Tag: Wade Taylor IV

Instant reaction to Texas A&M basketball’s 71-54 win over Southern at Reed Arena

The Aggies bounce back after sluggish first half to blow past the Southern Jaguars

The No. 23 Texas A&M Aggies (4-1) survived a poor shooting first half in Reed Arena to beat the Southern Jaguars (1-4) 71-54, as the Aggies’ second-half explosion finished out their first home stand of the season.

It’s too early in the season to worry about trap games, but A&M had one of the most sluggish starts to a game I’ve seen in recent history. They shot a horrendous 22.9% from the field and 50% at the free-throw line. After the first 20 minutes rolled off the clock, the Aggies went into the locker room down 14 points to the unranked Jaguars.

Whatever head coach Buzz Williams told his team during halftime must have resonated because the Aggies came out with a burst of energy.

A&M took their first lead since early in the first half on a Jace Carter layup, putting them up 45-44. They went on a 28-5 run and expanded their lead to 53-44. Zhuric Phelps, Wade Taylor, and Andersson Garcia all finished in double figures, playing a much more efficient game in the second half.

A&M shook off a slow start to round themselves into shape and get back to Buzz Williams’ brand of basketball. Swarming defense and aggressive drives to the basket put the Maroon & White back in control of the game, allowing for some good work before they head out of town for the Players Era Festival.

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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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Best Photos from Texas A&M’s 78-64 win over Ohio State

Here are just some of the best photos from Texas A&M’s 78-64 win over Ohio State on Friday night

Texas A&M (3-1) has not played up to its potential against ranked competition during nonconference play under head coach Buzz Williams, but with what looks the best team he’s had during his sixth season with the program, Friday’s 78-64 win over No. 21 Ohio State sent clear message to the rest of the SEC.

Coming into the game, Ohio State’s 3-point shooting success took a step back after facing Texas A&M’s elite peremeter defense, holding the Buckeyes to 26% from byond the arc. However, A&M’s shooting wasn’t much better, but credit to the guard trio of Wade Taylor (15 points), Zhuric Phelps (14 points) and Manny Obaseki (15) for driving the paint and sutaining fouls.

Getting to the line on what felt like every possession, the Aggies shot 80% from the stripe, make 32 of 40 attempts which kept the double digit intanct throughout the second half.

After the game, head coach Buzz Williams noted that he offense is still finding its identity, which is a good sign with games against Oregon, Creighton, and Purdue upcoming.

Here are the best photos from No. 23 Texas A&M’s 78-64 win over No. 21 Ohio State.

 

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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Is this Texas A&M’s best basketball roster under head coach Buzz Williams?

Buzz Williams needs to take advantage of the talented roster he’s assembled this season

Texas A&M (1-1) evened up its record to start the 2024-2025 basketball season after defeating newly named East Texas A&M 87-55 on Friday night, just four days after dropping the season opener vs. UCF.

While it’s too early in the season to know just how good this team is, it’s abundantly clear that from a depth and overall talent perspective, this is the best team on paper that head coach Buzz Williams had built after landing guard Zhuric Phelps and starting center Pharell Payne from the transfer portal.

Right out of the gate, Payne has stood out as an athletic big who can run the floor and make the most of his scoring opportunities. In his first two appearances, he recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.

Making his season debut on Friday, former SMU guard Zhuric Phelps led the game with 18 points, which looked like a slight upgrade athletically compared to former veteran guard Tyrece Radford.

Payne, Phelps, and former Nebraska guard CJ Wilcher are just the new additions, as the return of star guard Wade Taylor alongside guard Manny Obaseki fills out the deep backcourt.

At the same time, forwards Andersson Garcia, Henry Coleman, and Solomon Washington bring back a lot of defensive talent and experience in areas that were lacking depth last season.

While it’s true that this team will go as far as Wade Taylor takes them, the senior may lead the team in scoring so far, but it’s been his 13 assists in two games that have opened up the offense, allowing players like senior guard Hayden Hefner to find his stroke from deep.

In his sixth season, head coach Buzz Williams deserves credit for building the Aggies into an SEC contender compared to what he inherited. Still, as we saw in the loss to UCF, slow starts must be avoided against teams like Ohio State, Oregon, and Creighton in nonconference play.

There’s a reason Texas A&M was ranked 13th in the country entering the season. Prove it.

