Tag: Eli Lawrence

Texas A&M’s backcourt has the potential to reach elite territory in 2023

With the news that guard Tyrece Radford will return for the 2023 campaign, Texas A&M’s backcourt is the deepest rotation in the SEC.

The Texas A&M Basketball program could not be in better hands than under head coach Buzz Williams, who, after leading the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament last season, is just scratching the surface of what he and a loaded roster can accomplish in 2023.

With news that star point guard Tyrece Radford will return for his final collegiate season with the Maroon and White, Texas A&M’s backcourt led by All-SEC guard Wade Taylor IV, including transfer additions in guards Jace Carter and Eli Lawrence solidifies this group as one the deepest, and most talented rotations in the SEC, and the country.

On Thursday, SEC college basketball analyst Patric Young made an appearance on TexAgs Radio to discuss the impact of Radford’s return, noting his leadership, high basketball IQ and slashing ability in the paint while confidently placing similar high expectations on A&M’s chances to compete for an SEC Title that we usually hear when discussing Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Radford scored second on the team last season with 13.3 ppg, including 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 79.6% from the free-throw line. Entering his all-important junior season, Wade Taylor IV broke out in 2022, leading the Aggies with 16.3 ppg, 3.9 assists while shooting an incredible 87.8% from the stripe, as he and Radford were by the most consistent guard duo down the stretch.

Add in former Illinois-Chicago guard Jace Carter, who averaged 13.1 ppg and 6.4 rebounds for the Flames last season. In addition, former Middle Tennesse State guard Eli Lawrence, who shot 40% from the field and averaged 9.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 2022, Buzz Williams is flushed with dependable scoring options, while 2023 four-star combo guard Bryce Lindsay will make his way to College Station this summer to provide an instant 3-point shooting threat hopefully.

With four out of five starters officially returning for the 2023 season, here’s what the depth chart should look like in its early stages:

  • Point guard: Wade Taylor IV, Andre Gordon
  • Shooting guard: Tyrece Radford, Manny Obaseki, Jace Carter
  • Small Forward: Eli Lawrence, Jace Carter, Hayden Hefner
  • Power forward: Henry Coleman III, Andersson Garcia
  • Center: Julius Marble, Solomon Washington

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

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Texas A&M announces addition of transfer SG Eli Lawrence, who gives the Aggies a versatile option on defense

Texas A&M officially announced the addition of transfer SG Eli Lawrence, who is coming off career highs of 12.2 PPG and 42.1 percent shooting with the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

Texas A&M men’s basketball has high expectations heading into the 2023-24 season, which explains why Buzz Williams and his staff have been aggressive in bolstering their depth through the transfer portal.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Aggies officially announced the addition of graduate-transfer shooting guard Eli Lawrence, who spent four seasons at Middle Tennessee State in the Conference USA. In 120 games played with the Blue Raiders, Lawrence posted averages of 9.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 1.0 APG on 40.5% shooting from the field.

Lawrence announced his commitment to A&M back on May 2.

The 6-2, 185 lb shooting guard increased his scoring average over the last two seasons while leading the Blue Raiders in scoring in 2022 (12.2 PPG). His final season at Middle Tennessee State also saw him post career-highs in assists (44), shooting percentage (42.1%), three-point percentage (34.0%), and free throw percentage (81.6%).

Vince Walden, Director of Basketball Operations, was vocal about Lawrence’s addition and impact not only on the hardwood but on the surrounding A&M community:

“Eli is a great addition to our program and the Texas A&M community. His character, skillset, and experience are what we were looking to add to our roster. Eli’s versatility will be a perfect fit in Buzz Williams’ system. His ability to guard multiple positions defensively and his offensive skill set will allow him to make an immediate impact on the court. We are thankful to have Eli as an Aggie!”

The Aggies welcome back much of their starting five in Wade Taylor IV, Julius Marble, and Henry Coleman, and adding an experienced player like Lawrence should provide an extra layer to a team that prides itself on impacting both ends of the floor.

Much like Dexter Dennis’ addition gave A&M a reliable option on both offense and defense, Lawrence’s length and size speak to his versatility to match up against almost any position, which is the perfect player for a Buzz Williams-led team.

The Aggies were already a popular pick in many outlets’ early top-25 rankings, and with the addition of Lawrence it’s safe to say the Maroon and White will be on everyone’s radar with next season on the horizon.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteThreee

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Former Middle Tennessee guard Eli Lawrence has committed to Texas A&M

Texas A&M has claimed their second player from the transfer portal, as former Middle Tennessee guard Eli Lawrence has committed to the Aggies

BOOM! Texas A&M and head coach Buzz Williams have officially landed their second player in the transfer portal, has former Middle Tennesee guard Eli Lawrence dropped the news via social media (Twitter) on Tuesday, May 2, announcing that he will in fact do maroon and white for the 2023 season.

Lawrence, who is coming off his fourth collegiate season with the Blue Raiders, averaged 12.2 ppg and 4.1 rebounds during his 2022 junior campaign, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors while shooting 42% from the field, 82% from the stripe and 34% from deep.

The Aggies are poised to bring back four starters from the 2022 season, led by All-SEC guard Wade Taylor IV, and starting forwards Henry Coleman and Julius Marble. Senior guard Tyrece Radford will have one more year of eligibility remaining, though he is still in the decision-making process regarding his potential return. Either way, Williams is loading up at the guard position as Lawrence will join former Ilinois Chicago guard Jace Carter who signed with the program last month.

With one more year of eligibility remaining, look for Lawrence to occupy departing senior Dexter Dennis’s spot at the wing due to his 6-5 and 185-pound frame and noted offensive ability at all three levels, while his defensive instincts will surely be refined during Buzz Williams’ well-known summer boot camp.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty

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