Latest news with #McMillan
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Everything Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan said during his first Coach's Night appearance
Everything Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan said during his first Coach's Night appearance Heading into his first season at the helm for the Texas A&M men's basketball program, head coach Bucky McMillan previewed the season ahead in his first appearance at the Dallas A&M Club for Coach's Night on Wednesday. McMillan was hired as the Aggies' new head coach on April 4 on a five-year deal worth $16 million. Before he arrived in Bryan-College Station, Texas, he led the Samford Bulldogs to the school's first NCAA Tournament since 2000, while also racking up three Southern Conference Coach of the Year awards during his tenure. The opportunity to coach at the highest level against the best competition is something that every coach clamors for, and that is exactly what McMillan will be granted when he steps on the court for the first Southeastern Conference matchup in January. Here is everything McMillan had to say when discussing the upcoming season and his experiences so far in Aggieland. How has it been having the opportunity to visit with the Dallas Aggies Club and the Texas A&M community across the state of Texas? "It's great. You can feel the passion from all of these fans and it's great, the people in College Station and now here in Dallas, and all across all the Aggies have such passion," McMillan said. How is McMillan's relationship with Texas A&M's head football coach Mike Elko? "(Mike Elko) has been great, showing me the ropes since I've been here. I'm a football fan. I'm a big, big football fan, so I appreciate you, Coach," McMillan said. What is the importance of adding Spanish guard Rubén Domínguez and what does he bring to the table? "What he brings is three-point shooting from the time he steps on the floor," McMillan said. "He can shoot it from half-court, he's one of the best shooters in the world. What's going on with international game right now, with the way college basketball is with NIL (name, image and likeness) opportunties, is that a lot of the players that would have played professionally overseas are now coming acorss the pond. We want the good ones who can make threes to come to Texas A&M. He's one of those guys." How plug-and-play ready is Domínguez going from playing overseas to the SEC? "He's played against elite competition, professional basketball. He knows how to play, (which) I think is just as important as his skill set," McMillan said. "When you get to this level, a lot of it is your mental ability to process things quickly. If you played professionally, you're able to process faster. That's what he brings. He'll probably have an adjustment to make with the physicallity and the defense that's in the SEC, but I like what he's about and I like his skill set." How have summer workouts progressed for the Aggies? "We just want to get better. We got a lot of guys out. We got three that won't be here until later in the summer, so we don't have 10 yet. We're not playing a lot of five-on-five," McMillan said. "We're just trying to get the players acclamated to our pace of play and the skill set it takes to play at that pace and the volume of three-point shooting is obviously something we've been working on to make sure our guys understand how we like to space the floor and the skillset neccessary to be able to do that. How does the House settlement impact college hoops? "Across college basketball and football, this may be the highest group of athletes in terms of their financial compensation that will ever happen," McMillan said. "The House settlement hasn't come into play yet, NIL opportunties (and) collective opportunties. I think it may come down to earth a little bit next year, but it'll be across the SEC with that $2.73 (million)." How much more comfortable are you now, compared to when you first got hired? "It's a lot more relaxing becuase you actually get to work with players. If you can't work, it's hard to have confidence in the group you have. Now, we're finally getting players there so we can work and build the confidence within the team we're going to need to have to play in the best college basketball league in the country," McMillan said. What does it mean to be able to visit with Aggie fans and see the support from the Maroon and White faithful? "This is incredible. This is the value of athletics, when you think about it. There are not a lot of opportunties and things in life that can tie this many people together," McMillan said. "It's phenomenal because we have something that links us together. We're all Aggies here, and we get to support each other." What are the goals heading into the 2025-2026 campaign? "I expect to win every game that we're going to play. That's the pressure we put on ourselves," McMillan said. What does the future of the program look like moving forward? "There is no reason that A&M can't compete at the highest of the high level with all of the resources that the Aggies have provided," McMillan said. How will this team handle potential obstacles and challenges ahead during this year's campaign? "We want adversity. We want that. When there is true adversity and things aren't going exactly how we want it to go, that's an opportunity for all these Aggies to come together and do something incredible," McMillan said. How did it feel coming to Texas A&M and what's the experience in College Station been like so far? "Trev Alberts, who