Category: Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams admits that he does ‘not watch any games’

“Without being condescending, I have literally tried to live in the most narrow lane you can possibly imagine. Rarely look at my phone.”

The Texas A&M men’s basketball team has gotten off to an undefeated start through two games of SEC action and coach Buzz Williams is well aware of the debates that are beginning because of it.

“It is the first full week of conference play. If you were a fan, this would be fun. If you had a platform such as you guys or you were a media personality, like I am assuming some of you guys are, it is good fodder, it is good content. It is like, what about this and what about that and this coach and that player and what is next? What about what happened last week? That is what has created the exposure that this league has,” Williams explained Wednesday. “Without being condescending, I have literally tried to live in the most narrow lane you can possibly imagine. Rarely look at my phone. I do not watch any games. I am not talented enough to give away emotion and energy to something that does not impact us.

“Because when you are doing this for whatever, three hours tonight, shoot around this morning for an hour, film this morning before shootaround, chapel before film, travel here, all of the things that you are doing – when you give away time, energy, emotion over what is about to be one- and two-possession games for 10 consecutive weeks, I do not think you can lead from that. When you are trying as best as you can to be responsible and leading, on average, 20-year-olds who are completely bombarded, I just want to try to be the best example I can be. We are really thankful. We are glad that the bus ride, that the pizza will taste a little better. We are glad that it is only an hour home.

“But we are going to get home at whatever time, and literally, the preparation for Saturday’s game against another top 20 – this one, top five – team, starts as soon as I take a shower. I understand that is what comes with the job, so I do not want a portion of what I am saying to come across as if I am complaining. But thankful, OK, purge, cleanse. We have to figure out if we have a chance in another one- or two-possession game, if we can get it to that on Saturday.”

The No. 9 Aggies (13-2, 2-0 SEC) host No. 5 Alabama (13-2, 2-0) at Reed Arena on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

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‘We tried real hard,’ Basketball coach Buzz Williams reflects on Aggies beating Oklahoma

“I do not think that they ever dropped their heads,” he said. “They were very accountable to one another and to what we were trying to do.”

After trailing by 18 points Wednesday night, the Texas A&M men’s basketball team fought back to beat Oklahoma on the road, which pleased head coach Buzz Williams.

“I just think we tried real hard. Oklahoma is so gifted offensively, and coach Moser is an offensive savant in regards to how he uses that talent. But there is always a lot of lipstick prior to the shot attempt that causes a lot of confusion, a lot of really gifted decision-makers with the ball. But the things that they are doing are really difficult to guard,” Williams explained. “In many respects, they beat us from start to finish. I do not know that you can give up 42 points from three with the 3-point field goal percentage being higher than the overall percentage and it not be 51-33. Actually, I would say that should be the line, 51-33, because everything that we were trying, they were taking advantage of and having near-perfect success.

“But I do think that the character of our guys and the relationships that they have with one another – they just hung around. I do not think that they ever dropped their heads. They were very accountable to one another and to what we were trying to do, and we were very fortunate to win.”

The No. 9 Aggies (13-2, 2-0 SEC) host No. 5 Alabama (13-2, 2-0) at Reed Arena on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

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Former Texas A&M commit Anthony Hill discusses playing at ‘crazy’ Kyle Field for Longhorns

“Playing at Kyle Field was crazy. I can’t lie, the atmosphere was jumping. It was really cool to play in that stadium. It was fun,” he said.

Texas sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. spoke to the media yesterday prior to playing in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Hill, a former Texas A&M commit, reflected on his choice to sign with the Longhorns and what it was like playing in the stadium that he initially thought would become his home.

“Do I have to say anything? I mean, I feel like I made the right decision. Look where I’m at,” Hill proclaimed. “Decommitting, I want to leave that in the past.”

“Playing at Kyle Field was crazy. I can’t lie, the atmosphere was jumping. It was really cool to play in that stadium, of course after decommitting from there. It was fun.”

When he flipped to Texas, the Aggies set their sights on sophomore linebacker Taurean York, who Hill was complimentary of Thursday.

“He was playing fast,” Hill said of York. “It was pretty cool playing in the SEC and seeing him play that fast. He was playing really fast. And, his freshman year, he did a good job. He was running the show. So, it’s pretty cool seeing him play, since I’ve been knowing him since my sophomore year (of high school).”

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‘Zhu was tremendous,’ Coach Buzz Williams explains how Texas A&M won without Wade Taylor

“Zhu was tremendous. Zhu was really good on Saturday. But we can’t just give all of that to one player. Our group did a really good job.”

For only the second time in his historic Texas A&M career, senior point guard Wade Taylor IV missed a game Wednesday night due to injury.

However, the Aggies were still able to win at Oklahoma, thanks in large part to fellow senior PG, Zhuric Phelps.

“Statistically speaking, you could say that (Taylor) may be the best player (in Texas A&M history). There have been a lot of really good players. The game before Christmas was the first time that (Taylor) has ever missed the game, including the two practices prior, too. The same thing happened – I guess it would be Monday, Tuesday, entering today,” Aggies coach Buzz Williams recalled postgame. “He carries a lot for our team. He is incredibly gifted, but his IQ level as a player is probably at the same level or better than his talent. So not only did we miss his talent; we also missed his IQ. As best we could, our staff did a really good job of dispersing that burden and not putting it on one guy.

