Tyrece Radford named Southeastern Conference Player of the Week

Tyrece Radford was awarded Southeastern Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his three seasons in College Station following standout performances in victories over Missouri and Tennessee, the league announced Monday afternoon.

"Boots” — as head coach Buzz Williams nicknamed Radford for being “tough as leather” — topped the scoring column with 22 points in the pivotal win in Columbia and 27 in the Quad 1 win on Saturday. He also pulled down five rebounds and dished out five assists vs. the Volunteers.

Radford's dependability and knack for playing a blue-collar brand of basketball have been key to repositioning his team back in postseason contention. It’s been needed more than ever.

Two weeks ago, Radford delivered 26 points while shooting a season-best 62 percent from the floor as A&M prevailed past Florida 67-66 and narrowly averted a major setback.

Radford has strung together three straight performances of at least 20 points for the first time in his career, which previously included a stint at Virginia Tech.

Now, Williams & Co. find themselves in the midst of another February surge.

Comprising a powerful backcourt duo with SEC Preseason Player of the Year Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M is 12-1 this season when Radford eclipses the 20-point mark.

Continuing that trend would keep the Maroon & White on the path toward participating in March Madness for the second consecutive year.

"I think this is a big win for our resume. I think they were number five or six in the nation, which is really good,” Radford said. “All credit to the coaches and the coaching staff and my teammates for doing their jobs and being ready. It's not just a one-man effort."

Radford is the third Aggie honored as POTW this season after Henry Coleman III and Taylor.