is not here tonight, I have to thank him for this great opportunity to be your basketball coach," McMillan said. "Everything has been great since we've been here. I have loved College Station. It has been phenomenal. I certainly feel the passion for the fans." What can fans expect from "Bucky Ball"? "My job is to bring you a product and a program that you all can be so proud of because they play so hard, so unselfish and have such a swagger when they step on that floor," McMillan said. "We want to play a style of basketball that's successful and that you enjoy watching. We want to bring both to you: We want to bring a winning culture that you all deserve, and we want to have an entertaining style that you can all enjoy." What kind of aspects will this program be built on moving forward? "Our basketball program is pretty much built on this: We've got to get great personnel. We've got to get great recruits. We've got to get great coaches, and we've got to get great supporters. No one is going to outdo the support of the Aggies. That much I know." What is the focus of this team and what are the expectations heading into this year? "We try to narrow the focus to a driver, a pitching wedge and a putter. That's our plan. We're going to keep it simple analytically, and hopefully, we can be one of the highest scoring teams in the country this year," McMillan said. "We take free-throws, layups and threes, and we get really good at it." How has the recruiting process been at Texas A&M this offseason? "There are not too many places that you could be, that at that time of year, that you could have that kind of support," McMillan said. "We brought 12 players on recruiting visits, and all 12 committed. That says a lot about Texas A&M." What is the vision for the program's future? "I do think that this place is destined to compete for championships. I want to do that here. We will compete for championships when we don't focus so much on what we're going to do and instead focus on how we're going to do it," McMillan said. "I'm looking forward to building something truly special here with everyone here." 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Super Rugby final: the Chiefs take on the Crusaders' unbeaten home playoff record
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Chiefs are aiming to send head coach Clayton McMillan out on a winning note when they face the Crusaders on Saturday in the Super Rugby Pacific final. McMillan will leave New Zealand after the final to coach Munster in Ireland. He has guided the Hamilton- based Chiefs to the final in each of the last three seasons but doesn't yet have a title to show for it. The Chiefs have made the pace throughout the season, finishing in first place at the end of the regular season. They stumbled in the first round of playoffs, losing to the Auckland-based Blues, but returned in the semifinals as the highest-ranked loser. The Chiefs beat the Canberra-based Brumbies 37-17 in last weekend's semis and now take on the Crusaders, a franchise with a daunting 31-0 record in home playoffs since Super Rugby began in 1996. They have named an unchanged starting 15 for the final, which includes 10 All Blacks. There are two changes on the bench, where All Blacks prop Aiden Ross and winger Etene Nanai-Seturo return to add more experience. 'We've built real continuity across the season and that will serve us well in Christchurch,' McMillan said. 'The Crusaders have proven time and again that they know how to lift in finals footy. 'They're clinical, composed and proud of their home record. We're ready for a good final fight.' The Chiefs beat the Crusaders twice during the regular season, once last year and twice in 2023. 'We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders,' McMillan said. 'We're one team that's had our fair share of success down there. 'We know it's not going to be easy. They've got a formidable record and are a quality team.' The Chiefs players are determined after reaching the championship match in each of the last two seasons to take the next step and to win the title for the first time since 2013. 'Do it for (McMillan),' All Blacks flyhalf Damian McKenzie said. 'Do it for the region. Do it for our fans and our families. 'The support we've had throughout the year has been amazing. We've been disappointed in the last few years where we haven't quite been able to win a final. So it's not only just doing it for guys who are leaving, it's also for guys who have been here in the past.' The Crusaders will try to win the Super Rugby title for the 13th time. They won the title in seven straight seasons under Scott Robertson but slumped last year, winning only four matches under new head coach Rob Penney. Crusaders management ignored pressure to replace Penney at the end of last season and that decision has been vindicated with another final appearance. The Crusaders scrum is a major strength and will be bolstered on Saturday by the return of All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams, who missed the 21-14 semifinal win over the Blues. Winger Chay Fihaki is sidelined with a concussion and will be replaced by Macca Springer, who will play on the left wing, Sevu Reece on the right. Penney said the club's past record will have no part in the final. 'History is history … we're not even thinking about that,' he said. 'We're just thinking about the contest ahead of us. We're at home in front of our people and it's going to be such a magic occasion.' ___ AP rugby:
Fox Sports
