Tuesday's news that Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams would depart the program after six seasons was surprising but not shocking, given the rumors that swirled this week regarding his interest in the open head coaching position at Maryland. After said rumors became official, Williams joined the Terrapins on a six-year deal, leading to Texas A&M AD Trev Alberts' second coaching search at the helm.
Williams' impact on the program is undeniable. After accumulating 120 wins in six seasons, including three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, it's hard to say anything negative about the job he did, outside of the program's lack of 3-point shooting and offensive efficiency during his tenure. Knowing that eight seniors, led by Texas A&M's all-time leading scorer, will depart the program, two key contributors, Pharrel Payne and Solomon Washington, hang in the balance.
Payne's impact during his first season in College Station ended with one of the year's best performances, scoring 25 and 26 points in back-to-back games in the NCAA Tournament. Washington's elite defense and improved offense make him extremely valuable to pair with newcomers and younger players. Still, his relationship with Buzz Williams remains strong and could lead to a potential transfer decision.
Payne's connection to Texas A&M is brief, but his love for the school and the program was evident. Depending on the new hire, it's understandable that he is in wait-and-see mode before making a final decision via the transfer portal.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Keeping Pharrel Payne and Solomon Washington is key for Texas A&M
