'We find fun ways to win' Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan is ready to get to work
On Monday, new Texas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan was officially hired as the program's 23rd head coach. He greeted Aggie fans in Reed Arena, providing his first introduction to those who aren't as familiar with his coaching history after five seasons heading the Samford Bulldogs.
Like most new head coaches, McMillan made the media rounds on Wednesday, starting with his appearances on the Paul Finebaum show, whose host is reportedly a big fan of what the Alabama native offers, calling in a potential "game-changer" and one of the best hires this offseason during his recent appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. While Finebaum kept it professional, McMillan provided a brief run-through of his interesting coaching career ahead of taking on his biggest challenge yet.
"I started coaching when I was playing. When I was young playing in high school, I started coaching locally. When I played college, I started coaching AAU. I was never an assistant coach. It was an unusual path."
After winning five state championships at Mountain Brook High School, McMillan's two-year rebuild at Samford was extremely impressive. Four consecutive 20-plus win seasons and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2024 season resulted in a close first-round loss to Kansas. Knowing that he will be working with more resources, building a completely depleted roster this offseason isn't impossible, but the clock is ticking.
"I haven't slept much at all. I laughed when Coach Cal said he met with the team and there was no team last year. We have one player on the roster. We're going to put our best foot forward."
With the transfer portal window closing, Aggie fans shouldn't worry because recruiting players from the portal is about pitching the program's play style, as McMillan's "Bucky Ball" approach is built on speed, 3-point shooting, and relentless defense.
"We find fun ways to win. We were the only mid major team in the top 12 in scoring last year. It's not good enough to just win, we have to win and make it entertaining. That's what we'll keep doing."
Winning is everything, but this is a game, after all, and exciting Aggies fans with high-scoring contests and relentless effort will fill Reed Arena throughout the 2025 season and beyond, which, outside of earning NCAA Tournament bids is the primary goal.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Texas A&M senior kicker named to Lou Groza Award watch list
One of Texas A&M's most significant issues under former head coach Jimbo Fisher was the program's lack of special teams success, mainly due to Fisher's choice never to hire a special teams coach. After his dismissal, second-year head coach Mike Elko brought in veteran Patrick Dougherty, who, during his first season at the helm, led the Aggies to a top-35 finish in yards per punt (43.9), field goal percentage (83.3), and field goals (20). Outside of star punter Tyler White, the return of senior kicker Randy Bond was critical for this unit to continue its successful run, as the veteran finished the 2024 season with his highest career field goal percentage (83.3%), finishing 20-24, a perfect 46-46 on extra points, including 7-9 from 40-49-yards, while making a 55-yard field goal. On Friday, it was revealed that Bond was named to the 2025 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list. Unsurprisingly, Bond is considered one of the most dependable kickers in the country and could be the reason Texas A&M escapes a road game or two this season. Bond has continued to improve in every aspect of his kicking game, and, with one more solid season, he has a chance to make an NFL roster this time next year. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M kicker Randy Bond named to Lou Groza Award watch list
USA Today
7 hours ago
- USA Today
Texas A&M senior kicker named to Lou Groza Award watch list
One of Texas A&M's most significant issues under former head coach Jimbo Fisher was the program's lack of special teams success, mainly due to Fisher's choice never to hire a special teams coach. After his dismissal, second-year head coach Mike Elko brought in veteran Patrick Dougherty, who, during his first season at the helm, led the Aggies to a top-35 finish in yards per punt (43.9), field goal percentage (83.3), and field goals (20). Outside of star punter Tyler White, the return of senior kicker Randy Bond was critical for this unit to continue its successful run, as the veteran finished the 2024 season with his highest career field goal percentage (83.3%), finishing 20-24, a perfect 46-46 on extra points, including 7-9 from 40-49-yards, while making a 55-yard field goal. On Friday, it was revealed that Bond was named to the 2025 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list. Unsurprisingly, Bond is considered one of the most dependable kickers in the country and could be the reason Texas A&M escapes a road game or two this season. Bond has continued to improve in every aspect of his kicking game, and, with one more solid season, he has a chance to make an NFL roster this time next year. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Where does Texas A&M rank among all college football programs in 2026 recruiting class?
While Texas A&M's 2025 campaign kicks off in just 35 days, head coach Mike Elko is preparing the program's future by staying hot on the recruiting trail. This summer has been exceptional for the second-year head coach, as the Aggies reeled in a plethora of top-rated recruits. With one five-star and 21 four-star prospects committed to play in the Maroon and White uniform in 2026, Elko has made waves for his recruiting success. Texas A&M holds the No. 5 recruiting class, according to On3 Sports' 2026 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings, and No. 3 overall class by 247Sports. The massive jump in the rankings was due in large part to Elko landing five-star defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright on July 5. According to Rivals, which has now merged with On3 Sports, the Aggies surpassed some of the nation's top programs, including the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Elko has also landed the likes of EDGE Tristian Givens and wideout/defensive back Brandon Arrington, both of whom rank in the top 30 recruits in the country, according to 247Sports. Running back KJ Edwards also announced his commitment to the Aggies in June, which helped provide Texas A&M with momentum entering the summer months. The Carthage, Texas, native's decision to begin his collegiate career in College Station stems from Elko and company's consistent ability to be personable with recruits and their families. With just a few more days left of July, here are the updated recruiting rankings, per On3 Sports and 247Sports: Although both recruiting sites have differing opinions on some programs, the consensus is that Texas A&M's 2026 class ranks in the top five. The summer has proved to be a good one for Elko, as he leads the Aggies into his second fall camp at the helm. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Where does Texas A&M rank in latest 2026 recruiting class rankings?