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Super Rugby final: the Chiefs take on the Crusaders' unbeaten home playoff record
Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Chiefs are aiming to send head coach Clayton McMillan out on a winning note when they face the Crusaders on Saturday in the Super Rugby Pacific final. McMillan will leave New Zealand after the final to coach Munster in Ireland. He has guided the Hamilton- based Chiefs to the final in each of the last three seasons but doesn't yet have a title to show for it. The Chiefs have made the pace throughout the season, finishing in first place at the end of the regular season. They stumbled in the first round of playoffs, losing to the Auckland-based Blues, but returned in the semifinals as the highest-ranked loser. The Chiefs beat the Canberra-based Brumbies 37-17 in last weekend's semis and now take on the Crusaders, a franchise with a daunting 31-0 record in home playoffs since Super Rugby began in 1996. They have named an unchanged starting 15 for the final, which includes 10 All Blacks. There are two changes on the bench, where All Blacks prop Aiden Ross and winger Etene Nanai-Seturo return to add more experience. 'We've built real continuity across the season and that will serve us well in Christchurch,' McMillan said. 'The Crusaders have proven time and again that they know how to lift in finals footy. "They're clinical, composed and proud of their home record. We're ready for a good final fight.' The Chiefs beat the Crusaders twice during the regular season, once last year and twice in 2023. 'We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders,' McMillan said. 'We're one team that's had our fair share of success down there. 'We know it's not going to be easy. They've got a formidable record and are a quality team.' The Chiefs players are determined after reaching the championship match in each of the last two seasons to take the next step and to win the title for the first time since 2013. 'Do it for (McMillan),' All Blacks flyhalf Damian McKenzie said. 'Do it for the region. Do it for our fans and our families. 'The support we've had throughout the year has been amazing. We've been disappointed in the last few years where we haven't quite been able to win a final. So it's not only just doing it for guys who are leaving, it's also for guys who have been here in the past.' The Crusaders will try to win the Super Rugby title for the 13th time. They won the title in seven straight seasons under Scott Robertson but slumped last year, winning only four matches under new head coach Rob Penney. Crusaders management ignored pressure to replace Penney at the end of last season and that decision has been vindicated with another final appearance. The Crusaders scrum is a major strength and will be bolstered on Saturday by the return of All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams, who missed the 21-14 semifinal win over the Blues. Winger Chay Fihaki is sidelined with a concussion and will be replaced by Macca Springer, who will play on the left wing, Sevu Reece on the right. Penney said the club's past record will have no part in the final. 'History is history ... we're not even thinking about that,' he said. 'We're just thinking about the contest ahead of us. We're at home in front of our people and it's going to be such a magic occasion.' ___ AP rugby: recommended in this topic
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
'We want adversity' Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan is confident ahead of his inaugural season
'We want adversity' Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan is confident ahead of his inaugural season New Texas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan has been one of the lone bright spots for Texas A&M Athletics over the past three months, as the Buzz Williams era came to a close after six seasons, which never included a trip to the Sweet 16 despite three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. McMillan's fast-paced offense, energy, and consistent passion for the game have rejuvenated a program that was considered successful but had been falling short when it mattered year after year. Since taking over, McMillan has proven to be an elite recruiter from the transfer portal, landing 12 commitments, led by former Indiana star forward Mackenzie Mgbako and former Creighton standout guard Pop Issacs. Outside of several of the 13 new additions who have yet to make it to campus for summer camp, McMillan's 2025 roster has enough talent to compete for a postseason bid this coming season. While he is looking to add two more players to fill out the 15-man roster, that shouldn't be an issue based on his recent success. On Wednesday night, McMillan joined Texas A&M Football head coach Mike Elko in Dallas for the second consecutive Coach's Night, marking McMillan's first appearance this offseason. In stark contrast to Buzz Williams, McMillan's confidence and belief in what the basketball program can be should excite every Aggie fan come this fall. "I do think that this place is destined to compete for championships. I want to do that here. We will compete for championships when we don't focus so much on what we're going to do and instead focus on how we're going to do it." Texas A&M's basketball program has never advanced to the Elite Eight. While the Aggies are likely a ways away from making serious noise in the NCAA Tournament, McMillan's vision and underdog mentality align perfectly with the Aggies' fan base, as he craves adversity to keep the team on its toes throughout the season. "We want adversity. We want that. When there is true adversity and things aren't going exactly how we want it to go, that's an opportunity for all these Aggies to come together and do something incredible." On the court, one of the major issues that plagued the Aggies last season was a lack of offensive consistency, as well as struggles at the free-throw line. These two areas will be addressed and improved with better shooting talent and coaching that begins this summer. Good things are on the horizon, and the 2025 Aggie basketball squad will be one of the highest-scoring offenses in the SEC. "We take free-throws, layups and threes, and we get really good at it." 