadership and experience could become an issue during the tough times of the season and during games.

Overview
Turgeon is an outstanding coach whose teams are fundamentally sound. While the Aggies have more players to replace than any team but Kansas, they have the chance to be a dark horse contender in the Big 12. A fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid is likely.

What the coach says
"I'm used to being the most well-liked guy in town everywhere I've been. And it wasn't always the case last year. I followed a guy that did a heck of a job at Texas A&M. So that was different for me. And so I had to adjust to that. I didn't know the players that well. They didn't know me that well. Now I feel like they know my personality and I know their personality. We know what to expect."

WOMEN
Coach: Gary Blair, 510-221 in 23 seasons overall, 102-58 in five seasons at Texas A&M.
2007-08: 29-8 overall, 11-5 in Big 12, tie third.
Postseason: Lost NCAA Tournament regional final.
Starters lost: 2
Key returnees: Takia Starks, 5-8 Sr. G; Danielle Gant, 5-11 Sr. G/F; LaToya Micheaux, 6-3 Sr. C;
Key newcomers: Tyra White, 6-0 Fr. Adaora Elonu, 6-1 Fr. F; Tanisha Smith, 6-0 Fr. G/F.

So far
The Aggies have rolled to a 9-0 record that has boosted them into a No. 4 ranking. Texas A&M has won at Michigan and at Arizona.

Plusses
The Aggies have a deep, talented team that should have an answer for most on-court or in-season questions. Freshmen like White, Elonu and Smith bring a boost in talent and spirit in the front court.

Minuses
The Aggies are below average at the free throw line and sometimes don't do a good job taking care of the basketball. The Aggies can go through scoring slumps that puts more pressure on their stellar defense.

Overview
In Starks and Gant, Texas A&M has two of the best seniors in the Big 12. Add in a top-notch freshman class and the Aggies have the talent to win the conference regular-season title. A team that can compete near the top of the competitive Big 12 will have a shot at making a run at the Final Four.

What the coach says
"I think the Big 12 top to bottom is the best conference in the country and I'm glad to be a part of it. But we're not just a part of it. I think we're a legit top 10 to top 15 team and now it's up to us to live up to it just like it is for the other folks in this league. I like my basketball team. This is the most depth that I've ever had in a basketball team, any time, anywhere."