Tyshawn Archie Gives Texas A&M an Overlooked 3rd Guard
· Yahoo Sports
Texas A&M is giving Tyshawn Archie a real opportunity to establish himself as a key piece of the Aggie roster. Although PJ Haggerty and Jordan Pope lead the Aggie offense, Archie has opened the season with three consecutive double-figure scoring performances off the bench.
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In Texas A&M‘s recent 108-67 win against ULM, Archie contributed 12 points. As tougher opponents approach, Archie’s ability to provide offense when the starters are on the bench can be essential to sustaining Bucky McMillan’s aggressive offensive style.
Archie is Providing Consistent Scoring off the Bench
Texas A&M Aggies guard Tyshawn Archie (8) drives around UL Monroe Warhawks guard Phillip Tillman (2) during the first half at Reed Arena. Photo Credit: Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectHaggerty is an SEC MVP candidate, and Pope makes the Aggies’ backcourt more dangerous, but Archie’s emergence has created a new dynamic as an offensive weapon off the bench. Through Texas A&M’s first three games, Archie has developed a steady, consistent scoring rhythm from the bench. The senior transfer is currently averaging 11.8 points while shooting 68.2% from the field and 57.1% from three on around two attempts per game.
He reinforced his scoring ability in their Monday blowout win against the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Archie’s 12 points came on a 5-for-8 shooting night, with 5 steals and an explosive highlight-reel dunk.
McMillan’s fast-paced offense needs a reliable scorer from the second unit. Having another scorer in Archie helps limit scoring droughts when Haggerty and other key starters are on the bench. This will help keep the offense flowing. Scoring off the bench maintains the pressure the Aggies want to put on opposing defenses to sustain their offensive tempo.
Even though three non-conference games are not a large sample size, these performances serve as a promising start. Archie needs to maintain this offensive prowess as they approach conference play, where they will look to take down the reigning SEC champions, the Florida Gators.
Why Depth Matters in Bucky McMillan’s System
McMillan’s offensive system relies on being fast-paced and aggressive. Depth is not seen as a luxury in this system. Rather, it is a necessity for this to be effective. The Aggies’ relentless full-court pressure and quick transition offense demand max effort every possession.
Effective substitutions allow Texas A&M to play at their desired pace. This allows for energized substitutes to come in and reduce future fatigue among players while keeping their explosive offense intact. More importantly, a reliable second unit that can score the ball allows the starting guards to rest without slowing their offensive flow down.
Haggerty and Pope will then be able to play in games that come down to the wire without feeling tired. When Texas A&M took on ULM, this vision was on display as the bench scored 53 points. Archie’s efforts led the bench unit in the Aggies’ dominant win.
As Texas A&M’s schedule becomes tougher in the coming weeks, Archie needs to maintain this level of production against these opponents and tighter rotations. If Archie’s production leads to major minutes, the Aggies could be a nightmare to play against in the SEC come conference play.
The Last Word
Archie gives Texas A&M another reliable scorer, adding to their powerful backcourt. His early-season efficiency gives McMillan more flexibility to rest Haggerty and Pope. This enables McMillan’s demanding style of play to be maintained. The stronger opponents they are set to face will test this style of play, hoping to tire the Aggies out.
Archie does not need to match Haggerty and Pope’s level of play or production to impact the game. However, his scoring off the bench would give the Aggies a much deeper rotation to help keep this system afloat in the SEC.
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Photo Credit: Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect