NCAAB News: Aggies lose key player due to Transfer Portal following Buzz Williams’ departure to Maryland

Unfortunately for the Texas A&M Aggies, the hope of making a deep run this season in the NCAAB ended quickly after a tough loss to the Michigan Wolverines. The March Madness elimination led to the departure of Buzz Williams, who eventually secured his move to the Maryland Terrapins, and one of his top players, who joined the Transfer Portal.

Pharrel Payne, one of the stars of the Aggies in the last College Basketball season, has finally made the decision to leave the program as he looks toward the future and will seek new opportunities in the near term.

The news was reported by NCAAB expert journalist Pete Nakos, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, shared the important decision made by the talented forward, who was key for the Texas A&M Aggies last season.

“NEW: Texas A&M forward Pharrel Payne has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Payne averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this season,” Nakos reported via @PeteNakos_.

What will be Payne’s next destination?

Payne’s arrival at the Aggies had a key figure in this story: Buzz Williams. In statements to the press, the forward had previously stated that one of the reasons he joined the program was precisely because of who his coach was.

“I would say the first day was open, the first morning, coaches were able to come out and see players,” Payne said to Andrew Hattersley of 24/7 Sports. “Coach Buzz was the first person to come see me. When he told me what they were doing over there at Texas A&M, I wanted to join.”

With the news confirmed of Williams’ arrival as the new head coach at the University of Maryland, many questions arise regarding the potential arrival of the former Minnesota player to the Terrapins, reuniting with his former coach. Will we see this duo together once again for a second consecutive time?

The difference between the SEC and the Big Ten according to Payne

Payne was one of only two Big Ten players to average 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in less than 27 minutes of play in the 2023/2024 season. After playing two years at Minnesota, the forward ultimately decided to join Texas A&M last season.

When asked by the press if he felt he had made a leap moving from the Big Ten to the SEC, the player was clear with his response: “Compared to the league I was at last year, the Big Ten, I’d say (the SEC is) a complete step up,” he said.