In isolation, the commitment of Ruben Dominguez might seem like a minor win. But in the context of Texas A&M’s 2025 recruiting class, it’s a significant upgrade. He adds credibility, skill, and potential to an otherwise forgettable class
More importantly, his presence symbolizes a shift in the program’s recruiting philosophy. Whether he becomes a star or a solid rotational piece, Dominguez’s arrival could mark the beginning of a broader international recruiting strategy—one that gives Texas A&M a chance to punch above its weight.
In a sport increasingly dominated by player movement and global talent, programs that adapt fastest will be the ones still standing in March. With Ruben Dominguez, Texas A&M might just be taking its first real step toward long-term national relevance.
The Aggies are clearly not sitting still after their early exit from last year’s NCAA Tournament. By adding a seasoned professional like Ruben Dominguez, they are sending a message—they are serious about winning and willing to think outside the box to get there.
Dominguez brings shooting, maturity, and international experience that can lift Texas A&M to the next level. While the SEC will remain a gauntlet and the tournament is always unpredictable, the Aggies are shaping a roster that’s not only talented, but battle-tested.
If all goes according to plan, fans in College Station could witness a much deeper run next March—and Ruben Dominguez might just be the hero they didn’t know they needed.
Also Read: Grant Nelson (Basketball): Meet His Girlfriend, Recognition, Awards and More
Table of Contents
Ruben Dominguez’s Calling Card
What makes Ruben Dominguez an instant threat for the Aggies is his elite shooting ability.1
In the 2023-24 season with Bilbao Basket, Dominguez shot 41.5% from three-point range, making him a reliable perimeter scorer who can stretch defenses and create spacing for his teammates.
Whether he’s spotting up in transition or moving off screens in a half-court set, Dominguez has the mechanics, confidence, and consistency to be a major weapon for Texas A&M.
His shooting could be the missing piece in close games—where one or two clutch shots could swing momentum and results.
Que la alegría, las emociones, la ilusión y los buenos momentos estén hoy junto a todos y todas, compartiendo conversaciones, abrazos y besos.
Feliz Navidad, Bo Nadal y Merry Christmas pic.twitter.com/WNyti7OkYI
— Rubén Domínguez (@Rubendd06) December 24, 2024
Veteran Presence in a Young Locker Room
Beyond statistics, Dominguez brings leadership and composure. Many college players are still adjusting to the demands of high-level competition.
Dominguez, on the other hand, has already faced seasoned professionals and played under pressure in front of large crowds.
His presence in the locker room could be invaluable. He’s likely to serve not just as a scorer, but as a mentor to younger guards.
He knows how to handle adversity, bounce back from bad shooting nights, and stay mentally sharp over the grind of a long season.
Ruben Dominguez: Perfect Fit in Coach Bucky McMillan’s System
Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan—now entering his second full year at the helm—has shown a desire to play fast, smart, and efficient basketball.2
His offensive schemes rely heavily on floor spacing, ball movement, and outside shooting.
In this context, Ruben Dominguez is a near-perfect fit. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective. Instead, he can space the floor, knock down open shots, and draw defensive attention that opens up lanes for his teammates.
McMillan also emphasizes defensive hustle and transition offense. While Dominguez is known primarily for his shooting, his European background has given him experience in defensive rotations and team schemes that many American players take longer to learn.
Position Battle: How Will Dominguez Fit in the Rotation?
With Dominguez joining the roster, a natural question arises—where will he fit in the Aggies’ rotation?
Texas A&M returns some solid backcourt contributors, but Dominguez’s unique shooting touch gives him a clear path to significant minutes, potentially even a starting role. McMillan may opt to use him as a shooting guard or even as a small forward in smaller, guard-heavy lineups.
His ability to space the floor makes him a great pairing with aggressive slashers or playmakers who can collapse the defense and kick the ball out.
Expect Dominguez to feature prominently in late-game situations, especially when the team needs a bucket from deep.
A Broader Trend: NCAA Programs Go Global
Dominguez’s arrival is part of a larger trend in college basketball—the globalization of rosters.
More and more programs are recruiting internationally, recognizing that players from Europe, Africa, and elsewhere often bring a different level of experience and a fresh perspective to the court.
Gonzaga, Arizona, and Saint Mary’s are examples of programs that have long tapped into international markets successfully. Texas A&M’s recruitment of Dominguez signals a commitment to joining that wave and competing with the best in talent acquisition.
Eyes on March: Building a Tournament-Ready Team
The disappointment of March 2025 still lingers in College Station. But with the addition of Ruben Dominguez, the Aggies are arming themselves with the kind of player who can change their fate in a close tournament matchup.
March Madness often comes down to guard play and shooting—especially from deep. With Dominguez in the lineup, Texas A&M now has a reliable shooter who can heat up and take over a game. That’s a luxury few teams can count on.
If Dominguez can maintain his European shooting form and adapt quickly to the college game, he could be the X-factor in a deep tournament run.
Ruben Dominguez Improves a Weak 2025 Recruiting Class for the Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies have steadily become a competitive basketball program, reaching the NCAA Tournament three straight times.3
However, recruiting remains an area where they struggle to gain consistent traction.
The 2025 recruiting class seemed particularly underwhelming—until European guard Ruben Dominguez added a glimmer of hope to an otherwise forgettable cycle.
