Tag: 2023-24 College Basketball Season

Texas A&M is 1-of-12 schools to accomplish a men’s sports hat trick this year

Texas A&M has had several phenomenal performances in men’s athletics during the 2023-24 school year, which was solidified this weekend.

Texas A&M has had several phenomenal performances in men’s athletics during the 2023-24 school year, which was solidified this weekend.

The No. 3 Aggies baseball team (44-13, 19-11 SEC) earned the third overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Texas A&M will host the Bryan-College Station Regional against the Texas Longhorns, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns and Grambling State Tigers.

In December, the Aggies football team played in the Texas Bowl. Then the men’s basketball team parlayed March Madness success at the SEC Tournament to an NCAA Tournament bid.

By reaching the postseason in three men’s sports, Texas A&M became 1-of-12 schools to accomplish the feat this year. According to Ben Stevens on X, the other universities are the Alabama Crimson Tide, Arizona Wildcats, Clemson Tigers, Duke Blue Devils, James Madison Dukes, Kentucky Wildcats, North Carolina Tar Heels, NC State Wolfpack, Oregon Ducks, Tennessee Volunteers and Texas.

Ross Bjork might’ve departed Aggieland in January for The Ohio State University but he left the men’s programs in great shape.

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Texas A&M guard Endyia Rogers declares for 2024 WNBA Draft, which is Monday night on ESPN

“We did things that people did not expect us to. Y’all had faith and belief in me like no other. Y’all are on the way to something special.”

After playing her final collegiate season in Aggieland, Texas A&M guard Endyia Rogers is taking her talents to the next level.

Rogers formally declared Wednesday for the 2024 WNBA Draft, which is Monday night.

“These past five years have been nothing short of amazing,” Rogers stated via X. “I appreciate everyone who came along this journey with me. It wasn’t always easy, but we found a way. I want to thank all my coaches from USC and Oregon for giving me the opportunity to play for their amazing programs.

“To my teammates and coaches at Texas A&M, I am super grateful that I was able to spend my last year of college basketball with you all and experience what it is like to be an Aggie. We did things that people did not expect us to do. Y’all had faith and belief in me like no other. I am thankful for the everlasting memories that I made with you all. I know that we did not finish the season the way that we wanted, but y’all are on the way to something special. Thank you all for everything, I am forever appreciative. As always, Gig’Em!

“To my family and friends, there is no me without you. It has been a journey since I was 4 years old. Y’all made every bit of the journey worth it. I appreciate the everlasting support and the sacrifices made throughout my basketball career. It takes a village. I love each and every one of you guys dearly.

“With that being said, I am going to pursue my lifelong dream of playing in the W, and will declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft!”

Rogers spent her underclassman years at the University of Southern California. Then she became an Oregon Duck for the next two before playing her final season at Reed Arena.

The 29th annual WNBA Draft is Monday at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

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The Aggie Womens basketball team is on a roll with nine straight wins

The Aggies are on a nine-game win streak and here are some of their best plays from the season so far

Coach Joni Taylor has revamped the women’s basketball program since taking over last season. Last year was more of a “feeling-out period” after the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Gray Blair. This season, coach Taylor was on a mission to put a stamp on this program with her brand of basketball.

The 2023-2024 season is all about toughness and that’s been on display through a majority of the first 12 games in year two. After only winning 9 games last year the revamped Aggie squad has been on a tear with the help of a lot of new faces.

In the current state of college sports, the transfer portal can help teams flip the switch quickly, and Coach Taylor used it to her advantage. A&M brought in the number five ranked transfer class, highlighted by Aicha Coulibaly and Endyia Rogers.

Those moves, in combination with a talented recruiting class, have the Aggies sitting at 11-1 and on a nine-game winning streak. After defeating Prairie View A&M, Coach Taylor mentioned the team’s depth and how they are starting to gel.

