As one of four seniors who helped lead the Jaguars men’s basketball team to its first-ever spot in the 2026 Red River Athletic Conference Tournament, Gabriel Til will leave a lasting mark on A&M–San Antonio athletics. His impact is even more remarkable when you consider the long, unlikely journey that brought him here.
Til arrived in the United States in 2019 from his native South Sudan, a country that has endured years of civil war, instability, and violence. Much of his childhood unfolded against this uncertain backdrop.
“A lot of people have died. We’ve lost so many lives,” Til said. “But it’s still home, and I miss it every day.”
Most of his family — including nine siblings — still lives there.
Like a growing number of South Sudanese athletes finding opportunity through basketball, Til’s height and talent opened a door. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, he earned a service scholarship to attend a high school in West Virginia, where he first experienced life in the United States and began to see how far the game could take him.
Through connections with his host family, Til visited San Antonio during that time and immediately felt drawn to the city’s weather and sense of community. After graduating from high school, he moved to the Alamo City and enrolled at a private university, where he continued his education and basketball career for several years before transferring to A&M–San Antonio in 2024.
The timing proved significant. Til joined the University just as it launched its inaugural men’s basketball program, becoming part of the foundation for something entirely new.
“We were building it from the ground up,” Til said. “We had the chance to set the standard.”
Playing forward, Til quickly became a formidable presence on the court, known for his rebounding ability and physical play. Teammates and coaches relied on his consistency and leadership, especially during the program’s early growing pains. As one of the program’s original seniors, Til leaves behind a lasting legacy and a blueprint for future Jaguars.
Off the court, Til has been just as focused. Set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance, he has embraced the academic opportunities that once felt far out of reach.
“Where I come from, not everyone gets this chance. I don’t take that for granted.”
He is now exploring local career opportunities and hopes to eventually return to A&M–San Antonio to pursue a master’s degree. While basketball opened the door, Til is ready to step into the next chapter of his life.
Having not returned to South Sudan in seven years, he is also looking forward to visiting home and celebrating his graduation with his family in person — a moment he has imagined for years.
“I want them to see what their support helped me accomplish,” he said. “Even from far away, they’ve always been with me.”
At the same time, Til is clear about where his future lies. San Antonio, he said, now feels like home.
“It’s been an amazing journey for me,” Til said. “I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met and the opportunities I’ve had. Texas is home now, and I’m ready to see what comes next.”