Texas A&M still isn't over the biggest humps, as the Aggies have not made a postseason appearance since 1994 and haven't made the NCAA Tournament since 1987. But at least these Aggies no longer carry the most monstrous monkey on their backs.

The consecutive losing-season streak is over at eight, and the Aggies believe they are creating momentum. Breaking even was significant, but breaking through is next, according to A&M coaches and players.

"Some young men are walking around this campus excited about the fact that we made strides last year," says coach Melvin Watkins. "But that's not good enough for them or me. Our goal this season is to go to the NCAAs. That's the vision; that's the mission."

Thanks to better balance, that goal may no longer be mission impossible.

FRONTCOURT

One primary reason Texas A&M was able to escape the Big 12 cellar last season -- A&M finished in a seventh-place tie -- was the emergence of flashy swingman Antoine Wright. The versatile, athletic Wright earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He's still developing his thin frame, but he has displayed NBA potential with his ability to score from the perimeter and his willingness to drive to the basket.

"Antoine is working to get stronger physically and mentally," Watkins says. "He got a taste of how physical this league is, especially when you have success and teams put a target on your back. He got worn down a little bit, but he's more prepared for the pounding this season, and there's no doubt that he is a special player. We just need to be more team-oriented and balanced than we've been."

The Aggies also need more consistency in the paint. Senior center Andy Slocum is a menace in the middle, and he has played well when he's been in the lineup. But injuries and legal problems have often left Slocum unavailable. To reach the postseason, the Aggies need big things from Slocum. A&M also needs major contributions from Nick Anderson and Jesse King, athletic forwards who finish well. Anderson, in particular, is a key piece to the puzzle. He was the team's second-leading scorer in 2001-02, but he missed most of last year with academic issues.

King, the best leaper on the roster, was not 100 percent last year, as he battled knee problems. With a healthy Slocum and King and a refocused Anderson, the Aggies' frontcourt could be formidable. But with so many questions surrounding that trio, A&M may still need some immediate help from youngsters like Luis Clemente, LaKeith Blanks and Marlon Pompey.

BACKCOURT

The Aggies will miss the point production of Bernard King, the leading scorer in school history. But King's departure will force the Aggies to be balanced -- something A&M never accomplished while relying on King.

The most experienced players in the backcourt are Kevin Turner and Leandro Garcia-Morales. Turner is a terrific -- albeit streaky -- outside shooter who is capable of scoring in bunches, as he displayed by hitting four consecutive 3-pointers in a three-minute span against Tennessee. "I look at Kevin as a specialist like a Steve Kerr," Watkins says. "He can come in and light it up. He's always that threat, and he's a guy I'm going to always look to when he's feeling it."

Garcia-Morales spent most of last season feeling pain, but he still managed to average 5.2 points while playing mostly at point guard. This year, Turner, Garcia-Morales and sophomore Marcus Watkins -- the coach's son -- should form an effective rotation at the shooting guard.

Of course, that all depends on how quickly and effectively newcomers Bobby Leach and Acie Law handle duties at the point. Law, a true freshman, relies on fundamentals and precision passes, while Leach, a junior college transfer, may be more offensive-minded in terms of looking for his shot.

"It's no secret that we need a better, more consistent presence at the point," Watkins says. "And I feel good about the situation with Acie and Bobby coming in."

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Aggies have plenty of questions and concerns. But A&M may be better equipped to make a run at the postseason than it was during Bernard King's career. A&M has a chance to finish near the upper half of the Big 12 if it can rebound and produce in the paint. The Aggies can't afford many injuries, and they certainly can't handle more suspensions. A&M needs a few good breaks, and after all the bad luck in recent years, the law of averages could be on the Aggies' side.

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