“I think our depth is good. We’ve got players coming off the bench who could be starting other places. And so, that just speaks to their humility and selfless service in terms of how they wanna be for the team. I think that they all understand what their role is, and they come in and do their part night in and night out.”

This team looks poised to make some noise when SEC play starts in a few weeks when they open against Coach Taylor’s former team, Georgia. Below, you can check out some of the best highlights during this winning streak.

The Aggies return home to face Kansas and honor a legend

The Aggies will look to extend their winning streak to five as the host the Kansas Jayhawks at Reed Arena

Texas A&M (6-1) will face the Big 12’s Kansas (3-3) on Sunday afternoon at Reed Arena at 1 pm CT.

Coach Joni Taylor battled a lot of adversity last season, dealing with everything from inexperience to injuries for her team. Coming into this season, Coach Taylor hit the transfer portal and made it a point to preach toughness…it’s paying dividends early in the year.

The Aggies are currently coming on a four-game winning streak after beating Wake Forest 81-57 in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge. They have been playing like a team on mission, averaging 73.6 points a game while holding opponents to 50.3 points for a staggering 23.3 margin.

Texas A&M holds a dominant series lead over the Jayhawks at 11-2 and is 9-1 over the last ten matchups. However, in their first matchup in a decade last year, Kansas snapped their 11-game losing streak with a 74-42 victory.

During halftime the Aggies will honor Gary Blair for his enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

PLayers to watch:

Janiah Barker – 12.9 PTS / 8.6 REB

Aicha Coulibaly – 11.4 PTS / 7.3 REB / 1.8 STL

Lauren Ware – 10.7 PTS / 9.7 REB / 2.8 BLK

Endyia Rogers – 10.6 PTS / 4.4 AST / 2 STL

How to watch:

Stream: SECN

Commentary: Brenda VanLengen & Steffi Sorensen

How to Listen:

TAMU Sports Network: WTAW 1620AM, WTAW 94.5FM (local)

Web: 12thman.com

App: 12th Man Mobile App

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‘Last year, our motto was ‘becoming, ’This year it’s ‘tough.’” Joni Taylor previews Texas A&M’s upcoming basketball season at SEC Media Days

In taking the podium at SEC media days, Joni Taylor let it be known that she will lead a tough and scrappy team in to the 2024 season

Texas A&M basketball head coach Joni Taylor spoke at SEC media days on Wednesday, and her motto for this season is “tough.”

Coach Taylor had a rough start to her inaugural season, littered with injuries barely allowing her to dress a team most of the year. They finished the year 9-20 overall and 2-13 in SEC play, failing to make the NCAA tournament.

The challenging season did end with some signs of promise that the team made it to the Quarterfinals, beating Vanderbilt and Mississippi State before falling 77-60 to Ole Miss. Coach Taylor followed that up with a Gold medal performance at the FIBA World Cup.

Those were just a few of the highlights from her time at the podium, in which she shed light on the team’s mindset and preparation for what should be a bounce-back season for the Maroon & White.

Here is more of what Aggies basketball head coach Joni Taylor said at SEC media days on Wednesday.

‘I think we’ve turned this program around for good.’ Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford preview upcoming Texas A&M basketball season at SEC Media Days

In speaking at SEC media days on Wednesday, Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford are ready to make some noise this coming season.

Texas A&M basketball’s own Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece “Boots” Radford spoke at SEC media days on Wednesday, and one thing’s for certain: this team is ready to make some noise this coming season.

Truth be told, the definition of success for this Aggies team has been raised after coming off a highly successful 2022-23 campaign, in which they finished 25-10 (15-3 SEC), reached the SEC title game for the second year in a row, while also punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

A first-round loss to Penn State ended their special season prematurely, which only means expectations have aptly been raised for this basketball program. Just this week, the Maroon and White were firmly ranked in the Top 25 of the preseason coaches and AP Poll. It speaks to what the term “success” now means in Aggieland, and that equates to a deep run in the postseason.