2027 4-star SG has high praise for Texas A&M amid recent offers

The No. 1 ranked player in the 2027 basketball cycle has the Aggies in his sights

Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams isn’t known for recruiting highly ranked prospects during his time with the program, as he has yet to land a five-star during the past five seasons. Still, the Aggies have made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances despite the fact.

However, things could be changing after Williams landed three impressive prospects in the 2025 class and looking toward the future, 2027 four-star and potential five-star shooting guard Ryan Hampton has received an offer from Texas A&M.

Hampton’s elite skillset led him to transfer to Dallas Prep in Dallas (TX) for his junior season. The 6-7 wing is a dynamic wing who looks like a pure scorer but has upped his game defensively and become more of a distributor as he continues to develop.

In a recent interview with On3’s Jamie Shaw, Hampton had high praise for the Aggies, who recruited his brother, former first-round NBA Draft pick RJ Hampton, and pointed out the rise of Texas A&M senior guard Wade Taylor IV:

“I’ve been around that program a lot since they recruited my
brother. They have a player presently on their team, Wade Taylor, he is a great player. And he is the guy they need to go out and win them a game.”

After Texas A&M’s 80-78 comeback win over Oklahoma on Wednesday night, the Aggies are getting more attention from recruits who value culture and toughness. In a future Aggie backcourt, Hampton will play a role similar to Wade Taylor IV.

No. 10 Texas A&M will host No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will air on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. CT.

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2026 4-star WR and Texas A&M commit has shined during Navy All-American Bowl practices

2026 4-star wide receiver and Aggie commit Aaron Gregory has shined during the Navy All-American Bowl practices this week

One of Texas A&M’s crown jewels in the 2026 recruiting class has looked the part during the Navy All-American Bowl practices. Four-star wide receiver Aaron Gregory, who committed to the Aggies over two months ago, is living up to his recruiting prowess.

Joining his Douglasville (GA) high school teammate, four-star defensive lineman Jordan Carter, the dynamic duo looks like future stars for the Aggies. However, Gregory is receiving a lot of offseason attention from the Texas Longhorns, as coach Mike Elko and his staff have a potential recruiting battle ahead of them.

This week, Gregory, among several five-star 2025 wide receivers, has stood out for Rivals recruiting insider Sam Spiegelman, who noted the incoming senior’s soft hands, speed, and pristine route running skillset:

“Aaron Gregory is one of the crown jewels of Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class, which has star power to contender for the top spot in the Rivals Team Rankings.”

“Gregory has phenomenal hands and has come down with some eye-popping wow receptions throughout the Navy AAB week. The future Aggie is long and is a smooth operator. He’s been excellent adjusting to the football and showing off his ups and catch radius. He’s continuing to separate himself at the position.”

During his 2024 junior season, Gregory recorded 53 receptions, 914 yards, and nine touchdowns.

According to Rivals, Gregory, the 29th-ranked prospect in the class, is also ranked as the 4th wide receiver and the 4th-ranked prospect in Georgia.

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Looking back at Texas A&M’s last three Top 10 matchup results in Reed Arena

Texas A&M fared well last season against Top 10-ranked SEC competition in Reed Arena

Texas A&M (13-2, 2-0 SEC) is off to its best start under sixth-year coach Buzz Williams, and after Wednesday’s comeback 80-28 win over No. 17 Oklahoma, the Aggies still look like one of the best teams in the country.

Behind senior guard Zhuric Phelps‘ 34-point career scoring night, the Midland (TX) native shined without veteran guard Wade Taylor IV, who missed the game due to an undisclosed injury.

After trailing by 18 points late in the second half, Phelps and A&M’s stiff defense paved the way for a classic comeback effort.

While the win was exciting and essential to building the Aggies’ impressive NCAA Tournament resume, Saturday night’s first Top 10 home battle vs. No. 5 Alabama will be another critical test for the Maroon & White.

For the first time in Reed Arena, both top-ten ranked teams will face off for SEC supremacy. At least going into week 3, the Tide looks like one of, if not the most talented, rosters in the country.

For historical purposes, Reed Arena has played a vital part in sending the Aggies back to the Tournament after a bumpy start to conference play; Buzz Williams’s tenacious 2023 and 2024 teams defeated three top 10-ranked SEC teams at home to pad the program’s resume:

  • 67-61 W vs No. 2 Alabama (Feb. 28, 2023)
  • 97-92 W vs No. 6 Kentucky (Jan. 13, 2024)
  • 85-68 W vs No. 6 Tennessee (Feb. 10, 2024))

While every result above was impressive, Texas A&M’s five-game losing streak in conference play last season nearly resulted in missing the tournament, while the win against Alabama to finish the 2023 season later resulted in a first-round blowout loss to Penn State.

Yes, defeating one of the best teams in the country is the goal. However, establishing continuous consistency and avoiding mid-season, avoidable slumps is the primary goal for Williams and his veteran roster.

