Jayme’s Texas A&M preview was so dynamic that we cut it into two parts. Read the first one here.
the daily #138 | 12/16/2023 | Archives
In the second part of the A&M preview, my focus is on Aggie personnel. Houston will focus on defensive rebounding in this game. They cannot give the Aggies multiple shots – they’re a lot like the Cougars in this regard.
They thrive on putbacks and are as good in the half-court offense as they are in transition. They’re #8 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.
Personnel (Red Indicates Probable Starters)
#4- Wade Taylor IV: 6’0” Jr. 17ppg, 3rpg, 5apg. (1st Team Preseason All-SEC)
– Elite three-level scorer (three-point, midrange, and at the rim).
– Can shoot the three from DEEP; he will shoot the three in transition and off the dribble.
– Leads the Aggies in scoring and assists.
– Will turn it over if pressured. Sometimes, he tries to do too much.
– Settles for bad shots.
#15- Henry Coleman III: 6’8” Sr. 13ppg, 9rpg.
– Athletic big man with a fantastic motor!
– Not a traditional big man with his back to the basket.
– Great at catching in the high post and attacking the rim. Also, a great passer out of the high post.
– Phenomenal rebounder on both ends of the court. (#2 rebounder in the SEC).
#23- Tyrece “Boots” Radford: 6’3” Gr. 12ppg, 4rpg. (2nd Team Preseason All SEC)
– Outstanding three-level scorer from the left hand. Good outside shooter.
– At his best when he can get in the lane and make a play.
– UH considers him an offensive rebounding threat.
– Has been injured most of the season. Returned vs. Memphis and got better throughout the game.
– Kelvin expects him to be 100%.
#2- Hayden Hefner: 6’6” Sr. 8ppg, 2rpg.
– Great three-point and dribble pull-up shooter.
– Hasn’t been a great free throw shooter this year (4/12).
10- Wildens Leveque: 6’11” Gr. 3ppg, 4rpg.
– Strong/Big Post Player.
– Not overly skilled on offense, but a good rim protector and GREAT rebounder.
– Has started every game but only averages 12 minutes per game.
– Has been an excellent FT shooter for the last two seasons.
#11- Andersson Garcia: 6’7” Gr. 3ppg, 4rpg.
– The A&M player Kelvin Sampson said he loves. Garcia gets a lot out of his talent.
– Long, athletic forward.
– Subs in quickly for Leveque.
– Good at ducking in the post.
– Loves to use the pump fake to draw fouls.
– Outstanding rebounder, especially on the offensive end (#14 in the country). Very active defender.
– Capable of making the three but has not been consistent.
#0- Jace Carter: 6’6” Jr. 7ppg, 4rpg.
– CONFIDENT/Capable/Streaky 3-level scorer.
– Looks to bring instant offense off the bench. Watch out if he gets hot!
#13- Solomon Washington: 6’7” So. 6ppg, 5rpg.
– Very athletic wing. Great motor/energy guy off the bench.
– Has not been a great outside shooter but can make difficult shots in the paint.
#35- Manny Obaseki: 6’4” Jr. 6ppg.
– LEFTY Athletic guard.
– Solid three-point shooter and rim attacker.
#3- Bryce Lindsay: 6’3” Fr. 2ppg.
– Backup point guard. If he plays, he is a capable outside threat.
#5- Eli Lawrence: 6’5” Gr. 3ppg.
– LEFTY backup guard. If he plays, he brings an offensive spark and is a solid defender.
#34- Julius Marble: 6’9” Sr. No Stats
– Has not played this season, and I’m unsure if he will play against us.
– He’s likely their best traditional big man, best post defender, and a huge energy guy.
Keys To Victory
1. Keep the glass clean.
2. Wade Taylor IV is the head of the snake. Must cut him off. We must know where he is at all times. He can score from WAY downtown, off the dribble for the pull-up, and at the rim for a floater or layup. He is a sneaky shooter, meaning he will launch a three you may not expect. Must challenge all of his shots.
3. Communication on defense. They have several guys that can shoot the 3. When we “blitz” the pick and roll, we must communicate and ensure we rotate to their shooters. We can’t afford to give Hefner, Carter, and their friends open looks.
4. Handle the runs. Basketball is a game of runs. They are going to make them. Who will make the big shot that slows down the opponent’s momentum (I call that a sit down and shut up shot)? They are not going to go away easily.
5. Win hustle plays. The team on the floor for loose balls, flies around on defense, and reduces second-chance points probably wins this game. The Coogs and the Ags are very similar teams. UH must play their game.