Taylor, who was named the SEC’s preseason Player of the Year, and Radford don’t take those elevated expectations lightly. They are both emphatic in the belief that this team has turned around the basketball program for good. Alongside the team is coach Buzz Williams, who has engineered this team to be a collection of players and, better yet, a family.

Those were just a few of the highlights from his time at the podium, in which he shed light on the team’s mindset and preparation for what should be an exciting basketball season ahead.

Here is everything Taylor and Radford said at SEC media days on Wednesday.

‘From start to finish, how can we be our best?’ Buzz Williams previews Texas A&M’s upcoming basketball season at SEC Media Days

In taking the podium at SEC media days, Buzz Williams preached consistency, while noting that the leadership of Wade Taylor IV will carry this team.

Texas A&M basketball head coach Buzz Williams spoke at SEC media days on Wednesday, and one theme rang loud and clear during his time at the podium: consistency.

It’s a key trait for an Aggies team that is fresh off a highly successful 2022-23 campaign, in which they finished 25-10 (15-3 SEC), reached the SEC title game for the second year in a row, while also punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

But after a first-round loss to Penn State, expectations have aptly been raised on this basketball program. Just this week, the Maroon and White were firmly ranked in the Top 25 of both the preseason coaches poll and the preseason AP Poll. It speaks to what the term “success” now means in Aggieland, and that equates to a deep run in the postseason.

Will A&M be ready to handle that pressure? According to Williams, they will thanks to an early non-conference slate, coupled with a bevy of returning production, and the leadership of Wade Taylor IV.

Those were just a few of the highlights from his time at the podium, in which he shed light on the team’s mindset and preparation for what should be an exciting basketball season ahead.

Here is everything Aggies basketball head coach Buzz Williams said at SEC media days on Wednesday.

Texas A&M ranked in the Top 15 in AP’s preseason men’s basketball poll

With college basketball season less than a month away, Texas A&M is ranked in the Top 15 in AP’s preseason Top 25 poll.

Texas A&M Basketball, under the tremendous leadership of fifth-year head coach Buzz Williams, is just seven months removed from their 25-10 record (15-3 SEC), second-consecutive SEC title game appearance, and an NCAA Tournament berth, falling to the then red hot Penn State Nittany Lions in the first round.

Returning four starters and several critical newcomers from the highly lucrative transfer portal has not only provided plenty of preseason hype for a program on the rise, but some believe that the Aggies might be the top team in the SEC entering the pivotal 2023-2024 season.

On Monday, Williams and his talented squad first found themselves ranked 19th in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll and, less than an hour later, earned a Top 15 ranking at yes, No. 15 in the first AP preseason Top 25 poll, ranked above the likes of Kentucky (16th), Texas (18th), and North Carolina (19th).

Headlining the returning production, Texas A&M’s elite backcourt led by junior Wade Taylor IV and reliable senior Tyrece “Boots” Radford is by far the best in the SEC and rivals most guard duos in the country when it’s all said and done. Coming off the bench, former five-star Manny Obaseki and freshman Bryce Lindsay hope to provide a dose of offensive firepower.

Senior forwards  Henry Coleman III and Julius Marble will again handle the paint in the frontcourt. At the same time, key reserves, including Andersson Garcia and Solomon Washington, are as reliable as ever when called upon. Through the transfer portal, guard Jace Carer, forward Eli Lawrence, and center Wildens Leveque round out the roster, providing a wealth of experience at multiple spots after the departure of current Dallas Maverick guard Dexter Dennis.

Texas A&M will open the season vs. Texas A&M-Commerce on Monday, Nov. 6., which will air on SEC Network+

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Texas A&M surges into Top 25 of the preseason men’s basketball coaches poll

With the start of college basketball around the corner, the preseason coaches poll was favorable toward Texas A&M.

