Latest news with #PharrelPayne
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M transfer portal tracker under new HC Bucky McMillan
Texas A&M transfer portal tracker under new HC Bucky McMillan New Texas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan has been hard at work since being hired two weeks ago. He inherited a depleted roster after Buzz Williams departed for Maryland, taking four players with him, including starting forwards Pharrel Payne and Solomon Washington. Building a roster isn't impossible in today's transfer portal era, but competing with every other program for talent is the real challenge, especially in the vaunted SEC. So far, McMillan's influence has led to his first two additions from the portal, starting with North Alabama star guard Jacari Lane on Saturday, followed by Kansas transfer forward Zach Clemence on Sunday afternoon. Fans worried about the pace of additions should know that the recruiting dead period recently ended. McMillan has ramped up his calls to players, including veteran Oklahoma guard Duke Miles, who is visiting Texas A&M on Tuesday through Wednesday. So far, Pharrel Payne, Solomon Washington, and redshirt freshmen Andre Mills (guard) and George Turkson Jr. (forward) have transferred to Maryland. In contrast, freshman guard Jasir Rencher opted to sign with Washington after McMillon took over. However, incoming freshman guard Jeremiah Green opted to stay with the Aggies, which is significant news. To help keep track, here is the updated transfer portal addition tracker ahead of Bucky McMillan's first season at the helm. Guard Jacari Lane (North Alabama) Classification: Senior 2024 stats: 17.3 points per game, 4.0 assists, 42% from the field, 40% from 3-point range Forward Zach Clemence (Kansas) Classification: Senior 2024 stats: 1.4 points per game, 1.4 rebounds, 44% from the field Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
02-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M star forward has entered the transfer portal
Texas A&M star forward has entered the transfer portal It's being reported that the Texas A&M F/C Pharrel Payne has entered the transfer portal with a "Do Not Contact" tag. Payne's outstanding contributions this season have cemented his place as one of the most efficient players in NCAA basketball. Playing a vital role in Texas A&M's journey to one of the highest NCAA Tournament seeds in program history, he showcased his skill and consistency by shooting an impressive 65% from the field, alongside averages of 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His performance soared during March Madness, where he delivered incredible numbers, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shooting a remarkable 80% from the field, making him nearly unstoppable. With Buzz Williams departing to Maryland, Payne's decision to enter the transfer portal has sparked significant interest among basketball programs. His elite performance in the tournament has undoubtedly opened numerous opportunities for him. Texas A&M's ability to quickly secure a new coach could influence Payne's decision to remain with the Aggies or explore new options elsewhere. Regardless of his choice, Payne has earned immense respect and admiration from Aggie fans for his dedication, efficiency, and unforgettable impact on the team's success this season. The hope remains that he will continue to flourish in his basketball journey. Below, you can see the announcement Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Assessing Texas A&M basketball's 2025-2026 roster in its early stages
Assessing Texas A&M basketball's 2025-2026 roster in its early stages Texas A&M's 2024-2025 season ended at the hands of 5-seed Michigan in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling 91-79 after leading most of the game before the Wolverines took over late in the second half. Behind forward Pharrel Payne's 26 points, coach Buzz Williams confusingly stopped feeding Payne after Michigan began its comeback. Combined with poor second-half defense, the Aggies couldn't match Michigan's shooting and up-tempo play, leading to the program's second straight loss in the second round after falling to Houston last season. Even before the NCAA Tournament, Aggie fans are aware of the future departures, which include eight seniors, led by all-time scoring guard Wade Taylor IV, forward Henry Coleman and Andersson Garcia, guards Manny Obaseki, Jace Carter and Hayden Hefner, and transfer guards Zhuric Phelps and CJ Wilcher. Eight is considerable, but this was always the case heading into the season. Knowing Buzz Williams' past transfer portal success, which included adding Pharrel Payne this time last year, trusting his process is based on reality, not hope. Note: Outside of the eight departing graduates, four freshmen and one sophomore are the only players outside Pharrel Payne and Solomon Washington who are set to return next season. Junior forward Pharrel Payne 2024-2025 season stats: 10.4 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 64.6% FG Pharrel Payne's dominance in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 51 points in both games, wasn't shocking given his elite skillset, and by the looks of it, the Minnesota native is set to return next season as the face of the team. However, Payne will likely be vaulted into the starting lineup next season after coming off the bench this season. Junior forward Solomon Washington 2024-2025 season stats: 4.7 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 35.8% FG Solomon Washington and Pharrel Payne are the only key contributors set to return next season. While Washington is one of the top defensive players in the country, his scoring will need to increase if Buzz Williams cannot land as many transfer players as he'd like. Sophomore forward Chris McDermott 2024-2025 season stats: 1.3 points per game, 2.