A&M looks to build on last year's success in season opener vs. ULM
They’re bigger. They’re deeper. They may be even more athletic.
Poring over the Texas A&M basketball roster, it’s easy to rationalize how the Aggies could be better than last season when they closed by winning 12 of their last 15 and reached the NIT final.
But there will be one significant omission when the Aggies open the season Monday night at 7 p.m. against ULM at Reed Arena.
Guard Quenton Jackson — who keyed that A&M surge by averaging 17.8 points — is now pursuing an NBA career. His absence may leave a hole in the A&M offense.
But there’s conjecture that guard Manny Obaseki can at least partially fill that void.
“I think he can,” A&M senior guard Boots Radford said. “He’s young. He’s very athletic. His skill set is unmatched.”
Obaseki is athletic. He’s strong. He’s explosive. Just like Jackson.
“We need him to make simple plays,” A&M coach Buzz Williams said. “We need him to guard the better perimeter players with force. We need him to have more of a presence on the glass because athletically, and strength-wise, if he can get the defensive rebound too, he’s good enough that he can initiate the offense in the full court. Last year, I wouldn’t have said that I feel I was that comfortable in that regard. He’s really improved.”
Obaseki echoed that thought.
“I believe my skill set is a lot better than it was before,” said Obaseki, who worked extensively to improve his jump shot. “I’m excited. I think that’s been a big part of my game that I’ve improved.”
That isn’t meant to imply Obaseki will replace Jackson’s production. Obaseki only averaged 3.6 points as a freshman, though he provided more scoring in the last four NIT games.
That’s a long way from becoming one of the more dominant players in the Southeastern Conference.
But Obaseki doesn’t have to match Jackson’s scoring.
The addition of 6-foot-9 junior Julius Marble, a transfer from Michigan State, figures to boost inside scoring.
The arrival of 6-foot-5 guard Dexter Dennis, a transfer from Wichita State, should add more perimeter scoring.
Also, the return of Radford, junior forward Henry Coleman and sophomore guard Wade Taylor IV gives Williams a proven — and improving — nucleus with which to work.
Last season, Radford averaged 10.9 points. Coleman averaged 11 points. Taylor averaged 8.2.
“We’re trying to do some things in the full court that will be more advantageous for us,” Williams said. “I think we can score at the rim a little better than we have since (Josh) Nebo left (two seasons ago).”
Marble, who averaged 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds for Michigan State last year, is confident he and Coleman can be a strong duo inside.
“Me and Henry are big strong guys,” Marble said. “We won’t be having too much trouble getting rebounds with us two in the game.
“I think we play off each other really well. I’ll play on the perimeter a bit little more when he’s driving and space out a little bit better because he’s able to attract so much attention when he goes into the paint. I feel like we’re going to click really well.”
A&M needs more front-court power.
However, the Aggies' late-season surge a year ago corresponded with Williams’ altering the offense to feature Radford and Jackson on the perimeter.
It would be surprising if Williams completely abandoned that approach. That could mean Obaseki stepping into Jackson’s role.
“Our offense is different but the same, and there are more guys,” Obaseki said. “It’s not necessarily going to be the same as last year. You can put Boots and me in any spot. You can put Julius in any spot. You can put Wade in any spot. You can put Dex in any spot. KK (Arkansas transfer Khalen Robinson) is in any spot.
“They’re going to do what they need to do. They can score from all levels. It’s not going to be the same, but it’s going to be somewhat the same.
“Last year, we weren’t really a great shooting team. I feel like we’re a way better shooting team this year. We have a lot of shooters. It’s going to be exciting to watch.”
