Everything HC Buzz Williams said before Texas A&M vs. Michigan in the second round

[ASFN Admin]

4-seed Texas A&M (23-10) defeated 13-seed Yale 80-71 on Thursday night behind an elite defensive showing coupled with forward Pharrel Payne's 25 points and 10 rebounds in one of the most dominant performances during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

With the win, the Aggies move on to the round of 32 to face 5-seed Michigan on Saturday afternoon. The Wolverines' size advantage in the frontcourt makes this a tough matchup for any team. However, the Aggies possess one of the deepest rosters in the country, starting with senior guard Wade Taylor IV, Manny Obaseki, and Zhuric Phelps, who will all need to make an impact early and often.

Texas A&M also holds an advantage defensively, forcing 13 turnovers and nine steals against the Bulldogs. Like the Aggies, Michigan turns the ball over at a high clip, ranking 334th nationally with 14 turnovers per game, which is good news for head coach Buzz Williams, who will continue to change up A&M's defensive scheme.

Ahead of the game, Williams, Wade Taylor, senior forward Andersson Garcia, and Manny Obasiki spoke to the media before facing the Wolverines. Here is what they had to say.

Andersson Garcia on facing Michigan​

"I feel like we have a good plan for this game. We just have to follow what the coaches are telling us to do. I feel like we'll do a great job playing against those talented players."

Manny Obaseki on Texas A&M's defensive mindset​

"From a defensive standpoint, Coach Devin has done a great job with our gameplan. We know they turn the ball over a lot and we plan to capitalize on that. We want to focus on being disciplined and shrinking the floor."

Wade Taylor IV on getting past Yale​

"We got the first one under our belt so we want to capitalize on that. We've got the game flow under our belt. We have to follow the gameplan and stay true to our foundation."

Wade Taylor IV on being one win away from the Sweet 16​

"We were in position last year. Tomorrow is a different opponent and a different game. A win tomorrow would help a lot of us."

Wade Taylor IV on preparing for the Wolverines​

"Our coaching staff has a good plan that we plan on executing. We have a few common opponents so we'll take bits and pieces from that to be successful and make sure we give them a rough day."

Wade Taylor IV on what motivates him during his final collegiate season​

"These guys I'm sitting with right here. We've been through a lot. We've heard it all. We've been underdogs. We're just trying to continue to be the best we can be. We still have special things we can accomplish."

Manny Obaseki praises senior guard Zhuric Phelps​

"Zhuric Phelps is an all-conference player. He's done a tremendous job leading this team with Wade this year. I'm happy for him and I'm glad we got him. You never know who's going to show out each night and that's what makes us so dangerous."

Buzz Williams on facing Michigan​

"We've enjoyed studying them. Most of us stayed to watch their game. I didn't realize we had played six common opponents. They've only played one team that plays our style. I didn't realize they play as fast as they do."

Buzz Williams praises Michigan HC Dusty Mays​

"Coach May is a genius. He's had an unbelievable start to a Hall of Fame career. He represents all that is right in college athletics. From studying him, there's a lot of uniqueness in how they play. Obviously, I think they've done a great job."

Buzz Williams on the advantage of playing Dusty May during his final season with FAU last season​

"I remember the game. There are players on that team that are now in the SEC. Vlad Goldin was there. How they utilize him is the same, but it's not their exact style."

Buzz Williams on dealing with outside opinions through social media​

"I've spent more time with our players on the reaction of others than I ever had. That's what comes with this now. The opinions of others seem to influence decision-making. What's troubling is when it comes from the inside."

Buzz Williams on his senior roster making Texas A&M basketball history​

"What has happened with our group probably won't happen anymore to have such a large contingent of returning pieces. Wade, Henry, Andy, Hayden. Tomorrow, Hayden will have played in more games than anyone in the history of Texas A&M."

Buzz Williams on the rarity of playing with eight seniors and the same coaching staff​

"This is only the second time in 113 years of Texas A&M that we've played in three straight NCAA Tournaments. In Wade's tenure here, we've had one staff change. The continuity of the staff and the team with Wade and MO has been a rarity."

Buzz Williams on Texas A&M's depth heading into Saturday​

"Starters really don't matter. We're going to play 10 guys double-digit minutes. The team knows that."

Buzz Williams on Michigan's potential attrition after playing five games in nine days​

"This is Michigan's fifth game in nine days. This is our second game in nine days. I don't know how that will impact both teams. The resiliency and resolve will take over. That's why it's March Madness."

Buzz Williams on the future of revenue sharing​

"It will continue to create a wider gap between mid-majors and power teams. You'll find even more separation. I'm not sure what the leaders in this will decide. I'm not sure what it will be five years from now."

Buzz Williams on Michigan's offensive play style​

"Michigan's style of play is very unique. Not just their pace, but the way they score and the two tallest players on their team shoot 50 percent of their free throws. We have to make sure what we give our guys is appropriate."

Texas A&M will play the winner of No. 5 Michigan (25-9) on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. CT. on TBS in the second round on Saturday afternoon.

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.

This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M HC Buzz Williams, three Aggies speak before facing Michigan

Continue reading...