No. 10 Texas A&M will host No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will air on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. CT.

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Texas A&M G Zhuric Phelps’ career night against Oklahoma was one for the ages

Texas A&M’s double-digit second-half deficit against Oklahoma disappeared behind a career performance from senior guard Zhuric Phelps

After three seasons at SMU, senior guard Zhuric Phelps shifted to Texas A&M to continue his college career. For the Midland, Texas native, this decision stands out as one of the wisest he has made throughout his playing journey.

Amid Texas A&M’s 12-2 start to the 2024-2025 season, Phelp’s impact was significant outside of missing the season-opening loss to UCF, as the senior is second on the team with 13.3 PPG, only trailing star guard Wade Taylor IV (15.7).

After leading the Aggies with 18 points in Saturday’s win over the Texas Longhorns, Phelp’s role became even more critical this week before facing No. 17 Oklahoma on the road. Wade Taylor would miss his second game of the year, putting a hole in the Aggie offense.

Knowing that Taylor’s three-point shooting and clutch production would be sorely missed, Texas A&M’s offense was stagnant and disjointed. At the same time, Oklahoma’s senior guard, Brycen Goodine, displayed his best Steph Curry impression, shredding the Aggies from deep and finishing 9-11 from beyond the arc for a career-high 34 points.

After trailing by double digits, including an 18-point deficit in the second half, Phelps transformed into a powerhouse. Despite scoring only six points and shooting 2-11 in the first half, he erupted in the second, scoring 28 points and hitting 6-11 from three-point range, ultimately tying with Goodine for a career-high 34 points.

However, nothing matched the excitement of Phelps’ game-sealing three-pointer, looking like a young James Hardin, tripping up Sooners forward Glenn Taylor Jr. and sending a message to the rest of the SEC: The Aggies are one of the hottest teams in the country, with, and without Wade Taylor IV.

After defeating Oklahoma 80-78, No. 10 Texas A&M will host No. 5 Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 11. The game will air on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. CT.

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Texas A&M is finalist to land 2026 4-star OL out of Fort Worth (TX)

Texas A&M has landed in 2026 4-star OL John Turntine’s Top 10 program list

Texas A&M’s 2026 recruiting class will be the talking point of the offseason after the Aggies solidify their 2025 transfer portal class as coach Mike Elko and his staff will host a talented list of 2026 prospects this weekend, including the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked offensive lineman.

However, one of the top offensive linemen in the cycle, four-star OL John Turntine III out of North Crowley HS, has broken down his final program list as the incoming senior listed Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, Stanford, Georgia, Oregon, Missouri, Tennesee, SMU, and Texas A&M as his initial top 10 program list.

Standing at 6-5 and nearly 300 pounds, Turntine is an athlete. He started at left tackle during his 2024 junior season at North Crowley HS, consistently exhibiting impressive footwork and hand placement in pass protection. His upfield speed-to-power skillset makes him a future run-blocking aficionado.

According to 247Sports, Turntine is currently positioned as the 17th-ranked prospect, the 2nd-ranked prospect in Texas, and the 3rd-ranked offensive tackle in the cycle.

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Instant reaction to Texas A&M basketball’s thrilling 80-78 win over Oklahoma

Texas A&M completes massive comeback win over Oklahoma to extend their win streak to nine

Texas A&M (11-2, 2-0) erases an 18-point deficit to beat No. 17 Oklahoma (13-2, 0-2), stealing a conference road win.

Throughout a significant portion of the first half, the Aggies appeared disjointed, struggling to make baskets, while the Sooners found themselves unable to miss a shot.

A&M’s basic defense allowed the Sooners to create several open three-point opportunities, provided they passed the ball to the right player. Oklahoma carried out this strategy flawlessly, achieving an astounding 56.3% shooting accuracy and sinking nine shots from beyond the arc, led by a career performance from Sooners guard Brycen Goodine, who went 9-11 from beyond the arc for 34 points.

However, despite their struggles, A&M was only down nine with their leading scorer Wade Taylor out of the game. To open the second half, it wasn’t much better, with the Sooners pushing the lead to 14 with 13 minutes left in the game. A turnover by Oklahoma led to a big three-pointer by Zhuric Phelps, who proceeded to take the game over and slowly chip away at the lead.

With about five minutes remaining, another turnover by OU allowed Hayden Hefner to assist Solomon Washington for an impressive dunk, giving them their first lead early in the first half.

The game turned into a seesaw contest, culminating in Phelps having to commit a foul with less than 30 seconds remaining. Oklahoma missed the subsequent free throw, and Washington passed the ball to Phelps, who then made a crucial step back three-pointer to elevate the Aggies ahead two.

In the final possession of the game, Oklahoma committed an offensive foul and lost the game 80-78.

GAME NOTES:

  • Zhuric Phelps 34 points (Career High) / 6 three pointers
  • Texas A&M defense forced 18 turnovers grabbed 17 offensive rebounds
  • 44.3% FG / 39.1% 3PT / 77.3% FT

Texas A&M will host the No. 5 Alabama at Reed Arena on Jan. 11 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The game can be watched on ESPN

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