The time is almost here, and the Texas A&M Aggie basketball team will soon take the court to showcase what Coach Bucky McMillan brings to Aggieland. His youthful roster and seasoned staff are implementing a system that Coach Bucky has successfully used since he began coaching, and it’s expected to translate well at this level of competition.
In simple terms, it’s a high-octane style of play that emphasizes frequent three-point shooting. If you were to compare it to football, it would resemble a fast-paced two-minute offense. This approach should result in thrilling basketball games that don’t rely solely on one-on-one matchups as the offensive identity.
The A&M staff has done a commendable job in the transfer portal, acquiring several players who align with Coach Bucky’s system and bring extensive playing experience. So, while expectations may not be sky-high, the anticipation surrounding the on-court product has Aggie fans perched on the edge of their seats.
Starting Wednesday, Coach Bucky McMillan, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Pop Isaacs fielded questions at the SEC Media Days Tip-Off in Birmingham, Alabama. Below are some of the key Coach Bucky highlights from the event.
Coach Bucky McMillan on being back in Birmingham
“It’s good to be back in Birmingham for a second. I lived a mile from here, and I would walk to elementary school with a basketball in my hand every day right by here. My elementary school is half a mile away. Coming back here is great.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on the roster when he arrived
“I saw Coach Cal take the job at Arkansas and say he met with the team and there was no team. I laughed at that, but now I felt his pain. We’re not a finished product, but we’re a heck of a lot better than we were in April with no roster.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on Texas A&M’s potential
“I think certain universities will have to choose what they’ll be good at. Texas A&M can be good at everything. My goal is always to get to the top of the league. We did that in high school and in the Southern Conference, and now in the SEC.”
“Texas A&M is a sleeping giant. We can win a national championship here.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on his current roster
“We had some very good players jump on board without knowing who they’d play with. I’m elated with the roster we have. We have a good shooting team. We’re old, we’re deep, and we’ll play a style of basketball that’s hard to play against.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on his staff
“We’ve had a great staff everywhere I’ve coached. There’s familiarity with how we operate. We also added some great staff members who have coached at Texas A&M. Mitch Cole, Kyle Keller, Darby Rich, and Frank Haith have all coached there.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on the culture in Aggieland
“Texas A&M is a unique place. Aggies support Aggies. Once you’re an Aggie, you’re always an Aggie. Things move quick, and we had to rally things quickly to build up a roster.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on his conversation with Trev Alberts before taking the job
“When I talked to Trev Alberts about his vision for Texas A&M. I knew I fit this job and this job fit me. I got to see every angle from high school to college. I got to see what worked and what didn’t work.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on his approach to the transfer portal
“When we had to construct our roster, we had to take the best of what’s out there. We won’t win any awards on opening night, but we know that when you look at the Final Four, they all have one thing in common, and that’s talent. So we just had to find talent.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on Jacari Lane
“Jacari Lane has been great. Every intangible you could have in a player, Jacari has. You can’t put a price tag on that. He’s a winner. He’s won everywhere he’s been. He’s so happy to be at A&M. He’ll be a big part of our success this year.”
Coach Bucky McMillan on his appreciation for his hometown
“I saw a lot of familiar faces when I came here. This village raised me. I wouldn’t be here without the people in Mountain Brook. We’re going to do a lot of great things at Texas A&M. When we get it done at A&M, it’s going to be even more special.”
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Everything Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan said at the SEC Media Days
