Tag: Texas Aggies Basketball

Buzz Williams has been in contact with former Colorado guard who entered the transfer portal

After entering the transfer portal, Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams has contacted former Colorado forward J’Vonne Hadley.

Texas A&M’s 2023-2024 season ended at the hands of the No. 1-seed Houston Cougars in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, as senior forward Andersson Garcia’s incredible game-tying 3-pointer wasn’t enough to propel the Aggies to an overtime win.

Going into the offseason, what head Buzz Williams needs to add through the transfer portal became more apparent after the loss to the Cougars, as Houston shooting guard Emanuel Sharp hit seven 3-pointers for 30 points, the type of player the Aggies have yet add that can be relied on to hit deep shots in critical moments down the stretch.

While plenty of veteran shooting talent has already entered the portal, Williams is focused on experience, leading to the reveal that he has contacted former Colorado senior guard J’Vonne Hadley, whose most recent appearance in the NCAA Tournament resulted in a loss to Marquette in the round of 32, recording 7 points and six rebounds.

With 71 collegiate games under his belt, Hadley averaged a career-high 11.6 points per game in 2023, shooting an impressive 53% from the field and, most importantly, 41.7% from beyond the arc. Standing at 6-6, it’s no surprise that Hadley averaged six rebounds per game last season, which is a definite plus if the shooting holds up.

As the transfer portal continues to grow, Buzz Williams will have a lot on his plate concerning potential new additions while keeping most of his veteran roster from last season for a final run in the tournament.

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Texas A&M has shown interest in former Northern Kentucky guard who recently entered the transfer portal

Could Marques Warrick be headed to Aggieland?

Texas A&M’s 2023-2024 season ended at the hands of the No. 1-seed Houston Cougars in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, as senior forward Andersson Garcia’s incredible game-tying 3-pointer wasn’t enough to propel the Aggies to an overtime win.

For head coach Buzz Williams, getting back to the big dance for a second consecutive season is just the start of where the program could go starting next fall, as nearly every starter, outside of graduate guard Tyrece Radford, is set to return in 2024-2025.

However, until several key roster members, including Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and Andersson Garcia, officially announce their collective return, Williams must add at least two to three players from the portal this offseason.

Earlier this week, it was announced that former Northern Kentucky guard Marques Warrick, who recently finished his senior season with the Norse men, was averaging an impressive 19.9 points per game while shooting 42% from the field and nearly 87% from the charity stripe.

Standing at 6-2 and 185 pounds, Warrick’s ability to consistently drive the paint at the rim makes him an intriguing replacement for Radford, scoring 60% of his shots at the rim during the 2023 season. While his 29% showing from 3-point range seems problematic, Warrick’s range and consistency off fast breaks would easily mesh with the Aggie’s offensive scheme.

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Despite losing to Houston in the round of 32, Andersson Garcia’s game tying 3-pointer will be remembered forever

Texas A&M’s tournament run may be over, but Andersson Garcia’s game tying 3-pointer will forever live in out memories.

Texas A&M’s (21-15) 2023-2024 season ended after falling to the No. 1-seed Houston Cougars on Sunday night, failing to complete what looked to be an epic comeback after taking the game to overtime.

With just 1:20 left in regulation, the Aggies battled back from their 82-71 deficit on the backs of Tyrece Radford, Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and, most importantly, senior forward Andersson Garcia, who would go on to have his “one shining moment” at the buzzer.

Down 86-83 with 1.2 seconds on the clock, head coach Buzz Williams drew up a play that no one saw coming, as Radford inbounded to Garcia, who had only attempted 19 3-pointers on the year, quickly picked up the bounce pass at the top of the key, shooting what would become the most memorable shot in his playing career.

Fading away like a kid in his driveway shouting, “Kobe!” Garcia tied the game, causing an eruption from the crowd. He immediately placed his hands over his face, cemented on the ground while being tackled by his Aggie teammates in the process.

Sending the game into overtime, Houston, led by elite point guard Jamal Shead (21 points, ten assists) and Emmanuel Sharp (30 points, 7-10 3-point), continued to make shots while the Aggies failed to take advantage of the moment, eventually falling 100-95.

In contrast, a wave of disappointment briefly took over the A&M sideline. Still, despite the loss to one of the best teams in the country, Andersson Garcia’s Texas A&M career won’t just be remembered for setting the new program rebounding record.

