LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International University men's basketball enters the 2026-27 season with a revamped roster, renewed expectations and a determination to establish a competitive identity under head coach Mac McConnell, who returns for his seventh season with the Dustdevils.
Coming off an 8-20 campaign that included a 5-15 record in Lone Star Conference play, the Dustdevils welcome 15 newcomers as they look to take a step forward in one of NCAA Division II's most competitive conferences.
Despite being picked 15th in the LSC preseason poll, McConnell remains optimistic about the team's potential, emphasizing the importance of chemistry, toughness and commitment to the program's culture.
"So far, so good," McConnell said. "The guys are working hard to gel, build chemistry, and develop the toughness needed to win in the LSC. We've scrimmaged three different teams this October, and we see improvement every time out alongside things we still need to clean up. If we stay healthy and stay bought into the culture, we feel good about where we're heading. The season looks promising."
With a significantly different roster from a season ago, McConnell believes the Dustdevils have added the athleticism and depth necessary to compete throughout the conference schedule.
"I'd point to our athleticism, our depth, and an overall group of high-character guys who are fully bought into the daily process of becoming a championship-caliber team," McConnell said.
Among the returning players is Aaron Perez, who was named a preseason player to watch for the Dustdevils.
Perez appeared in 20 games during the 2025-26 season, making 12 starts while averaging 6.2 points per game. He finished the year with 123 points, 29 assists and 21 rebounds while shooting 83.8% from the free-throw line.
The returning guard demonstrated his offensive potential during conference play, scoring a season-high 24 points against UT Permian Basin on Jan. 22. Perez connected on eight field goals, including five 3-pointers, in that contest. He also recorded 16 points against Texas A&M-Kingsville on Jan. 17.
McConnell praised Perez's commitment to improving his game and his ability to lead the Dustdevils on the court.
"High-character young man that believes in the culture that I'm preaching and a young man that worked over the summer to become a better player for this program," McConnell said. "High-level shooter and a player that runs the team and makes guys around him better."
Luke Oxford also returns for TAMIU, providing another familiar presence as the Dustdevils work to integrate their newcomers.
Among the new additions is senior forward Thomas Tangle, a transfer from Cameron University. A native of Carthage, Mississippi, Tangle appeared in and started 12 games for the Aggies during the 2025-26 season, averaging 9.5 points per game while collecting 78 rebounds.
Tangle's collegiate experience adds to a roster that McConnell hopes will develop into a cohesive unit capable of competing with the conference's top programs.
While the Dustdevils continue to build chemistry, McConnell has made it clear that the team's identity will begin on the defensive end of the floor.
"Defense comes first," McConnell said. "We have high-character guys who play the right way: hard-nosed defense, high-octane offense, and high-IQ players who can execute and finish close games."
That commitment to defense, paired with an up-tempo offensive approach, will be central to TAMIU's efforts to improve upon last season's results.
For McConnell, the goal extends beyond simply improving the team's record. He believes the Dustdevils have the potential to compete for a spot in the LSC postseason tournament if they continue developing throughout the year.
"If we stay healthy, stick together, and keep building that chemistry, I can definitely see this group making the LSC conference tournament," McConnell said.
Despite the optimism surrounding the program, McConnell understands that the Dustdevils will have to earn respect through their performance on the court.
When asked what message he had for the rest of the conference heading into the season, McConnell offered a straightforward response.
"Right now? Nothing. And that's because nothing needs to be said," McConnell said. "I understand why we got picked 15th in the preseason poll — heck, we have 15 brand-new players. Until we go out and prove ourselves on the court, words don't matter."
With a new-look roster and an opportunity to establish a fresh identity, the Dustdevils will begin their 2026-27 campaign on the road against Oklahoma Baptist University on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
For McConnell and the Dustdevils, the upcoming season presents an opportunity to turn offseason preparation into results and demonstrate their growth in LSC competition.
