4-Star Big Man Transfer Emerges as Texas A&M Target
After a quiet freshman season spent largely in the shadows, 6-foot-10 forward Malcolm Rivers is now making noise in the college basketball world as he enters the transfer portal — and Texas A&M is emerging as a serious contender for his services.
Rivers, once ranked the No. 52 overall recruit in the 2023 class by 247Sports, committed to the University of Virginia with high expectations. Known for his footwork in the post, shot-blocking instincts, and raw physical tools, the Atlanta native was expected to be a major contributor in Tony Bennett’s frontcourt. However, with a logjam of veteran forwards and Virginia’s deliberate pace of play, Rivers saw limited minutes — averaging just 6.3 minutes, 1.8 points, and 1.1 rebounds across 17 appearances.
Despite the quiet start, Rivers has remained a hot commodity. His high school tape still glows with potential: a long, agile big who can finish above the rim, step out for a mid-range jumper, and alter shots defensively without fouling. Now in the portal, programs across the SEC and Big 12 have taken interest, but none have pursued more aggressively than Buzz Williams and the Texas A&M Aggies.
A&M, who finished last season with a 21–12 record and narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament, is looking to retool its frontcourt after losing senior Henry Coleman III to graduation and Julius Marble to the professional ranks. With sophomore Solomon Washington transitioning more to the wing, the Aggies need a versatile big who can anchor the paint and run the floor. Enter Rivers.
Sources close to the program say Williams and assistant coach Devin Johnson have already made two visits to Rivers’ hometown and hosted multiple Zoom meetings with the family. The pitch? An immediate role, a modern offense with room for athletic bigs to operate, and a chance to compete in one of the nation’s most physical conferences.
“He’s exactly the kind of player who can thrive in Buzz’s system,” one SEC assistant said. “Texas A&M plays hard, they rebound like crazy, and they let their bigs defend and run. Rivers can do all of that — he just needs minutes.”
Rivers has not announced any official visits yet, but insiders suggest College Station is high on his list. Other programs rumored to be in the mix include Mississippi State, Iowa State, and Seton Hall, but A&M’s early and focused pursuit has reportedly made an impression on the Rivers camp.
In a transfer landscape where over 1,500 players have entered the portal, Malcolm Rivers stands out as a low-risk, high-upside pickup: a former blue-chip recruit with room to grow and a hunger to prove himself.
As Rivers evaluates his next move, one thing is clear — Texas A&M is not just kicking the tires. They want him in maroon and white, and they’re making it known.