While the Aggies can undoubtedly learn from the defeat, primarily caused by the 16 missed free throws coupled with a bad shooting night from Wade Taylor IV, the NCAA Tournament is beautiful and cruel. After falling in the first round last season, almost defeating a championship favorite is undoubtedly a step in the right direction heading into next season.

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Texas A&M has been in contact with former Arkansas guard who recently entered the transfer portal

Head coach Buzz Williams has reportedly been in contact with former Arkansas guard Devo Davis, who recently entered the transfer portal

Texas A&M’s 2023-2024 is ongoing, as the Aggies will now face the No. 1-seed Houston Cougars in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32 after blowing out Nebraska in the first round on Friday night.

While it may seem like head coach Buzz Williams’ attention is elsewhere, remember that recruiting through the transfer portal has become a 24/7 job, especially for a program that will lose several starters heading into next season. This week, former Arkansas guard Davonte “Devo” Davis entered the portal after four years with the Razorbacks, shocking the fan base.

Davis, who will have one more year of eligibility remaining, has reportedly been in contact with Williams and Texas A&M while surprisingly coming off his worst statistical season after averaging just 5.9 points per game while shooting an average of 36.3 % from the field and 24.2 % from 3-point range.

Knowing that veteran guard Tyrece Radford will run out of collegiate eligibility at the conclusion of the season, no one can replace what Radford brings instinctually, combined with his ability to finish consistently near the rim, but pairing another strong guard like Davis to pair with Wade Taylor IV and Manny Obaseki to provide a reliable paint presence and at least up above average outside shooting is pivotal prevent taking a step backward.

Standing at 6-4 and 185 pounds, Davis has the size and experience, while a season to improve under Buzz Williams’ guidance could result in a significant uptick in his play.

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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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Game time for No. 9-seed Texas A&M’s round of 32 matchup vs. No. 1-seed Houston has been announced

After defeating Nebraska in the first round, the Aggies will now face the No. 1-seeded Houston Cougars on Sunday night

Texas A&M is on to the round of 32 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament after thoroughly defeating Nebraska 98-83 on Friday night. However, it isn’t any easier here. The Aggies will now face No. 1-seed Houston on Sunday night. The Cougars are coming off a 40-point victory over Longwood in round one.

It’s been a wild ride for the Aggies thus far, who, just a month ago, were on the cusp of missing out on the big dance after enduring a miserable five-game losing streak, but after the emergence of junior guard Manny Obaseki, who has now scored nearly 130 points in his A&M’s last eight games, including 22 points against the Cornhuskers.

Joining his brilliance, fellow star junior guard Wade Taylor IV led the game with 25 points, including shooting 7-10 from 3-point range. In comparison, senior guard Tyrece Radford netted an efficient 20 points and 10 rebounds on the night while consistently attacking the basket at will.

Shooting an insane 56.5% (13-23) from deep, this type of elite shooting performance won’t happen tonight, especially against the No. 1-scoring defense in the country, as the Cougars limit opponents to an average of 56.7 points per game.

Hey, this is March, when anything can happen, so buckle up and make your plans now, as Texas A&M vs. Houston is set for 7:40 p.m. CT. and will air on TNT on Sunday, March 24.

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Janiah Barker & Aicha Coulibaly speak to media before Texas A&M plays Nebraska in March Madness

“I think we’re all really excited to be here. Honestly, all respect to Nebraska but we’re ready to do what we need to do… which is win.”

Prior to the Texas A&M women’s basketball team playing Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night, senior guard Aicha Coulibaly and sophomore forward Janiah Barker spoke to the media on Thursday.

“I was super excited because this is the first time that I’ve made it to the NCAA Tournament. I’m a senior and it was just a lot of excitement, I didn’t know what to say and it feels great,” Coulibaly explained. “They called our name really fast and I was just sitting in my chair, screaming and jumping all over the place and full of emotions. It’s exciting to see how far we came this season. We had some lows, ups and downs, but we kept fighting and this is where we’re at now, it feels great.”

Barker is grateful to be competing in March Madness as an underclassman.

“First, it’s a blessing to be here,” Barker said. “It was really cool and fun to be apart of the (selection process). It was all very genuine, we had an off day and then we came in ready to work. After the selection show, we saw the coaches and they left to go scout. They came to us and told us that we have a really good chance to do this and they believe in us. I think we’re all really excited to be here.

“Honestly, all respect to Nebraska and everyone here but we’re ready to do what we need to do… which is win.”