Although their freshman class is thin, Texas A&M hit the jackpot in the transfer portal. The Aggies welcomed 10 new transfers, giving them the No. 20-ranked transfer class in the nation.
This influx of veteran players adds immediate depth and experience—something that can’t be overstated in today’s college basketball landscape. With player movement at an all-time high, teams can reload almost overnight.
These transfers will be expected to play major minutes right away. Combined with Jeremiah Green and Dominguez, the Aggies are poised to have a well-rounded, if not star-studded, roster in 2025.
A Program on the Rise—But With Recruiting Limitations
Under head coach Bucky McMillan, the Texas A&M Aggies have made notable strides. Securing three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths is no small feat in a competitive SEC landscape.
Despite these accomplishments, Texas A&M still doesn’t hold the same appeal as blue-blood programs like Kentucky, Duke, or even conference rivals such as Arkansas and Alabama.
Recruiting rankings reflect this perception. For the 2025 cycle, 247Sports lists only one signee for the Aggies—Jeremiah Green, a four-star point guard from Chandler, Arizona.
Green is the No. 131-ranked player in the nation and the No. 19 point guard in his class. While he’s a solid addition, he alone was unlikely to shift the trajectory of Texas A&M’s fortunes in the long run.
Ruben Dominguez: The Commitment
Enter Ruben Dominguez, a Spanish-born guard with extensive experience on the European circuit.
Dominguez is widely regarded in international basketball circles, but his move to the NCAA introduces a level of unpredictability.
European prospects often come with polished skills, high basketball IQs, and significant experience in pro-level environments—thanks to the club system used in Europe.
Dominguez fits this mold well. Standing at 6-foot-5 with combo guard capabilities, he brings scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity.
While it’s difficult to evaluate how his game will transition to the American college game, Dominguez certainly enhances the recruiting narrative for Texas A&M. His commitment pushes the class from “invisible” to “watchable.”
International Talent: A Growing Trend in College Basketball
- Dominguez is part of a broader trend—college basketball programs turning to international talent to supplement weak domestic recruiting.
- European prospects are no longer viewed as risky gambles but rather as viable, sometimes even superior, alternatives to top-150 American recruits.
- The success of players like Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis and Arizona’s Lauri Markkanen only adds to this shift in strategy.
- Texas A&M’s decision to pursue and land a talent like Dominguez suggests a willingness to think globally—a necessity in today’s recruiting environment.
- Programs that traditionally fall outside the top-10 recruiting rankings need to explore alternative pipelines to remain competitive, and international players can be game-changers.
- One of the most significant challenges for Bucky McMillan heading into the 2025 season will be managing roster turnover.
- Bringing in 10 transfers, two freshmen, and replacing key departures means McMillan will have to work overtime to build chemistry.
- The transition period could affect early-season performance. Players will need time to adapt to each other’s tendencies and McMillan’s play style.
- Fortunately, McMillan has a reputation for being a high-energy coach who emphasizes defensive effort and cohesive team play—both of which can help smooth the transition.
- But the pressure is mounting. After three straight NCAA appearances, expectations are higher. A step back in performance, even slightly, could lead to critical scrutiny of his approach.
What Ruben Dominguez Brings to the Court?
Ruben Dominguez may be an unknown to the average college basketball fan, but his resume is impressive.
A member of Spain’s junior national teams, he has competed against elite talent in FIBA tournaments. His shooting stroke is consistent from the perimeter, and he has excellent footwork and awareness on defense.
He’s not an elite athlete by American standards, but what he lacks in raw athleticism, he compensates for with intelligence and technique. Dominguez is also versatile enough to play both guard spots, giving McMillan flexibility in his backcourt rotations.
While it’s unlikely he’ll average 20 points per game out of the gate, Dominguez should carve out a productive role as either a starter or a high-minute contributor. He could be especially effective in late-game scenarios, where his calm demeanor and decision-making shine.
View this post on Instagram
Can Texas A&M Compete in the SEC?
The Southeastern Conference is rapidly becoming one of the toughest in college basketball. Programs like Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas have embraced modern basketball with a mix of top recruits, NBA-level coaching, and advanced analytics. If Texas A&M wants to stay relevant, it must keep pace.
The additions of Green and Dominguez don’t catapult the Aggies to the top of the SEC, but they do help solidify a foundation.
Coupled with a strong transfer group, A&M has enough firepower to remain competitive—and possibly pull off some upsets during conference play.
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether Texas A&M has talent; it’s whether they can maximize it.
A Look Toward 2026 and Beyond
While 2025 may not be the most exciting recruiting year for the Aggies, it could be a strategic pause—a reset to build something more sustainable.
Bucky McMillan’s long-term success will depend on how well he and his staff can turn limited recruiting wins into on-court results.
Landing Ruben Dominguez could also help boost Texas A&M’s credibility internationally. A successful season from him may encourage other overseas prospects to consider the program, creating a new pipeline that bypasses some of the challenges of competing for top American talent.
McMillan and his staff will need to be more aggressive in the next cycle. They’ll have to convert recent tournament appearances and the development of players like Dominguez into a compelling pitch for future recruits.
Also Read: Dame Sarr Speaks Out: What Sealed the Deal with Duke Basketball?