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.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan learns schedule for his first season coaching in SEC
Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan learns schedule for his first season coaching in SEC Heading into his first season coaching in the Southeastern Conference, Texas A&M men's basketball coach Bucky McMillan found out his squad's fate with the announcement of the league slate on Wednesday. The Aggies will host nine conference games at Reed Arena during the 2025-2026 season, seven of which advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season. That home schedule also includes the defending national champion Florida Gators, who will travel to Bryan-College Station, Texas, to face the Maroon and White for the first time since the 2023-2024 season. Texas A&M will face Oklahoma, LSU, and Texas as its home and away opponents this season, while traveling to Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, and South Carolina for its road contests in 2025-26. McMillan has done an incredible job working the transfer portal since arriving, including landing the likes of talented Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako and Creighton guard Pop Isaacs. Having athletes with experience at the highest level throughout the roster will be key for the program, as the SEC continues to record historic success in college basketball. The conference won 88.9 percent (185-23) of its regular-season non-conference games in 2025, with a record 14 teams reaching postseason play. With SEC play set to tip off on January 3, here is the full schedule for every men's basketball program in the conference this season: Alabama Crimson Tide Home/Away - Auburn, Mississippi State, Tennessee Home - Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M Away - Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt Arkansas Razorbacks Home/Away - Auburn, LSU, Missouri Home - Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt Away - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma Auburn Tigers Home/Away - Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss Home - Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt Away - Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee Florida Gators Home/Away - Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina Home - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Tennessee Away - Ole Miss, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt Georgia Bulldogs Home/Away - Florida, South Carolina, Texas Home - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M Away - Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt Kentucky Wildcats Home/Away - Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Home - Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Away - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M LSU Tigers Home/Away - Arkansas, Texas A&M, South Carolina Home - Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma Away - Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt Ole Miss Rebels Home/Away - Auburn, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt Home - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Missouri, South Carolina Away - Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M Mississippi State Bulldogs Home/Away - Alabama, Ole Miss, Missouri Home - Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Away - Florida, Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M Missouri Tigers Home/Away - Arkansas, Mississippi State, Oklahoma Home - Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Vanderbilt Away - Alabama, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M Oklahoma Sooners Home/Away - Missouri, Texas, Texas A&M Home - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss Away - Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt South Carolina Gamecocks Home/Away - Florida, Georgia, LSU Home - Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Away - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas, Texas A&M Tennessee Volunteers Home/Away - Alabama, Kentucky, Vanderbilt Home - Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M Away - Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina Texas Longhorns Home/Away - Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas A&M Home - Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt Away - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee Texas A&M Aggies Home/Away - LSU, Oklahoma, Texas Home - Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina Away - Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Commodores Home/Away - Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee Home - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M Away - Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas 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.
