Texas A&M theoretically has three of the most important elements to build a successful college basketball program.
The Aggies are in a state with an active and strong AAU scene. They have a fan base big enough to support a winner. And they have a Texas-sized athletic budget.
All due respect to Billy Kennedy, who made two Sweet 16 appearances in seven years. But the only thing missing is one of the nation’s best coaches to put it all together.
Enter Buzz Williams.
Williams made his departure from Virginia Tech public Wednesday when he announced he was leaving for Texas A&M.
This would seem to be a match made in heaven for the 46-year-old coach. Williams has won at every stop along the way and helped elevate Virginia Tech into something it’s never been: a consistent winner.
Williams managed a 139-69 record at Marquette in six seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance. He left for Virginia Tech in 2014 because he felt like the contract gave him better job security. The Texas native won 100 games in five seasons and made the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive years, a feat never accomplished in Blacksburg, Va., before his arrival.
Williams recruited fairly well at Virginia Tech, averaging the 41st-best class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Texas A&M managed an average class ranking of 37th during the same period. If you remove a disastrous 2018 when Kennedy’s roster was loaded and there wasn’t much room for playing time, the ranking jumps to 16th.
Texas A&M’s hire should particularly interest gamblers. Williams posted a 87-62-2 record against the spread (71.2%) without a single losing season.
It’s harder to find a strong correlation to for his over/under results. It took two years for him to turn Virginia Tech into a top-25 offense, according to kenpom.com. It may take a season or two for him to build the offense, and once he does, the over may have value in College Station.
Williams has a history of doing what he feels best for him despite public opinion. His move from Marquette to Virginia Tech raised more than a few eyebrows. He received a master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Perhaps he’s found the spot he can develop a culture and breakthrough to the Final Four.
He’s finally landed at a program that’s the right coach away from competing for titles.