Ahead of Texas A&M Basketball’s Compete 4 Cause Classic against Texas Tech this weekend, Head coach Buzz Williams sat down to preview the upcoming season during the Aggies official Basketball Media Day on Thursday afternoon.
Ranked 15th in the newest preseason AP Poll, I wouldn’t ever worry about any Williams-led team letting any hype get to their heads, as this season’s highly talented squad is led by none other than preseason SEC Player of the Year, junior point guard Wade Taylor.
Filling out the backcourt, senior do-it-all guard Tyrece “Boots” Radford brings a wealth of skill and experience to the table. In contrast, the starting forward tandem of senior duo Henry Coleman and Julius Marble is as formidable as it gets in near the basket.
Outside of the starting unit, Williams’ went on to note the Aggies’ significant bench depth led by former five-star guard Manny Obaseki, Hayden Hefner, and versatile forward Andersson Garcia. At the same time, sophomore defensive stud forward Solomon Washington looks to take the next step in his development.
Williams also provided some breaking news regarding Julius Marble’s status in the program due to unknown circumstances.
Here is every Texas A&M Basketball head coach Buzz Williams had to say on Thursday afternoon.
Buzz Williams on Henry Coleman’s development this offseason
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“Henry (Coleman) has matured the most… Over the last couple of weeks, he has been as mature and a leader as he’s ever been.”
Buzz Williams on A&M’s tough non conference schedule this season
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“All of us are aware of what is on its way. I have tried to do a better job of holding them accountable for the little things that could be the difference between winning and losing.”
Buzz Williams on the Aggies’ experienced line up
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“We want to have a low transfer rate among players and coaches, that way, the message is the same. There is growth. It’s rare. I don’t take it for granted.”
Buzz Williams on SEC Preseason Player of the Year, junior guard Wade Taylor IV
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“Wade didn’t come on a visit. I saw him on my second day of employment here… We have always had great belief in him.
“I would be remiss to say I thought Wade would be SEC Preseason Player of the Year under 6-foot. That’s hard.”
Buzz Williams on guard Manny Obaseki’s development this offseason
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That was the 14th game of the season (when he injured his hand), so redshirting wants a choice. He missed the next 16 games.”
“We need him to be good.”
Buzz Williams on improving the Aggie’s defensive rebounding metrics
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“We finished 39th in the country on offense and 39th on the defense… We were first in free throw percentage and fourth in offensive rebound percentage.”
Williams says A&M was 168th in defensive rebound percentage and have focused on that this offseason.
Senior forward Julius Marble is reportedly not permitted to participate in current team activities
Texas A&M basketball forward Julius Marble is not permitted to participate in team activities due to a “university process” that is ongoing, per head coach Buzz Williams. Williams said he could not give specifics about the situation.
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) October 26, 2023
Buzz Williams on the Aggies’ upcoming charitable “Compete 4 Cause Classic” against Texas Tech
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“I am glad we are doing it for all of those families… It’s good we are playing Texas Tech.”