Everything HC Buzz Williams and three Aggies said after second round loss to Michigan

USA Today

23-03-2025

Everything HC Buzz Williams and three Aggies said after second round loss to Michigan
Texas A&M's 2024-2025 season ended at 23-11 after falling to 5-seed Michigan 91-79 in another disappointing exit in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. As it's been all season, the Aggie fan base is divided regarding head coach Buzz Williams' future with the program despite three consecutive trips to the Big Dance, which should be lauded.
However, wins and losses are all that matter in the eyes of every fan base, especially considering Texas A&M's financial advantage over small programs. Saturday's loss to the Wolverines teams was somewhat devastating given the circumstances, including the play of junior forward Pharrel Payne, who scored a team-high 26 points after scoring 25 in the round 1 win over 13-seed Yale.
After leading by double-digits at the 13-minute mark of the second half, thanks to star guard Wade Taylor IV's resurgence after going scoreless in the first half, Williams' decision to keep the Aggies 3/4 pressure defense led to Michigan's scoring surge. Taylor's only 3-pointer of the game resulted in Texas A&M's final 70-66 lead before the Wolverines ended things for good.
The NCAA Tournament is a consistently unforgiving event. However, this was considered Texas A&M's best team in the last two decades; the Aggies' offense was never good enough to make a deep run, leading to the most critical offseason in Buzz Williams' tenure with the program.
After the loss, here is everything Buzz Wiliams, Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and Henry Coleman III had to say.
Wade Taylor IV on what went wrong down the stretch
"I thought we were getting good predictable shots. They didn't fall. We tried to continue to get stops, we just didn't. I thought that final shot was going in. It didn't. You live and you learn. God is teaching me something. I'm forever grateful."
Henry Coleman III on the 'character' Texas A&M showed this season
"When you have guys with great character, you're going to continue to fight. It wasn't the result we wanted. Credit to these guys, they kept fighting. For all the guys, they fought all game. That comes with great character."
Manny Obaseki on what he and the senior accomplished under Buzz Williams
"I want y'all to remember us by how hard we worked and the things we accomplished over the last four to five years. The people who played a part in what has transpired weren't by coincidence. It shows you how special Buzz is as a leader."
Henry Coleman III on being out-rebounded by Michigan
"We just didn't have the fight on the glass today. Towards the end, the balls didn't bounce our way, but that doesn't discredit the effort Michigan gave on their end. Credit to Coach May. They got us on that."
Wade Taylor IV played his heart out for four years
"I gave it my all every night no matter what was said or what people thought. I'm forever thankful for my guys and the coaching staff that brought me here. We had a heck of a run these last four years. I'm proud of what we accomplished."
Henry Coleman III is thankful for every win and loss in his Aggie career
"We thank God for all of our wins and losses. We're just super thankful. It's not the result we wanted, but the faith we've had this whole time has been unbelievable. For Manny and Wade, they are two of the hardest workers I know."
Wade Taylor IV on the foundation built during his career
"We set a good foundation of how Texas A&M basketball looks. A lot of people want to be a part of this because of what we did. We have a lot of guys in that locker room who are ready to fight next year. I'm excited to see what Coach has for them."
Henry Coleman III with his official send-off after three seasons
"Texas A&M has impacted our lives. We're thankful for it. It's changed my life. We didn't hit every shot or get every rebound, but we tried. One thing you'll never be able to say about this team is that we never tried."
Manny Obaseki praises HC Buzz Williams
"Buzz is one of the greatest people you will ever meet and one of the greatest coaches of all time. He's changed my life. I'm so thankful for him. Coach Buzz means the world to me and I love him. He'll always be one call or text away."
Buzz Williams is focused on Texas A&M, not his critics
"The opinion of others doesn't impact me. What has impacted me is the relationship I have with these guys. It's an emotional time. We wanted to win for the right reasons and we just wanted to continue to stay together."
Buzz Williams on what went wrong late against Michigan
"We didn't finish at the rim at the rate we need to. We fouled way too much. We are dependent on shooting more balls from the field and free throw line. To allow them in the bonus so quickly in both halves goes against us."
Buzz Williams on the bright future ahead for his senior roster
"This team, team No. 113 for Texas A&M, ended 45 minutes ago. I can't say anything to solve that. I let them know how much I love them and care for them. No matter where they go, none of that impacts the relationship and how much I care."
Buzz Williams on his plan to attack the transfer portal as soon as it opens on Monday
"Every coach knows the portal starts Monday, so we'll travel tomorrow. Our staff is ahead on where I need to go. You want to put together the best roster each year. Each year we've been better in how we've assimilated our roster."
Buzz Williams on Michigan's second-half run after leading 70-66
"At the eight-minute timeout, we had 70 points, leading 70-66. We were doing really well. After that, we didn't finish at the rim, got them in the bonus, didn't shoot enough balls, didn't protect the rim, and didn't get another turkey."
Buzz Williams on the importance of relationship building within the program
"I think the transformational relationships, the true love in our program, means no agenda. We want to help them be better players but we want our program to be total development. The relationships were built on faith, hope and love."
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