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How will Texas A&M look to contain Nebraska PG Keisei Tominaga?

Texas A&M’s first round matchup vs. Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament features star Cornhuskers guard Keisei Tominaga.

On Friday, 9-seed Texas A&M (20-14) will take on 8-seed Nebraska in the first Round of the NCAA Tournament, as both squads are competing in the South Region with a chance to likely take on the Top-seed Houston Cougars in the Round of 32.

Outside of the apparent irony surrounding former Athletic Director Trev Alberts’s transitioning to Texas A&M for the same role, we now know the selection committee has a sense of humor, but that’s not the real story behind the matchup. For the Aggies, star junior guard Wade Taylor IV is, as the kids say, an absolute bucket, but so is ascending senior Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga.

March Madness is made for players like Tominaga, whose underdog background, combined with his ability to hit circus-like shots due to his deep range, has likely led to more than half of the country hopping on the Cornhuskers bandwagon. This is also Nebraska’s first postseason appearance since 2014.

So, how will the Aggies prevent Tominaga from destroying their NCAA Tournament dreams? Well, this is more about A&M’s offense than defense, as the Aggies’ elite guard trio led by Taylor, Tyrece Radford, and emerging junior guard Manny Obaseki will need to take advantage of Nebraska’s 114th-ranked defense and attack the basket at will to put pressure on Tominaga to attempt 3-pointers if A&M can get out to a solid lead.

Even more important, head coach Buzz Williams will likely deploy highly athletic sophomore forward Solomon Williams to put pressure on Tominaga early, something that was not last March during the Aggies blowout lost to Penn State, who shot 59% from 3-point range.

Texas A&M will face Nebraska in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 22 at 5:50 p.m. CT. The game will air on TNT.

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Stephen A. Smith sees Texas A&M Basketball going the distance in the NCAA Tournament

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith selected Texas A&M Basketball to reach the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament

If you thought only Aggies fans were high on Texas A&M Basketball to make some noise in the NCAA Tournament starting this week, think again!

On Monday, during a segment on ESPN’s First Take, the loquacious and entertaining Stephen A. Smith shocked his co-host, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, when selecting their teams to reach the final four. While Sharpe went chalk (picking all No. 1 seeds), Smith countered by selecting 9-seed Texas A&M to make it all the way to Phoenix, Arizona.

Texas A&M’s road to the tournament has been a rocky one, going through the ebbs and flows ranging from a five-game losing streak in conference play to completely flipping the script to finish the season on a five-game winning streak, including a critical win over Kentucky in the SEC Tournament.

While it seems far-fetched on paper, the Aggies have proven that they play with anyone throughout the season, defeating Iowa State and Tennessee, sweeping Kentucky, and going toe-to-toe with the No. 1-seeded Houston Cougars inside the Toyota Center. So, while nearly everyone, including most Texas A&M fans, will disregard Smith’s prediction, anything can happen in March.

However, on Friday night, the Aggies must get past a tough Nebraska team led by sensational senior point guard Keisei Tominaga in Memphis, Tennessee. If A&M can get past the Cornhuskers, they’ll more than likely face Houston in what could be an epic rematch in the Round of 32.

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9-seed Texas A&M vs. 8-seed Nebraska NCAA Tournament game time has been announced

Texas A&M’s NCAA Tournament matchup vs. Nebraska in Memphis, Tennessee is set for Friday night at 5:50 CT.

Texas A&M (20-14, 9-9 SEC) has been selected as a 9-seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, taking on the 8-seed Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, March 22, in Memphis, Tennessee, in the South Region of the 68-team bracket, and an official time and broadcast station has officially been announced.

Outside of the apparent irony surrounding new athletic director Trev Alberts, who left Nebraska for the position less than a week ago, the selection committee for both the men and women obviously have a sense of humor after pitting both programs against each other for both tournaments.

Either way, you can plan to attend or watch the Aggie men take on the Cornhuskers on Friday, as the game is set for 5:50 CT. and will air on TNT.

While the Aggies have won five out of their last six matchups, Nebraska has been pretty consistent throughout the year. It is led by senior point guard Keisei Tominaga, who averaged 14 points per game and is a consistent shooting threat from deep.

However, Texas A&M’s elite guard trio of Wade Taylor IV, Tyrece Radford, and Manny Obaseki has made the Aggies a tough matchup for any team, as all three players have averaged double-digit scoring outputs in their last five games.

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