Tag: manny obaseki

CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein praises Texas A&M basketball’s deep backcourt

Senior point guard Zhuric Phelps has made Texas A&M’s backcourt one of the deepest in the country

No. 23 Texas A&M (3-1) is off to a solid start to the 2024-2025 college basketball season, as the season-opening loss to UCF is now in the rearview mirror after the Aggies defeated previously ranked Ohio State team 78-64 last Friday night behind an elite defensive effort.

Outside of the UCF loss, the addition of former SMU guard Zhuric Phelps has changed A&M’s offense for the better, adding quality depth to help out star guard Wade Taylor IV and senior Manny Obaseki while replacing former veteran guard Tyrece Radford’s slashing ability in the paint.

In just three appearances, Phelps has already led the Aggies in scoring. At the same time, his defense is equally impactful, setting up consistent transition scoring opportunities for a team still figuring out its half-court offense. On Tuesday, CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein praised Phelp’s addition to the Aggies backcourt.

“Texas A&M’s Zhuric Phelps is underrated nationally. Leading the Aggies in scoring (16 PPG) and also having an impact on D (2.7 SPG). Add Wade Taylor IV and Manny Obaseki and Buzz Williams has three quality veteran guards.”

Underrated is right, as Phelp’s under-the-radar addition this offseason, paired with former Minnesota center Pharell Payne and guard CJ Wilcher, has only made the Aggies a more formidable team. In contrast, the equally underrated return of senior forward Henry Coleman (11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds) has also impacted the team on both ends.

No. 23 Texas A&M will host Southern (0-3) on Wednesday, November 20. The game will be streamed on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ at 7:00 p.m. CT.

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No. 23 Texas A&M defeats No. 21 Ohio State 78-64 behind an elite defensive effort

Texas A&M is now 3-1 on the season after defeating No. 21 Ohio State on Friday night

Texas A&M (3-1) played some of its best defensive game of the season in Friday’s ranked home matchup vs. Ohio State on Friday night, as the Aggies hosted and defeated the 2-0 Buckeyes 78-64, who recently defeated the Texas Longhorns.

Still establishing their offensive identity, especially with senior guard Zhuric Phelps now in the lineup, head coach Buzz Williams knew that the Aggies would be to play air-tight perimeter defense against one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the county as the Buckeyes entered the game shooting nearly 50% from beyond the arc.

Williams utilized the deepest roster he had ever had at his disposal throughout the night as the Aggies held Ohio State to 34% shooting (20-59) and 26% from three. A&M’s shooting night wasn’t any better, finishing 39% from the field and 38% from three.

However, the Aggies won this game at the free throw line, shooting 80% from the stripe, while the senior guard Manny Obaseki (15 points), Wade Taylor (15 points), and Zhuric Phelps (14 points) made several tough shots to keep the big lead intact in the second half.

Texas A&M’s guard play looks the part, with Taylor, Phelps, and Obaseki showing physicality in the paint and making their open shots. Still, center Pharrel Payne’s play next to Andersson Garcia (5 points) and Henry Coleman (12 points) has taken the Aggies’ defense to the next level, as the junior’s two blocks mirrored former Aggie forward Robert Williams, especially from an athleticism standpoint.

This is with “Buzz Ball” to the fullest extent, as the Aggies have shown to be the better team in rock fight-style defensive battles during his tenure.

At the same time, A&M’s shooting and offensive game plans need to improve, but this was a huge win that won’t be forgotten in early March.

Note: Texas A&M’s 3-point shooting plan will continue to involve former Nebraska guard CJ Wilcher (, who made two of his three outside attempts, displaying a solid stroke and the ability to create space.

Texas A&M will host Southern (0-3) on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game will be available to stream on SEC Network+ or ESPN+

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Best Photos from Texas A&M’s 87-55 win over East Texas A&M

Here are the photos from Texas A&M’s 87-55 win over East Texas A&M on Friday night

No. 13 Texas A&M (1-1) made the most of its bounce-back opportunity against newly named East Texas A&M on Friday night, blowing out the visitors 87-55 behind a complete team performance, including senior guard Zhuric Phelps’ debut 18-point outing.

