Injured Texas A&M Star Eyes Return for SEC Tournament, Potential Game-Changer for Aggies
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As the SEC Tournament looms, Texas A&M fans have reason to believe momentum may finally shift in the Aggies’ favor. Star forward Elijah “EJ” Carter, sidelined since mid-February with a high ankle sprain, has returned to full-contact practice and is expected to be available for the opening round of the tournament—a timely development that could reshape the Aggies’ postseason destiny.
Carter’s absence left a noticeable void in the Aggies’ offensive and defensive schemes. Before the injury, he averaged 17.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, leading the team in scoring and emerging as a vocal leader on the court. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive versatility helped anchor head coach Buzz Williams’ aggressive, switch-heavy defensive sets. Without him, the team stumbled to a 3-5 record down the stretch, slipping into the lower half of the SEC standings.
Team sources confirm Carter has cleared all medical evaluations and participated in scrimmages this week without restriction. “He’s looked sharp,” said assistant coach Brandon Chambers. “It’s clear he hasn’t lost a step. If anything, the time off may have sharpened his mental edge.”
The timing of Carter’s return couldn’t be more critical. Texas A&M, now a projected No. 10 seed in the SEC bracket, faces an uphill battle against higher-ranked opponents. A strong showing in the tournament could solidify the Aggies’ case for an NCAA tournament bid, especially after bubble-bursting losses to Missouri and Ole Miss late in the season.
Carter’s teammates are energized by his comeback. Senior guard Tyrese McCall called his return “a shot of adrenaline” for the locker room. “EJ’s got that fire. He lifts everybody. You can feel the difference when he’s on the floor,” McCall said.
Coach Williams, known for his hard-nosed style and meticulous preparation, remains cautiously optimistic. “We’re going to be smart about his minutes,” he said. “But make no mistake—he’s a competitor. He wants this. We all do.”
Analysts have noted that Carter’s presence could provide the spark Texas A&M needs to make a deep run. “He changes the way they play,” said ESPN’s Seth Greenberg. “Defensively, he covers so much ground. Offensively, he can create his own shot and get to the rim. That’s a huge asset in tournament play.”
Carter himself remains focused but humble. “It’s not about me,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “It’s about this team. I’ve been watching them fight every night, and I just want to do my part.”
If Carter’s health holds, the Aggies could prove a dangerous dark horse in the SEC Tournament. One thing is certain: the return of their star has ignited belief—not just in the locker room, but across Aggieland.