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 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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Watch Texas A&M HC Buzz Williams preview the season opener against UCF

Here’s everything head coach Buzz Williams had to say ahead of Texas A&M basketball’s season opener vs. UCF

The Texas A&M basketball season will open on the road in Orlando when the Aggies take on UCF on Monday, Nov. 4, in Addition Financial Arena.

A&M has another tough non-conference schedule highlighted by No. 14 Purdue and No. 15 Creighton, but first, Buzz’s experienced team has a talented UCF team they can’t look over, especially since it’s an away game. This type of schedule will pay dividends when it comes to prepping them for SEC play and the selection committee at the end of the season.

Williams took a note from Texas A&M Football head coach Mike Elko this offseason. He utilized the transfer portal, adding commitments from former Nebraska shooting guard CJ Welcher, former SMU guard Zhuric Phelps, and former Minnesota center Pharrel Payne.

However, nothing trumps the return of star guard Wade Taylor IV, who will join senior guard Manny Obaseki in the starting backcourt, which looks like one of the better guard combinations in the country.

Ahead of Monday’s season opener vs. UCF, Buzz Williams spoke to the media, previewing the roster and matchup before tipoff.

Below, you can watch the entire press conference.

 

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Texas A&M Basketball’s 2024-2025 game times, channel info has been released

Texas A&M’s 2024-2025 basketball scheudle game times and network information has been released

Texas A&M’s 2024-2025 basketball season will officially begin on Monday, November 14th, as the Aggies will take on UCF inside Additional Financial Arena to open the year on the road.

Heading into his sixth season at the helm, Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams is coming off the Aggies’ best postseason finish during his time with the program after nearly defeating No. 1-seed Houston in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Knowing that this is just the first step to achieving their lofty goals, the Aggies revamped the roster this offseason to help senior star guard Wade Taylor IV in the backcourt, adding sharpshooter CJ Welcher and dependable scorer Zurich Phelps from the transfer portal.

Senior forward Henry Coleman and star defender Andersson Garcia return for a final season in the frontcourt, while Williams landed a commitment from former Minnesota big game Pharrel Payne to fill out the depth chart. However, senior guard Manny Obaseki, one of the top-scoring options at the end of the season, is the name to watch once the Aggies hit the court.

Over the past two seasons, Williams heard the calls to increase the early season difficulty of the schedule before conference play, seen in droves last season with games against Memphis and Houston, as the Aggies will face Ohio State, Texas Tech, Oregon, and possible Creighton, while one of the toughest matchups against Purdue in a neutral site game.

To open SEC play, the Aggies will face rival Texas, which is not a surprise to the fan base, and according to the updated schedule, 25 of Texas A&M’s games will be broadcast on either ESPN, ESPN2, or SEC Network.

Here is the link to all the game times, broadcast information, and ticket information for every Texas A&M basketball game during the 2024-2025 season.

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Texas A&M Basketball’s matchup vs. Purdue Game Time, Channel has been revealed

Texas A&M’s big time Dec. 14 matchup vs. Purdue will air on CBS

Texas A&M’s 2024-2025 basketball season will officially begin on Monday, November 14th, as the Aggies will take on UCF inside Additional Financial Arena to open the year on the road.

While Texas A&M Football is off to a 5-1 start, Aggie basketball under sixth-year head coach Buzz Williams is on the up and up, starting with the return of star point guard Wade Taylor IV. At the same time, Williams added three veterans from the transfer portal this offseason, including former SMU leading scorer Zhuric Phelps.

Outside of veteran guard Tyrece Radford departing the program, two-way guard Manny Obaseki returns to what should be a starting role after ending the 2023-2024 season as one of the most reliable scorers in the SEC, while senior forward Henry Coleman also returns to the front court for a final season.

Over the past two seasons, Williams heard the calls to increase the early season difficulty of the schedule before conference play, seen in droves last season with games against Memphis and Houston, as the Aggies will face Ohio State, Texas Tech, Oregon, and possible Creighton, while one of the toughest matchups against Purdue in a neutral site game.

While Purdue star center Zach Edey has departed for the NBA, the Boilermakers are still one of the top programs in the country. On paper, this will be a guard-based matchup, giving the Aggies a slight edge.

Texas A&M vs. Purdue will be held at 11:00 a.m. CT on Saturday, December 14, inside the Indiana Pacers’ Arena. The game will air on CBS.

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