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 37.5% FG Chris McDermott is filled with potential, appearing in a handful of games as the only freshman to see playing time this season. Coming into the program, the Houston native one shot nearly 60% from the field during his senior year, possessing the athleticism and rebounding ability to take the next step in his development. Redshirt freshman forward George Turkson Jr. 2024-2025 season stats: Did not play Texas A&M's forward rotation next season will see a new name to the lineup, as former four-star prospect George Turkson Jr., alongside four-star guard Andre Mills, redshirted during the 2024-2025 season to save eligibility. Turkson, like Chris McDermott, is another athletic big man and one of the top defenders in the 2025 recruiting class. Redshirt freshman guard Andre Mills 2024-2025 season stats: Did not play Like George Turkson, Andre Mills opted to redshirt this season and will be ready to play next fall. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Mills averaged 30 points per game and eight rebounds during his senior season, choosing the Aggies over Iowa, Boston College, UMass, and Providence. Mills is a pure scorer who should provide adequate depth next season. Redshirt freshman forward Janusz Ratowski 2024-2025 season stats: Did not play Another big man destined to see playing time next season, Polish forward Janusz Ratowski, is a skilled shooter who could become a key role player as soon as next season. Throughout his prep career, Ratowski has improved as a defender and rebounder, and I'll be the first to say that Aggie fans should be excited about his potential. Redshirt junior guard Jaelyn Lee 2024-2025 season stats: 1.0 points per game, 0.8 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 33.3 % FG Out of Paris, Texas, 6'8" guard Jaelyn Lee could finally crack a guard rotation that will look completely different next season and brings a ton of length and length to a backcourt in need of more consistent scoring. Lee's ability is relatively unknown outside of his successful high school career, but he has waited his turn to prove his worth, which is coming soon. Texas A&M's 2025 signing class Four-star guard Jeremiah Green Four-star guard Jasir Rencher Three-star guard Aaron Glass Of all three signees, Jasir Rencher's historic senior season and his elite shooting skillset could place him in the starting lineup next season. At the same time, Jeremiah Green is highly athletic and could contribute in 2026. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
HC Buzz Williams and his staff are 'ahead' regarding the transfer portal opening on Monday
HC Buzz Williams and his staff are 'ahead' regarding the transfer portal opening on Monday Texas A&M (23-11) couldn't get past the second round of the NCAA Tournament for a consecutive season, falling to 5-seed Michigan 91-79 in one of the more lopsided second halves the Aggies endured this season. After leading 39-35 at the half, junior forward Pharrel Payne's 26 points helped build a double-digit lead at the 13-minute mark of the second half. Still, due to defensive lapses and head coach Buzz Williams' odd choice to move away from Payne late in the game when the Wolverines made their run, the Aggies folded and never regained the lead. Wade Taylor IV and seven other seniors' college careers ended disappointingly. Williams not making it past the second round in all three of Texas A&M's NCAA Tournament appearances has the fan base split on his future. Still, nothing points toward Williams losing his job. His career with the program will be judged by how he navigates the transfer portal, having to replace all eight seniors, which includes losing forwards Henry Coleman III and Andersson Garcia. At the same time, Solomon Washington and Pharrel Payne are the only key contributors returning to the front court. Losing Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and Zhuric Phelps will also be an extremely tough task to replace. Still, during the postgame press conference, Williams noted that the Aggies are ahead of schedule and prepared to move once the college basketball transfer portal 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." Analyzing Texas A&M's future 2025-2026 roster will take time, but after picking up key pieces last offseason, which included Zhuric Phelps and Pharrel Payne, the fan base should trust that Buzz will replenish the roster and add to the returning sophomores who have yet to make an impact. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M men's basketball team loses to Michigan 91-79 in second round of March Madness
Texas A&M men's basketball team loses to Michigan 91-79 in second round of March Madness 4-seed Texas A&M's (23-11) 2024-2025 basketball season came to a disappointing end in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament against 5-seed Michigan in a game where the Aggies led by ten points early in the second half, only to be outscored 56-40 after halftime. Texas A&M lost 91-79 for a consecutive second-round exit in the tournament. It is confusing why head coach Buzz Williams stopped feeding forward Pharrel Payne once the Wolverines hit their stride late in the second half. The junior finished with 26 points after scoring 25 in the opening-round win over Yale. Defensively, Texas A&M's 3/4 press was overused, leading to Michigan gaining offensive momentum with its two bigs. Guard Roddy Gayle hit four 3-pointers amid his 26-point outing and second-half dominance, matching the Aggies shot for shot as the A&M's lead dwindled between four and two points before Michigan's game-sealing run. It's important to note that before his shooting performance on Saturday, Gayle had only hit three 3-pointers in his last 21 games. In the final 13 minutes of the game, Texas A&M hit just six field goals and were held scoreless from the field for six minutes. Even worse, with 1:29 left, Michigan's nine-point lead was cut to three points after Aggies' senior guard Zhuric Phelps' free throws, leading to Andersson Garcia's almost-steal before Wolverines guard Tre Donaldson hit a tough layup on the other end. Senior guard Wade Taylor IV's Texas A&M career ended with one of the worst shooting lines. He went 2-14 from beyond the arc against Yale and Michigan, and his one 3-pointer gave the Aggies their final 70-66 lead before the Wolverines took over. For Texas A&M's eight seniors, ending their college careers with a loss is heart-crushing, especially for Wade Taylor, the program's all-time scoring leader who has never made it past the tournament's second round in four seasons. Buzz Williams' contract runs through the 2028 season, but another questionable early exit in March will certainly heat things up in the coming days. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