Finally, looking like the No. 13-ranked team in the country, the Aggies knew that finishing every game is the goal moving forward, something that plagued head coach Buzz Williams‘ team in the season-opening loss to UCF after being held scoreless with three minutes left in the game.

After losing veteran guard Tyrece Radford this offseason, William’s perfectly utilized the transfer portal, landing starting center Pharrel Payne, guard CJ Wilcher, and, of course, Zhuric Phelps, whose impressive career at SMU was more than enough to help the Aggie offense for at least one season.

Never trailing, Texas A&M’s defense smothered the cross-town Aggies, producing six blocks and eleven steals and forcing 18 turnovers. It’s still very early, but this team looks much improved in several areas ahead of a challenging nonconference schedule.

Here are the best photos from the win, including several shots of Buzz William’s entertaining facial expressions!

Texas A&M basketball defeats East Texas A&M 87-55 to earn first win on the year

Texas A&M finally looked like the No. 13-ranked team in the country on Friday

Texas A&M (1-1) finally looked like the No. 13-ranked basketball team in the country after blowing out newly named East Texas A&M 87-55 on Friday night, just four days after falling to UCF on the road to open the year.

This Aggie team looked the part from start to finish, shooting 55.7% from the field, including 33% from beyond the arc.

At the same time, former SMU guard Zhuric Phelps, who made his season debut, scored a game-high 18 points and five rebounds, shooting 8-13 while looking like a more athletic version of former Texas A&M guard Tyrece Radford.

Head coach Buzz Williams looked to limit the minutes of his starting five. Star point guard Wade Taylor IV produced a solid 10 points and six assists, feeding the post at a high rate. Forwards Pharell Payne (8 points, six rebounds) and Henry Coleman III (14 points, eight rebounds) combined for 22 points and 14 boards.

However, the shooting of veteran guard Hayden Hefner nearly matched Phelp’s memorable debut, as the senior shot 4-6 for 13 points, including 3-5 from 3-point, looking confident on his stroke while playing great defense on the perimeter.

Defeating a lesser opponent isn’t an impressive feat, but the Aggies needed to show that they have improved on offense and defense, accomplishing both goals on Friday night.

Texas A&M will continue its homestay over the next four games, set to host Lamar on Monday, Nov. 11.

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Texas A&M basketball drops in latest Bracketology update after losing to UCF

ESPN Bracketology is still very confident in Texas A&M earning a single digit seed

No. 13 Texas A&M (0-1) entered Week 1 of the 2024-2025 college basketball season, facing one of the tougher opening-season challenges among the rest of the SEC against UCF.

The 13th-ranked Aggies were the superior team on paper despite missing veteran guard Zhuric Phelps, who transferred from SMU during the offseason, but that didn’t matter to the also undermanned home team, who took full advantage of A&M’s offensive ineptitude late in the second half.

Star point guard Wade Taylor IV was limited to 13 points and 4/15 from the field, while former Minnesota center Pharrel Payne, who led the Aggies with 15 points and six rebounds, fouled out late, resulting in an A&M going scoreless from the field in the find final three and half minutes of the game.

Losing 64-61 after failing to take the game into overtime, head coach Buzz Williams has plenty to fix before the Aggies host Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday afternoon.

After the loss, ESPN’s Bracketology update revealed that Texas A&M is projected as a 5-seed facing 12-seed Princeton in the Midwest (Indianapolis) Region. It’s way too early, but it proves that losing an opener, especially on the road, is just a blip on the radar with many opportunities to right the ship.

Texas A&M will head home, set to host Texas A&M-Commerce on Friday, Nov. 8th inside Reed Arena.

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Texas A&M junior Manny Obaseki is ready to take on a bigger role in 2025

Aggie Manny Obaseki looks to be in midseason has he gets ready to take on a bigger role in for next season

The 2023-24 basketball season was a good reintroduction to Texas A&M junior guard Manny Obaseki. After a solid freshman campaign, he followed that up by becoming one of the best sixth men in the SEC, making an instant impact off the bench.

Unfortunately, his year was essentially cut in half, with him missing 15 games due to a broken bone he suffered as soon as league play started.

