Buzz Williams of the Texas A&M Aggies Draws an Odd Parallel to Henry Coleman III

In the world of college basketball, every coach has their own unique style and approach when it comes to mentoring players and building teams. Buzz Williams, the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, is known for his unorthodox methods and his ability to get the best out of his players, even in difficult circumstances. A recent comment from Williams about Henry Coleman III, one of the Aggies’ most impactful players, has stirred both curiosity and conversation within the Texas A&M community and beyond. Williams drew an unexpected parallel between Coleman, a talented forward, and an individual whose connection to basketball might not be immediately obvious: the former Texas A&M tight end, Jace Sternberger.

This peculiar comparison invites closer examination, not only of the relationship between Williams and Coleman but also of how these unusual parallels offer deeper insights into the Aggies’ team dynamics, coaching philosophy, and the way the program seeks to cultivate success on and off the court. While at first glance, the two players seem to have very little in common—one is a basketball star, the other a football player—the parallel drawn by Buzz Williams reflects more about how he values certain intangible qualities in his athletes, regardless of their sport or position.

In this article, we’ll explore the parallel between Henry Coleman III and Jace Sternberger, why it might make sense in the context of Buzz Williams’ coaching style, and how it underscores Texas A&M’s overarching approach to player development, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence.

Henry Coleman III: A Key Player for Texas A&M

Before diving into the peculiar parallel, it’s important to first understand the significance of Henry Coleman III to Texas A&M basketball. A 6-foot-7 forward, Coleman has become a vital component of the Aggies’ lineup. Known for his versatility, rebounding, and defensive abilities, Coleman has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent performers under Buzz Williams’ leadership. His skill set has allowed him to excel in a variety of roles on the court, from scoring in the post to defending on the perimeter, making him an indispensable player for the Aggies.

Since transferring to Texas A&M from Duke University, Coleman has proven to be an excellent fit in Williams’ system, which emphasizes defense, physicality, and team-first play. He’s one of the players who embodies the hard-nosed, gritty culture that Williams has cultivated in College Station. Coleman’s basketball IQ and leadership qualities have also made him a favorite of Williams, who appreciates his work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team succeed.

Buzz Williams’ Coaching Philosophy: A Focus on Leadership and Toughness

Buzz Williams is known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching, emphasizing discipline, toughness, and team chemistry over individual accolades. His philosophy is rooted in creating a culture where every player is valued for their contributions, no matter their role. Williams has often been described as a “players’ coach,” someone who connects with his athletes on a personal level and inspires them to perform to their maximum potential.

When asked about Henry Coleman III, Williams made an interesting comparison that initially took many by surprise. He likened Coleman to Jace Sternberger, the former Texas A&M tight end who played for the Aggies before being drafted into the NFL. Sternberger was known for his toughness and work ethic on the football field, attributes that Williams believed Coleman shared. While it might seem strange to compare a basketball player to a football player, Williams’ point was rooted in the intangibles that both athletes bring to their respective teams: leadership, physicality, and an unwavering commitment to doing the dirty work to win.

Williams’ decision to draw this comparison speaks to his broader philosophy of player development and his belief in the importance of mental toughness and leadership in building successful teams. The Aggies’ coach doesn’t necessarily care about the sport a player excels in—he cares about the attitude, work ethic, and leadership qualities that make an individual great.

Jace Sternberger: A Football Player with the Same Grit and Leadership

To fully appreciate the comparison between Coleman and Sternberger, it’s necessary to examine what made Jace Sternberger such a standout player in Texas A&M football history. Sternberger, a tight end who played for the Aggies from 2017 to 2018, was known for his exceptional work ethic, physical style of play, and leadership on and off the field. Much like Coleman, Sternberger wasn’t always the flashiest player but made his mark by doing the little things right. Whether it was blocking for his running backs or making key catches in critical moments, Sternberger’s unselfishness and ability to contribute to the team’s success set him apart.

