When Wade Taylor was weighing his decision to commit to Texas A&M, the circumstances weren't exactly inviting. His lead recruiter, Billy Kennedy, had been shown the door, campus visits were on hold thanks to COVID-19, and the program's outlook seemed murky. But then, along came Buzz Williams.
Williams landed in College Station and wasted no time; he prioritized recruiting Taylor, a standout sophomore at Lancaster High. According to Taylor's father, it was Williams' commitment that sealed his son's decision to choose A&M.
It's not the first time Williams has pulled off something like this. Stepping into a program rife with transition is part of his coaching DNA.
Before his stint at A&M, Williams already had experience navigating chaotic beginnings. He took over Marquette after Tom Crean exited under a cloud, and then revived a struggling Virginia Tech program.
Known as a basketball journeyman, Williams has a knack for solutions, having coached across the country and left his mark at every stop. His dedication to the game is legendary, often highlighted by those who know him well.
Growing up in Van Alstyne, Texas, Williams came from humble beginnings. A local coach, Michael Weatherley, once revealed that Williams rarely spoke about his home life, having grown up in a challenging environment.
He worked tirelessly from a young age, starting with small jobs around his town and eventually stepping into the world of college basketball at Navarro. His dedication saw him rise from sweeping courts and doing laundry to a full-time role on the coaching staff.
Billy Gillispie, a former powerhouse in Texas recruiting, took note of Williams' ability to attract top talent from the state while at Colorado State. This led to a fruitful working relationship at A&M. It's there that Williams honed his flair for style, earning a reputation for choosing the team's travel attire and often donning his trademark vests.
Williams' next big break came as head coach at Marquette, where he swiftly became a fan favorite. He led the team to five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and cultivated NBA talent like Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder.
Yet, his time there wasn't without its hurdles. The program faced scrutiny over its handling of serious off-court allegations, leading to internal and external investigations.
Though Williams spoke out strongly against any form of assault, his departure seemed inevitable.
Moving on to Virginia Tech, Williams once again worked his magic, leading the Hokies to multiple NCAA tournaments and a memorable Sweet 16 run. His strategic adaptations made the team a formidable offensive and defensive force.
Fast forward to Texas A&M, where Williams continued to shine. He transformed the Aggies into one of the most tenacious teams in the nation, built on rebounding and defensive excellence.
The players connected with him, appreciating his personal touch and genuine interest in their lives. Despite his success, Williams' restless spirit led him to Maryland, where he’s now tasked with rejuvenating a passionate fanbase hungry for consistent success.
"Buzz Williams wins," they say. His body of work suggests that Maryland has good times to look forward to—filled with memorable social media engagement, exuberant coaching displays on the sideline, and insightful press conference exchanges.
Whether Maryland becomes his final stop remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that he’ll elevate the program while he's there. Fans can expect high-caliber basketball, and really, isn't that what matters most?
