Texas A&M Aggies' Wade Taylor Named No. 1 College Junior by NCAA Analyst
The Texas A&M Aggies may be returning a bulk of their offensive production from last season — the mark of a successful season waiting to happen — but none are set to be more impactful than junior guard Wade Taylor IV.
Last season, Taylor IV earned a first-team All-SEC nod for his stellar play as a sophomore, putting up comparable numbers to Steph Curry in college. That on its own says enough about his talent level, but with another year set to unfold for the junior, he isn't finished yet.
And neither is his growing awards and honors list.
Texas A&M Aggies point guard Wade Taylor IV guards DePaul Blue Demons forward Javan Johnson.
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Most recently, Taylor IV was named the No. 1 junior in college basketball by NCAA.com's Andy Katz, taking the title over Providence's Bryce Hopkins and Tennessee's Zakai Zeigler, among others. Katz's reasoning was simple:
"Taylor IV is the SEC Preseason Player of the Year and he should live up to expectations and deliver a possible league title for the Aggies," he wrote.
Prior to the Aggies' fifth season under Buzz Williams, Taylor IV was also recognized as the Preseason Player of the Year for both the SEC and Jon Rothstein, the latter of whom also ranked the Aggies No. 13 in the country.
All in all, Taylor IV — who averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals — is set to lead the Aggies this season at point guard. He certainly won't be alone in his effort, and he'd tell you now that he wasn't alone in making his accomplishments possible.
"I'm just excited to be in this position," Taylor IV said. "I just thank my coaches and teammates for helping me get in this position. I can't thank them enough."
As the Aggies continue to gear up for their season, they'll look to Taylor IV for leadership both on and off the court, especially with the high expectations.
Taylor IV's most recent honor only adds to those. Now, it's his turn to continue to prove why he deserves them, as it is safe to say he's already done that thus far.
