Life in SEC country, an attacking mentality, staff continuity, the return of Mackenzie Mgbako and more...here's five things we liked from Bucky McMillan's visit to the SEC Basketball Tipoff event in Birmingham this week.
Creating Advantages Without Actions.
One of the easiest differences to spot between last year's team and this year's team appears to be its size. Bucky mentioned last year the group was essentially the smallest Power 4 team in the country. This year? Different story.
"When the ball came off the glass (in last week's scrimmage), we didn't have to have the ball fall perfect to us to rebound. We had more attackers, guys that can get to the free-throw line, guys that can get to the charge circle, guys that are going to get fouled."
He also pointed out that as the season grinds into late February and March, the game really falls toward players who can create their own advantages without actions.
"I think this year we've got a lot more of those, a lot more positional size. It'll look very similar, but I think we're going to attack the basket a lot better this year."
A Stacked SEC Race.
In Bucky's mind, fans may be treated to a level of basketball in this conference that hasn't been seen before...ever.
"This league is about to be the best I think it's ever been...It's going to be a league where every night is going to be a battle. I think we're ranked up there with a pretty tough (schedule). It's going to be a battle that we're going to have to be ready for."
Mackenzie is Back.
Limited to only a few games last season due to injury, the Aggies couldn't be happier to have Mackenzie Mgbako back on the court. Mgbako, a "borderline first-rounder" last season according to Bucky, is slated to have a big season this year for Texas A&M.
"He is a really special player, but he's just a special dude. He's about winning. He wants to be coached. He came to Texas A&M without knowing us. It was just about how he saw himself and how he could improve, our plan for him. He deserves to have a great year.
"I think he's going to have a great year."
An Awesome Staff.
Bucky's five assistants--Mitch Cole, Kyle Keller, Frank Haith, TJ Cleveland and Dave Good--brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to his staff. Even better, he was able to maintain staff continuity after a successful year one. As Bucky points out, one consistent thing among good teams is they all have great personnel. The Aggies are no different.
"Our staff is awesome. We have awesome staff chemistry. Most of our staff have been head coaches. I've known most of our staff a very, very long time. We have veterans that have been in this league...We have a great crew that's aligned and has a lot of experience in this league. That's helped me tremendously."
Where Everyone Should Want to Be.
Growing up and living in SEC country for his entire life, Bucky's first trip through the towns and cities of the league as head coach just further reinforced his opinion of the conference and its fans.
"It's an awesome league. I will say this...you feel (the passion of the fans) when you go into (towns). That's the great part about the SEC. Every town has a unique culture to it. It revolves around the team for the most part. That's why the SEC, in my opinion, is where everybody should be wanting to play."