In 2018, Sternberger had a breakout season, earning First-Team All-SEC honors after catching 48 passes for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to dominate in the passing game, coupled with his physicality as a blocker, made him a key part of the Aggies’ offense. However, it wasn’t just his on-field performance that made Sternberger so valuable to his team. His leadership qualities—his ability to motivate his teammates, set an example of hard work, and lead by example—were just as important as his athleticism. These are qualities that Buzz Williams has clearly identified in Henry Coleman III, despite their differences in sports.

Why the Parallel Makes Sense: The Value of Leadership and Toughness

Now, let’s explore why Buzz Williams would draw such an unusual comparison between a basketball player and a football player. On the surface, basketball and football are two very different sports, requiring different skill sets and strategies. But at their core, both sports demand certain universal qualities: leadership, toughness, mental resilience, and an ability to perform under pressure.

1. Mental Toughness

Both Henry Coleman III and Jace Sternberger share a commitment to mental toughness—an attribute that Williams values highly in his players. Coleman, much like Sternberger, has been the type of player who thrives when the game is on the line. Whether it’s locking down a key opponent defensively or stepping up with clutch points when his team needs it most, Coleman has proven time and again that he’s not afraid of the big moments. Similarly, Sternberger, as a tight end, played a position that often required him to block defensive linemen and linebackers, engaging in physical battles each play. Both players are known for their grit, toughness, and willingness to do whatever is necessary for their team to succeed.

2. Leadership by Example

Another parallel that Williams likely sees is the leadership by example both players exhibit. Coleman has emerged as a leader for the Aggies in the locker room, providing guidance and motivation for his teammates. His vocal leadership on the court is complemented by his actions, as he consistently puts the team first and prioritizes winning over personal recognition. In much the same way, Sternberger was known for leading by example on the football field. His ability to inspire his teammates through his relentless work ethic, commitment to the team’s success, and willingness to lead through action helped to elevate Texas A&M’s football program during his time there.

3. Physicality and Toughness on Both Sides of the Ball

Both Coleman and Sternberger bring an element of physicality to their respective sports. Coleman is not just a scorer—he’s a player who thrives in the paint, often battling for rebounds and setting screens to help his teammates. His ability to mix finesse with strength makes him a nightmare for opposing teams. Sternberger, too, was known for his physicality as a tight end. He wasn’t just a receiving threat—he was also a strong blocker, frequently asked to protect the quarterback or clear paths for running backs. In both cases, physicality is a key asset that makes them more valuable to their teams.

Texas A&M’s Culture of Unwavering Commitment

At the heart of Buzz Williams’ comparison is the broader theme of Texas A&M’s team culture—a culture that values toughness, selflessness, and leadership. The Aggies’ success in both basketball and football relies heavily on the mental and physical attributes of their players, rather than just raw athleticism. Williams’ comment about Coleman being like Sternberger speaks to his desire to build a team where every player is expected to contribute in every facet of the game—whether that’s scoring, defending, or providing leadership off the court.

For Williams, the most important thing isn’t how flashy a player can be but how consistently they perform in all aspects of the game, especially when the stakes are high. By making this comparison, Williams emphasizes the importance of these intangible qualities in building a championship-level program. Whether it’s Coleman on the basketball court or Sternberger on the football field, Texas A&M thrives on having players who are willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success.

 The Power of the Unconventional Parallel

In the end, Buzz Williams’ odd parallel between Henry Coleman III and Jace Sternberger is more than just a quirky comparison—it’s a statement about the type of players that Texas A&M wants to recruit and develop. It underscores the program’s commitment to mental toughness, leadership, and physicality, qualities that transcend individual sports and play a central role in the Aggies’ success.

While basketball and football might seem worlds apart, the characteristics that make players successful in both sports are remarkably similar. Williams sees the same leadership qualities in Coleman that made Sternberger a standout in football, and by drawing this parallel, he highlights what makes Texas A&M’s athletic programs unique—hard-working, gritty, and always ready to step up when the team needs them most.