Texas A&M hasn't played Commerce, formerly East Texas State, since an 85-42 victory at G. Rollie White Coliseum in the 1979-80 season. A&M leads the series, 3-1.

Commerce, a member of Division II's Lone Star Conference, was 17-11 last season and is picked to finish second in the league's North Division this season. Senior Justin Wilkerson, a former player at East Central and Texas Tech, is the preseason pick for conference player of the year.

The Aggies return 13 lettermen and three starters from last year's 24-10 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. A&M was picked to finish fifth in the Big 12 this season by the league's coaches