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Texas A&M Aggies Guard Set to Break All-Time Program Record vs. Michigan

Another member of the Texas A&M Aggies is set to make program history.
Zach Dimmitt|
Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Hayden Hefner talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Hayden Hefner talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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Texas A&M Aggies

When Texas A&M Aggies guard Hayden Hefner takes the floor Saturday in the Round of 32 against the Michigan Wolverines at the NCAA Tournament, he'll be making program history.

In Saturday's 80-71 win over Yale in the Roundof 64, Hefner tied Kourtney Roberson's all-time Aggies record for games played with 142 appearances. Hefner got the start against the Bulldogs, finishing with four points, two rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes. Regardless of what stat line he has against Michigan in his 143rd career game, he'll set a record that might never be broken in College Station.

"What has happened with our group probably won't happen anymore to have such a large contingent of returning pieces," Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams said Friday. "Wade (Taylor IV), Henry (Coleman III), Andy (Garcia), Hayden. Tomorrow, Hayden will have played in more games than anyone in the history of Texas A&M."

Hayden Hefner
Mar 4, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Hayden Hefner (2) dribbles the ball during the first half as Auburn Tigers guard Miles Kelly (13) defends at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Hefner is in his fifth season with the Aggies. This marks the fourth year he's played with Taylor IV, Obaseki and Coleman III and the third season he's been with Washington and Garcia. It's almost impossible to find that kind of continuity in this era of college basketball.

Hefner has started 40 career games, including 17 this season. He's averaging 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds this year, which was highlighted by 19 points against Houston Christian on Dec. 20 and 16 points in the loss to Alabama on Jan. 11.

Hefner's impact on this year's team goes beyond the box score. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty on both ends and provides the occasional 3-point make, though he hasn't nailed a triple since Feb. 11 against Georgia.

After the win over Texas at home on Jan. 4, Williams gave a brutally honest assessment of Hefner when evaluating the rest of the talent in the Lone Star Showdown.

"Probably the least talented player that played in the Lone Star Showdown, but it's hard to grade guts. He's got big guts," Williams said.

Hefner and the Aggies will tipoff in Denver on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. CT. The winner will head to Atlanta to face the winner of Auburn vs. Creighton in the Sweet 16.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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