Buzz Williams will have even less talent remaining from a Texas A&M basketball team that went 14-18; Admon Gilder is reportedly planning to transfer.
Strictly from a player standpoint, Buzz Williams left a much better situation in Virginia Tech to be the head coach Texas A&M basketball. That is indisputably true. The Hokies advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, while the Aggies didn’t qualify for any post season play and finished 14-18.
Most of that was losing a ton of talent from the season before and not having the recruiting class to replace them. Part of it was injury.
Admon Gilder was not only the senior statesmen on the roster and the de facto leader, but he was the team’s best returning outside shooter and perimeter defender. The college game is driven by guard play. Having a player who can lock up the opposing team’s best perimeter player is invaluable. Gilder wasn’t a total lock down defender but his services were certainly missed this season.
It wasn’t an expected loss either. Just days before the season opener, Gilder found out he had a blood clot in his arm. The team listed him as out indefinitely until he was officially ruled out for the season in January. His future as a basketball player was very much in doubt.
Gilder recently announced he would be able to play again on his social media accounts.
I want to thank everyone for their encouraging words, prayers, and overall support in my time of discomfort. It's been a long journey dealing with my health and being away from the game I love. However, my doctor was able to tell me I am now able to resume my basketball career. pic.twitter.com/1GYTWXgYnU
— Admon Gilder Jr (@hph_lilmon) April 7, 2019
With that being said, "I am not where I want to be, nor am I where I am going to be, but I thank God I am not where I use to be." Mama told me, it was a Minor Setback For A Major Comeback! Mom always knows best.
— Admon Gilder Jr (@hph_lilmon) April 7, 2019
Curiously, although he did use a picture with his Aggie teammates in his Aggie uniform, he didn’t say he would be returning to play for Coach Williams next season. He also didn’t have any reaction to the news they hired Williams. This was all clearly for a reason, which came out this week. Gilder plans to transfer after graduating according to College Hoops insider Jeff Goodman.
Texas A&M’s Admon Gilder expected to transfer, source told @Stadium. Averaged 12.3 points per game and will be a grad transfer.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 9, 2019
We have fond memories of Gilder, who came to Texas A&M in the famed 2015 recruiting class as a Top 100 recruit. He was part of two Sweet 16 teams and one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA history when the Ags came storming back against Northern Iowa in the 2016 tournament.
He will be an excellent player wherever he goes and we wish him nothing but the best. Thanks and Gig ‘Em, Admon!
Jeff Shull is the Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.