Panther’s Toothsayer: North Carolina A&T Aggies

📍 History Between the Programs

High Point and North Carolina A&T may be neighbors, separated by just 18 miles, but they’ve rarely crossed paths. The Panthers are 4–1 all-time against the Aggies and have won the last three meetings in this US-29 Derby. 

After more than 15 years without a matchup, the rivalry reignited in 2021–22 when A&T joined the Big South for a cup of coffee before moving on to the CAA. While this game won’t count towards the official record I think we can all agree that the winner gets to claim Wet N Wild Emerald Pointe (located almost dead center between these campuses).

🔍 Overview

The Aggies enter the 2025–26 season looking to shake off a brutal stretch that’s seen back-to-back 7–25 campaigns and a pair of last-place finishes in the Coastal Athletic Association. Head coach Monté Ross is now in year three of a complete rebuild, hoping a revamped roster and newfound size will finally bring progress in Greensboro.

Last season was defined by adversity — injuries, midseason dismissals, and depth issues forced A&T to finish the year with a six-man rotation. But despite that, the Aggies never folded. Ross called this offseason a “reset,” emphasizing toughness, character, and size in his recruiting. For the first time in years, the Aggies have real frontcourt depth and positional balance.

⚙️ Team Identity: Reset, Rebuild, and Reinforce

Ross’ 2025–26 squad looks far different — bigger, deeper, and more disciplined. His priority this offseason was defense and interior presence. The Aggies finished last year 334th in offensive efficiency and 345th in shooting percentage, often settling for bad shots without the size to rebound misses.

Now, the emphasis is on establishing an identity built on accountability, rebounding, and defensive energy. Expect A&T to play with pace but rely on effort and physicality more than pure skill. They project as one of the nation’s youngest teams, but Ross insists this group has “a real competitive edge” — something missing from previous versions of the Aggies.

🧩 Key Returners

Bryson Ogletree (Jr., 6'4") – The heart of this team. Reliable, tough, and consistent. Averaged 7.3 PPG and 3.7 RPG last year, and his work ethic has made him the vocal leader of the program.

Efstratios Kalliontzis (So., 6'11") – Showed flashes as a freshman, hitting 56% from the field while logging heavy minutes. Brings length and a steady interior presence.

Will Felton (Sr., 6'8") – Former Arizona State forward who’s battled injuries. When healthy, he’s a force — physical, strong, and efficient near the rim.

Jalal McKie (Jr., 6'5") – Wing defender and energy guy who contributes across the board. Needs to improve his outside shooting to stay in the mix.

Uchenna Kellman-Nicholes (So., 6'5") – Missed last year with injury but brings defensive versatility and effort.

🧠 New Faces to Know

Trent Middleton Jr. (Jr., 6'3") – Transfer from Delaware who will run the show. Veteran guard with strong instincts, defensive grit, and the ability to control pace.

Lureon Walker (Sr., 6'5") – A Division II standout from Mount Olive (a school High Point fans and Dr. Qubein know very well) who averaged 17.5 PPG. Athletic wing who can finish at the rim and stretch the floor.

Lewis Walker (Fr., 6'6") – Former UMass signee with a smooth midrange game and potential to contribute early.

KJ Debrick (Sr., 6'9") – Cleveland State transfer and physical big who provides scoring punch and toughness inside. Ross calls him “the best inside guy we’ve had here.”

Amadou Doumbia (So., 6'11") – UMass transfer with elite shot-blocking instincts. Should finally give the Aggies a real rim protector.

Zamoku Weluche-Ume (So., 6'8") – Former George Washington forward. Long, athletic, and versatile — can guard multiple positions and finish above the rim.

📊 By the Numbers

Category	Stat	Rank
Offensive Efficiency	95.8	337th
Defensive Efficiency	111.2	339th
Adjusted Tempo	72.3	75th
Projected Record	8–21	13th in CAA
Returning Starters	1 of 5	—
Effective FG% (2024–25)	45.0%	345th
Points per Game	69.2	12th in CAA

🧩 Coaching Breakdown: Monté Ross (3rd Year)

Ross — a seasoned coach with roots at Delaware, Temple, and Saint Joseph’s — is trying to bring credibility back to Aggie basketball. Known for his structure and patience, Ross has weathered two chaotic seasons and enters Year 3 with his most complete roster yet.

He’s surrounded by a veteran staff featuring Jeff Rafferty, Dorian Long, and Ricky Moore — a UConn national champion who adds defensive pedigree. Their focus: build a foundation, defend the paint, and finally establish a consistent identity.

🏀 Matchup Outlook vs. High Point

The second North Carolina-based CAA opponent in as many weeks — but on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of projected finish. Whereas UNCW came in second and narrowly missed the preseason favorite tag, the Aggies were picked 13th (out of 13) in the Colonial.

High Point and North Carolina A&T may only be separated by 18 miles, but the gap between their programs right now is far wider. The Aggies are 14-50 over the last two years, while the Panthers have gone 56-15, one of the best records in all of college basketball.

The Aggies will test HPU’s front and backcourt with legit size — especially Debrick, Doumbia, and Felton — but the Panthers’ speed and spacing should present serious problems for an A&T defense still learning to communicate.

Expect Monté Ross to slow the tempo, crash the boards, and grind possessions, while High Point tries to impose its pace and perimeter rhythm. If the Panthers can control the glass and stay disciplined defensively, they should be able to pull away in the second half.

One thing to really keep an eye on will be how HPU’s guards hold up on the defensive end. Rob Martin and Conrad Martinez both showed out versus Wilmington, but the Aggies’ length across all positions will be another test. Coach Clayman and his crew have preached team defense throughout the offseason, and this will be a nice physical barometer for the group.

High Point looks to continue its trend as one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Ross and A&T will likely try to drag that attack into the mud — slowing tempo and limiting transition looks.

Can the Panthers survive and thrive through that adversity when things get uncomfortable? Saturday’s matinee could provide an answer.

🔮 Toothsayer’s Take

This one feels like a clash of two programs with completely different starting points. High Point is building off its best two-year run and showcasing themselves as a powerhouse in the Mid-Major ranks while A&T is still finding its footing after years of instability.

Monté Ross’ new roster has length and character, but not the same talent level as what Coach Flynn can send out. The Aggies will fight, but High Point’s shooting, tempo, guard play, and overall talent should prove decisive.

This should serve as a valuable tune-up before the season begins in earnest. A&T is a solid second exhibition opponent: no player under 6-4, mirroring the size and physicality the Panthers will see from Furman, whose shortest rotation player is 6-4.

Ross’ teams have shown resilience, and this year’s Aggies finally have the size and depth they’ve lacked. They may muck things up early and keep it close in a choppy grind-it-out first half but unlike the battle down in Wilmington, I expect High Point to build a substantial second-half lead and open the bench late.

Prediction: High Point 87, North Carolina A&T 53