Bucky McMillan is quickly making himself a reputation around college basketball as not only a unique and exciting coach, but also as one of the best guys in the industry. His statement last night about how close this team had become despite such little time together overall served to illustrate just how much of an influence he was able to have on the group in a short span.
That is shining through even beyond the locker room, as well, as a gesture Bucky made after the gut-wrenching loss to Houston helped put into sharp relief exactly the kind of guy that he is. Despite the abbreviated press conference time in Oklahoma City after the game, McMillan took a few extra minutes out of his evening to meet with the local press who still had some questions— and his magnanimous gesture earned him quite a bit of respect.
Bucky McMillan puts character above self with generous gesture to local press
Though they had to get out of the press conference room quickly, you can see in the video below that Bucky was intent upon letting these reporters do their job to the best of their ability.
Bucky McMillan took the time to answer extra questions with local media after we didn't get the chance at the podium. "I know y'all didn't get to ask a lot of questions... but I appreciate you making the trip." Not something many coaches will do after a loss. But this is Bucky. pic.twitter.com/vZdcfRr23d
— syd (@sydney_wicker) March 22, 2026
There are a lot of coaches who will make media time all about themselves— the UCLA coach recently went viral for a tantrum he threw in response to a question in just such an environment. Others make it plain they can't wait for these sessions to be over— but not Bucky.
This was doubtless a very low moment for the Aggie head man, given that his team was just blown out so badly, but he still decided to take the time and help out these reporters who made the trip up to OKC to cover the team. That shows just a glimpse of the kind of leader he is— and it's safe to say he's of the highest quality.