Texas A&M basketball is fresh off a 25-10 record (15-3 SEC), a second-consecutive SEC title game appearance, and an NCAA Tournament berth. It should come as no surprise then to see the Aggies firmly in the Top 25 of the preseason coaches poll.

The USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll is conducted weekly throughout the regular season using a panel of head coaches at Division I schools. Each coach submits a Top 25 with a first-place vote worth 25 points, second place 24, and so on down to one point for 25th.

The Maroon and White clocked in at No. 19 in the preseason poll, though they may not sit there for long. With one of the country’s elite backcourts in Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece “Boots” Radford, Buzz Williams’ Aggies boast one of the more experienced and talent-laden rosters that could have them equipped for a serious postseason run.

Taylor and Radford are joined by Henry Coleman III and Solomon Washington to round out a starting five that returns nearly every starter from last season.

Elsewhere, Kansas, Purdue, and Duke came away with the top three spots as college basketball’s storied blue bloods once again led the way. Meanwhile, the defending champion UConn Huskies rounded out the top five with 626 points, and one lone first-place vote.

Here is a look at the full preseason men’s basketball coaches poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports:

Rank Team Points
1 Kansas Jayhawks 785 (23)
2 Purdue Boilermakers 742 (5)
3 Duke Blue Devils 716 (3)
4 Michigan State Spartans 667
5 UConn Huskies 626 (1)
6 Houston Cougars 615
7 Marquette Golden Eagles 614
8 Creighton Bluejays 552
9 Florida Atlantic Owls 548
10 Tennessee Volunteers 496
11 Arizona Wildcats 449
12 Gonzaga Bulldogs 407
13 Miami Hurricanes 390
14 Arkansas Razorbacks 315
15 San Diego State Aztecs 277
16 Kentucky Wildcats 261
17 Baylor Bears 258
18 Texas Longhorns 251
19 Texas A&M Aggies 231
20 Villanova Wildcats 217
21 North Carolina Tar Heels 197
22 USC Trojans 176
23 Saint Mary’s Gaels 147
24 Alabama Crimson Tide 142
25 UCLA Bruins 52

Others Receiving Votes:

Illinois 45; Wisconsin 43; Maryland 29; TCU 26; Colorado 21; Xavier 17; Ohio State 16; Virginia 13; St. John’s 13; Kansas State 8; Indiana 7; Washington 5; Florida 5; Auburn 5; Missouri 4; Oregon 3; Memphis 3; Mississippi State 2; Iowa State 2; Yale 1; Boise State 1;

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Texas A&M basketball to face historic rival in Compete 4 Cause Classic charity game

Texas A&M’s charity game against a historic rival will benefit relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires.

Texas A&M hoops are turning back the clock to face a historic rival in a basketball scrimmage for charity.

On Wednesday, Aggie men’s basketball announced they would face Texas Tech in the Compete 4 Cause Classic on Sunday, Oct. 29. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT from The Super Pit on the University of North Texas campus in Denton. Proceeds from the game will benefit relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires.

Though these two storied programs no longer sit in the same conference, their history is expansive. Texas A&M and Texas Tech met annually as Southwest Conference and Big 12 members from 1958 to 2012. These two last met on the hardwood on Valentine’s Day, 2012.

The Maroon and White walked away with a 47-38 victory over the Red Raiders. Texas Tech holds a slim 64-62 advantage in their all-time series history. The Aggies, however, are riding a six-game winning streak over the Red Raiders.

Once the Aggies wrap up their scrimmage game with the Red Raiders, they’ll kick off their 2023-24 regular season schedule against Texas A&M-Commerce on Nov. 6 from Reed Arena. Expectations are high for the Maroon and White after a 25-10 campaign last season while reaching the SEC title game for the second consecutive season.

The Aggies punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018, eventually falling to Penn State in the first round. Given their success level last season, expectations are even greater heading into the fall. In ESPN’s latest way-too-early rankings, Texas A&M clocked in at No. 19.

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