Riding five-game win streak, Joni Taylor & Co. look to continue hot start

Head coach of the Texas A&M women's basketball team, Joni Taylor joined TexAgs Radio on Tuesday to chat about the Aggies' early success as they possess a 7-1 record and are riding a five-game winning streak to begin the 2023-2024 campaign.

Key notes from Joni Taylor interview

• I think the most important thing is that we're continuing to accept the challenges put in front of us, and we're taking the next step. We want to make sure we're taking the next step to be the best team we can be. Look at the progress we've made since the Purdue loss. Our team has stepped up since then. It's starting to come together, and it has been fun to watch.
   
• The growth comes from a few things. We don't grow when you're on the beach in the sun. You grow through adversity, and we had a storm last year. You can grow and get better through the hard times. Our returners did that. They got a lot of game experience, and they got better. We added talent through our transfer signing class and high school signing class. Combine those things, and this is the result.
   
• For us, we've benefitted from the portal when we've used it, but we have some rules about it. We will never compromise integrity and character for talent. If we didn't recruit you out of high school or don't have a prior relationship with you, we won't take you. Lauren Ware, I had a relationship with through USA Basketball. We had relationships with all four of the transfers we signed.
   
• Janiah Barker had a really good summer. She worked on her skillset and got herself in great shape. She has settled into her role as a leader. Last year, she felt a lot of pressure. She didn't know how to lead as a freshman, but she tried. So much of our offense was reliant on her, so she welcomed the new additions to our roster. What you see now is her playing free because she knows her teammates can help carry the load. She has been more consistent and confident.
   
• I'm so excited about the school day game. I always look forward to it. It's always fun to have the kids inside Reed Arena. What dreams will it open up for these young boys and girls? It's a great opportunity. It's also a chance to bring Aqua Franklin home, who is the head coach at Lamar. I'm really excited to welcome her home, and she has a talented team that is projected to win its conference. We will not take Lamar lightly at all. We know they'll give us their best shot.