Texas A&M has exceeded expectations up until this point under Bucky McMillan, to the tune of this team being atop the standings in a very competitive Southeastern Conference. While that is a result that may not hold for the entire season, being 5-1 six games in— with a very good argument that they should be 6-0 had they just hit their free throws at Tennessee, but given how close the Auburn win was, we can't be too greedy.
McMillan's trademark "Bucky Ball" has been extremely difficult for opponents to deal with this season, and apart from a few late meltdowns from the Aggies, they have been dominating second halves against other teams. The relentless pace and defensive pressure of the Ags is extremely difficult for other squads to deal with, and while some considered these tactics essentially as gimmicks for Bucky, they are beginning to prove profitable over a longer period of time.
Bucky Ball is gaining believers as McMillan's A&M start earns national championship-level praise
Longtime college basketball coach Mark Gottfried, who had memorable runs both at Alabama and NC State, went on record to discuss how convinced he has become by Bucky Ball. He was pretty emphatic in the following clip:
"If you're not a believer in Bucky McMillan by now, you've got your head in the sand... I think he'll win a national championship." - Mark Gottfried is a big believer in Bucky Ball@BuckyBasketball @aggiembk pic.twitter.com/72yaovHzEq
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) January 27, 2026
There are still plenty of people with their heads in the sand when it comes to this team, but they just keep getting better and better. As this piecemeal squad continues to gel, too, they will only improve as the season goes on.
As has been mentioned before, it's incredible that they are accomplishing all of this without Mackenzie Mgbako, as well— their most talented and NBA-ready player on the roster. The scoring and rebounding ability that Mgbako would bring would have this team at an even higher level, but without him, they've compiled a very impressive record anyways.
The Aggies have a difficult stretch upcoming with road games against Florida, Georgia, and Vanderbilt, but this is a team that could realistically go 2-1 in that stretch. A tournament bid for the Aggies just looks more and more likely with each passing day— and the future of Bucky Ball in College Station keeps getting brighter.