After Texas A&M opened the 2024-2025 basketball season with a somewhat shocking road loss to UCF, many of us believed that former SMU guard Zhuric Phelps, who missed the game, left a hole the Aggie offense, especially after center Pharell Payne fouled out of the game.
On Friday, Phelps made his Texas A&M debut against newly named East Texas A&M. The Aggies were dominant on offense and defense, blowing out the visitors 87-55 behind Phelp’s dazzling introduction.
It’s not like Phelps is new to the scene or anything after averaging 14.8 and 17.8 points per game during his final two seasons at SMU, known as a driving force in the paint. After veteran Texas A&M guard Tyrece Radford departed the program this offseason, head coach Buzz Williams knew that Phelps, on paper, at least, looked like Radford’s replacement.
In 18 minutes, Phelps came off the bench determined to prove his importance within A&M’s deep roster. He shot 61% from the field while effortlessly finessing his way into the paint for a game-high 18 points, showing a soft touch on every layup.
Texas A&M’s paint presence finally has a reliable big man in Pharrell Payne to match up with Henry Coleman. This opens up the pick-and-roll for Phelps to shred defense inside and open up the perimeter offense.
This makes star guard Wade Taylor IV’s job easier. The senior’s 10 points and notable six assists proved that dishing the rock results in efficient scoring, with senior guards Manny Obaseki and Zhuric Phelps being able to drive in the paint whenever they’re on the court.
Texas A&M will continue its homestay over the next four games, set to host Lamar on Monday, Nov. 11.
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