Lone Buzz Williams era player announces intention to stay at Texas A&M

Chris McDermott, the lone remaining player from the Buzz Williams era, has announced his intention to remain at Texas A&M for the upcoming season, per Luke Evangelist of TexAgs.

McDermott earned 43 minutes across 17 games in his sophomore season, which amounted to 10 more games played but two minutes fewer than his freshman season. McDermott did not miss a two-point field goal all season, finishing a perfect 100% from inside the arc. He also failed to make a three-point field goal, finishing 0/2 on the year. 

While he has largely been out of the Aggie rotation during his two collegiate seasons, McDermott’s presence is still important. Luke Evangelist, who broke the news of McDermott’s return, noted that “loyalty is a core value of Texas A&M. Chris McDermott embodies loyalty in an era where it’s hard to find. A relentless worker, tough rebounder, and a great kid who loves it here.”

As head coach, Bucky McMillan enters his second year at Texas A&M, and team culture will become a more relevant issue in evaluating the coach’s performance. In his first season, the Aggies were a team composed entirely of transfers, except for McDermott. McMillan overperformed given the circumstances, leading the Aggies to a Round of 32 appearance and finishing 6th in the SEC.

With a new year of returning players, however, joined by former Kansas State star guard P.J. Haggerty and presumably more transfers, McMillan will finally have some semblance of a long-term core in the 2026-27 season. Players like McDermott, who provide energy and positive value to the team culture, will be essential for McMillan as he rebuilds the Aggie basketball program over his new six-year contract extension.

BREAKING:

Texas A&M forward Chris McDermott will return to Texas A&M next season, he tells me and @TexAgs 👍

The 6-foot-7 sophomore appeared in 17 games this year.

McDermott was the only player who stayed at A&M during the coaching change. He has 2 years of eligibility left. pic.twitter.com/CBh2JxeVEm— Luke Evangelist (@lukeevangelist_) April 13, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M forward Chris McDermott will return for the 2026 season