Tyrece Radford hints at potential return to Texas A&M for the 2023 season
The seven-seeded Texas A&M Aggies’ season came to an abrupt end at the hands of the streaking 10-seed Penn State Nittany Lions in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night, blown out of the building to the tune of 76-59 behind the 3-point shooting of Penn State guard Andrew Funk, who hit 8-10 from beyond the arc for a game-high 27 points.
In a microscope, Texas A&M Athletics has collapsed, Buzz Williams’ is the worst coach in program history, and Battered Aggie Syndrome is at an all-time high, until Monday hits and a new work week takes over, of course.
So, getting past the emotional fandom buffoonery, things are looking up for Aggie hoops heading into the offseason, as three out of the five starters (Wade Taylor IV, Henry Coleman III, Julius Marble) from this season are slated to return, while senior guard Dexter Dennis will officially depart after one of his best collegiate campaigns, developing a close relationship with not only his team but the Aggie Network. What about Tyrece “Boots” Radford you ask? Well, during an interview with GigEm247 Beat Reporter Carter Karels, Radford was asked if he’s decided to potentially return for the 2023 season with one more year of eligibility remaining, stating,
“I have not made a decision yet. My options are open to come back. I am not going to take this life for granted. It has been a year. So I would not put it past – you may see me next year.”
When asked what will go into making such as big decision, Radford responded,
“Just time. Obviously conversations with the head guy, (A&M head coach) Buzz (Williams). That is my guy for life. Conversations with (associate head) coach Devin Johnson. That is my guy. And taking time away from the facility, chatting with my family, my loved ones and making the right decision. I do not think either one would be a bad decision. I am not going to overlook the opportunity to be here again and have a different outcome.”
Lastly, Radford was asked what the team would look like with most of the roster returning, including key bench pieces such as Andersson Garcia and Hayden Hefner.
“It is going to be the exact same team. We are going to be missing a big piece, which is Dexter Dennis. He is kind of hard to replace. But somebody like myself, if I came back, would have to step up more than me. We’ve got Wade Taylor coming back. Henry Coleman, Julius (Marble), Manny Obaseki is coming back, Hayden Hefner is coming back. A number of guys. Roles are going to be different. And what I mean by different is, they are going to have to step up, play more minutes or do the unthinkable.”
Radford, who averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season, returning to the lineup next season would not only give Texas A&M a huge leg up in the SEC race but paired with potential additions through the transfer portal, this would be the best roster Buzz Williams has possessed during his time in College Station.
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