Brief Summary
This video features a discussion about the new era of Texas A&M basketball under coach Bucky McMillan. It covers the reasons for the coaching change, the excitement surrounding McMillan's hiring, and a detailed breakdown of the team's roster, including key players, potential starting lineups, and defensive concerns.
- Bucky McMillan's hiring is seen as a perfect fit to build up the program.
- The team has a lot of new talent, but there are questions about defensive buy-in and how quickly they can gel.
- Key players like Jakari Lane, Pop Isaacs, Ryland Griffin, and Mackenzie Mgbako are highlighted, along with bench players like Ruben Dominguez and Josh Holloway.
Introduction
Christian introduces Luke Evangelist, a basketball analyst, to discuss Buzz Williams' departure from Texas A&M and the hiring of Bucky McMillan. They touch on the mixed feelings about Williams' tenure, which included winning but also frustrating play styles, and the excitement surrounding McMillan, who brought winning seasons to Sanford and nearly upset Kansas in the 2024 tournament with his fast-paced, three-point-heavy system.
The Bucky McMillan Hire
Luke discusses the sentiment around Buzz Williams' departure, noting that while he brought winning to Texas A&M, his stubbornness and style of play had limitations. The fans were ready for a change, and while some desired a "splashy" hire, McMillan is viewed as a perfect fit, embodying the idea of finding the best up-and-coming mid-major coach. Luke expresses excitement about McMillan's potential to lead Texas A&M to the second weekend of the tournament, citing the team's early recruiting success and McMillan's ability to get players to buy into his system.
Projected Starting Lineup and Key Players
Christian and Luke discuss the potential starting lineup, including Jakari Lane, Pop Isaacs, Ryland Griffin, Mackenzie Mgbako, and FedE Federico. Luke highlights the team's depth, mentioning Marcus Hill and Rashawn Ag as potential starters. He emphasizes that McMillan values effort and that players must give 100% to play. The uncertainty around injuries and waiver approvals is also noted, with Rashawn Ag's potential clearance being a significant factor.
Jakari Lane
The discussion shifts to Jakari Lane, a productive player from North Alabama. Luke praises Lane's winning mentality and commitment to the team, noting that he was the first transfer to join under McMillan. While Lane fits well offensively, there are defensive concerns due to his size and the physicality of the SEC. Luke draws a comparison to Weey Taylor, suggesting that Lane can overcome his size with hunger and determination.
Defensive Concerns and Team Identity
The conversation addresses the defensive concerns with the roster, focusing on effort and buy-in. Luke points out that many modern basketball players prioritize scoring over defense, and McMillan demands sacrifice and commitment on the defensive end. He questions whether players like Mackenzie Mgbako and Ryland Griffin will fully commit to McMillan's defensive style. The lack of continuity, with only Josh Holloway returning and few players having played together, is also noted as a challenge.
Pop Isaacs
The focus turns to Pop Isaacs, who only played six games at Kraton last year. Luke provides an update on Isaacs' health, noting that he is recovering from a lower body injury but is expected back later in the month. Despite being injured, Isaacs has stood out as a leader, helping coach teammates and staying locked in mentally. Luke believes Isaacs' explosiveness and scoring ability will be a valuable addition to the team.
Ryland Griffin
Ryland Griffin is discussed as a perfect fit for McMillan's system, reminiscent of his successful stint at Alabama. Luke believes Griffin will be more impactful than he was at Kansas, where he seemed frustrated. He highlights Griffin's exceptional three-point shooting and the potential for him to be the most impactful player on the roster.
Mackenzie Mgbako
Mackenzie Mgbako is examined as a five-star talent with a fresh start at Texas A&M. Luke mentions that McMillan quickly corrected Mgbako's tendency for mid-range shots, focusing on efficiency. Mgbako led the team in points per possession over the summer and is seen as a potential second-round draft pick. Luke believes this system will allow Mgbako to showcase his talent and get him NBA-ready.
Fede Federico and Zack Clemens
Fede Federico's role is discussed, emphasizing his rim protection and ability to get easy buckets in transition. Luke questions how Federico will handle the physicality of the SEC. Zack Clemens is mentioned as an energy big who can provide valuable minutes off the bench, with the key being whether he can translate his practice performance to games.
Ruben Dominguez
Ruben Dominguez is highlighted as a potential X-factor, with Luke comparing him to Caleb Grill. Luke shares anecdotes about Dominguez's exceptional shooting ability, stating that the coaching staff believes he is one of the best shooters in the world. Dominguez's intelligence and experience in the Euro League are also noted, making him a valuable addition to the team.
Josh Holloway and Ali Abdul Da
Josh Holloway, who came from Sanford with Bucky McMillan, is praised for his familiarity with the system and his defensive abilities. Ali Abdul Da is discussed as a recent addition with great athleticism and the ability to drive downhill. Luke emphasizes that McMillan values defensive work ethic and athleticism, making Holloway and Da key pieces off the bench.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luke acknowledges the talent on the roster but reiterates the questions about defensive buy-in and how quickly the team can gel. Despite the defensive concerns, he believes the team will be fun to watch and score a lot of points. Christian expresses excitement for the new era in College Station, and Luke hopes the team can make the tournament.