Rehabbed and ready to return to his scoring ways, Obaseki once again started the season as one of the first players off the bench. However, scoring became a major issue for the Aggie basketball team, causing Buzz Williams to change the starting lineup. In the eight games he started at the end of the season, Manny averaged 16.5 points and three rebounds and shot nearly 55% from beyond the arc.

He brings energy to the team, which complements All-American Wade Taylor well. He is arguably one of the two most athletic players on the court at any time. His ability to get to the basket was one of the season’s biggest highlights, usually ending in a monstrous dunk. Based on the offseason post below, Manny is already in midseason form.

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Post Game: Texas A&M falls 100-95 in a heartbreaking overtime vs. Houston in the second round of the NCAA Tournament

Texas A&M’s season comes to an end after a hard-fought battle against Houston that ended in an overtime loss

Texas A&M (21-15, 9-9 SEC) took No. 1 Houston (32-4, 15-3 Big 12) to the wire and then some before running out of magic late in the overtime.

The first half was as intense as expected, with neither team being able to run away with the game. There were 11 lead changes and seven ties early, but few issues on the Aggie side ball were apparent that never gave A&M to retake the lead after Houston went up by seven about halfway through the half. However, Tyrece Radford and Manny Obaseki did what they do best: getting to the rim and combining for 19 points.

A&M has been getting to the charity stripe but only made 50% of their free throws and 1-6 from the three-point line. Houston did just enough to stay ahead, but with Wade Taylor held to only one point through the first 20 minutes, the Cougars only took a five-point lead into halftime, up 43-38.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

second half:

After scoring the first points of the second half, the Aggies started to struggle on both ends of the court. Houston was able to extend their lead to nine, which caused Buzz Williams to call a timeout. For most of the half, Houston stayed a step ahead of A&M, which had a nine-point lead until late in the half.

The Aggies just couldn’t cut into the lead enough as the Cougars regularly hit a second-chance shot or knocked down a timely three-point shot. Then, with under a minute left, A&M started chipping away while playing the trap and foul game. With just seconds left on the clock, the Aggies pulled within three after Wade knocked down all three free throws after being fouled.

With 10.1 seconds, Taylor got two chances and missed both; however, 1.2 seconds remained. Radford was about to find an unlikely hero open at the three-point line, and with time expiring, Andersson Garcia knocked down a three to send the game into overtime.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

overtime:

Ultimately, A&M ran out of gas in overtime and could not hit a few clutch shots late. The Aggie gave Houston all they could handle, but they fell 100-95 in the tournament’s best game to this point. They gave it all, but the defeat will leave them out of the Sweet Sixteen for the sixth straight year.

In the end, an inconsistent Wade Taylor and 16 missed free throws lost the game, but this is why they call it March Madness.

Below are the Aggies critical contributors from the game:

Tyrece Radford:  27 points / 15 rebounds

Manny Obaseki:  15 points

Wade Taylor IV:  21 points / 7 rebounds / 3 assists

Andersson Garcia: 12 points / 5 rebounds

Houston’s top contributors:

Jamal Shead: 21 points / 10 assists

Emmanual Sharpe:  30 points / 3 rebounds

L.J Cryer:  20 points / 4 rebounds

Texas A&M’s season has ended in the round of 32.

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Texas A&M guards Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki & Tyrece Radford reflect on Nebraska win in March Madness

“I feel like the circle and camaraderie that we have together plays a huge part on how we come out and perform each night, so credit them.”

Texas A&M‘s tremendous trio of guards, juniors Wade Taylor IV & Manny Obaseki, and senior Tyrece “Boots” Radford led the No. 9 Aggies to a dominant victory against No. 8 Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night in Memphis.

Taylor tallied a game-high 25 points on 8-of-14 field goal attempts & 7-of-10 from 3-point range with 5 assists.

“It’s the consistency in our work. We work every day the same way no matter if we have a good game or a bad game,” Taylor explained. “My teammates have been phenomenal on both ends. I feel like the circle and camaraderie that we have together plays a huge part on how we come out and perform each night, so credit to them.”

Obaseki was unconscious in the final 5:20 of the first half, scoring 16 straight points to give the Aggies a 14-point halftime lead. He finished with 22 points on 8-of-17 shots, 3-of-5 from downtown & 3-of-5 from the free-throw line.

“I’m just thankful to my coaches and teammates for trusting in me,” Obaseki said. “They gave me the ball and allowed me to do my thing. I knew I had a mismatch all night and they allowed me to take advantage of that.”

Radford recorded a double-double with 20 points on 8-of-17 attempts & 3-of-5 from the charity stripe with 10 rebounds (5 offensive) and 5 assists.

“I don’t think we changed anything defensively, we just played with our HOH, hands on our head, because they have really good shooters and we just tried to prevent them from going off or getting hot,” Radford recalled. “We knew they were a good team that was going to make a couple of shots but all credit goes to the team just by staying in it.”

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Houston HC Kelvin Sampson praises the Aggies ahead of Texas A&M vs. Houston in the round of 32

Ahead of Texas A&M’s round of 32 matchup vs. No. 1-seed Houston, the Cougars head coach knows Aggies will be a tough out

9-seed Texas A&M’s 98-83 win over the 8-seed Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night wasn’t a fluke by any means. Just hours after the Aggies’ resounding victory, No. 1-seed Houston destroyed 16-seed Longwood, setting up a round-of-32 rematch between both programs.

A&M’s ascendance from losing five consecutive conference games to reeling off five straight wins to finish off the regular season is built around the guard play of the team’s elite trio, led by Wade Taylor IV and Tyrece Radford. In comparison, junior guard Manny Obaseki’s 128 points in the Aggies’ last seven games have singlehandedly changed the program’s identity for the better.

Knowing what’s in front of them ahead of Sunday night’s matchup, Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson wasn’t shy in expressing just how much of a challenge Texas A&M presents.

“If you look at the SEC right now, probably the best team in the SEC right now is Texas A&M. They’re a team that can get to the Final Four. They’re that good.”

Look, I know that this may sound like, as former Alabama head coach Nick Saban used to say, “rat poison,” but remember that the Aggies, without Tyrece Radford coupled with Obaseki’s lack of playing time, nearly beat the Cougars on the road behind Wade Taylor IV’s 34 points, losing 70-66 back in December.

While the SEC has performed poorly in the NCAA Tournament this year, Texas A&M, Tennesee, and Alabama are the last three programs remaining after two days of play.

Where does Texas A&M hold an advantage on paper? Rebounding. Averaging 42 rebounds per game, only second in the country to Arizona, A&M’s forward rotation of Solomon Washington, Andersson Garcia, Henry Coleman, and Wildens Leveque will need to make an impact early and often.

The match between 9-seed Texas A&M and 1-seed Houston is set for 7:40 p.m. CT and will air on TNT on Sunday, March 24.

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Texas A&M men’s basketball team begins March Madness with win vs. Nebraska in NCAA Tournament

Manny Obaseki was unconscious in the final 5:20 of the first half, scoring 16 straight points to give the Aggies a 14-point halftime lead.

The Texas A&M men’s basketball team is moving on to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.

The No. 9 Aggies (21-14) beat No. 8 Nebraska (23-11) by a final score of 98-83 in the first round of the South Region on Friday night at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. In their first March Madness appearance since 2014, the Cornhuskers (0-8) remain as the only Power Five conference program to never win an NCAA Tournament game.

The tremendous trio of guards, juniors Wade Taylor IV & Manny Obaseki, and senior Tyrece “Boots” Radford led Texas A&M to victory. Taylor tallied a game-high 25 points on 8-of-14 field goal attempts & 7-of-10 from 3-point range with 5 assists.

Obaseki was unconscious in the final 5:20 of the first half, scoring 16 straight points to give the Aggies a 14-point halftime lead. He finished with 22 points on 8-of-17 shots, 3-of-5 from downtown & 3-of-5 from the free-throw line. Radford recorded a double-double with 20 points on 8-of-17 attempts & 3-of-5 from the charity stripe with 10 rebounds (5 offensive) and 5 assists.

Texas A&M will play the winner of No. 1 Houston versus No. 16 Longwood on Sunday. The top seed Cougars narrowly defeated the Aggies 70-66 earlier this season on Dec. 16 at the Toyota Center.

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