Aggies' New Coach Bucky McMillan Makes Waves with Star Transfers!

Oak Hill, Virginia, USA - Excitement is brewing at Texas A&M as the Aggies whisper a new chapter in their basketball saga with the arrival of Bucky McMillan as their head coach. McMillan, known for his aggressive style of play, has wasted no time shaking things up since his hiring. If his initial offseason is anything to go by, he’s not just resting on his laurels. McMillan has snagged nine players from the transfer portal, a notable leap in recruitment compared to his predecessor, Buzz Williams. This fresh infusion of talent includes former Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, who joins the Aggies after a standout performance at the 2025 NBA Combine. Texas A&M basketball is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory as it places considerable emphasis on building a competitive roster.

McMillan’s focus on recruitment extends beyond mere number-crunching; he’s casting a wide net to lure in athletes who complement his vision for a more dynamic “Bucky Ball” playing style. This approach highlights shooting three-pointers and maintaining robust full-court defense. McMillan himself has a commendable coaching record of 99-52 at Samford, which included two Southern Conference Championships and a thrilling NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. So, you can be sure he knows a thing or two about putting together a winning team. For those who like numbers, 247 Sports has already ranked Texas A&M as the No. 20 program in the country concerning transfer additions this spring, a clear sign of things to come.

Key Additions and Aspirations

One of the most significant additions is, of course, Mackenzie Mgbako, who made waves during his tenure at Indiana, averaging 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over his two seasons there. Mgbako, a former McDonald’s All-American, is also the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Aggies. After withdrawing from the NBA Draft, Mgbako seems set to make an impact in the upcoming season. McMillan believes that bringing in top-rated athletes like Mgbako is crucial to cultivating a squad that can hold its own in a conference teeming with talent.

Another exciting addition is guard Pop Isaacs, who previously played for Texas Tech and Creighton. Isaacs had a promising start last season, averaging 16.3 points per game, along with a solid shooting percentage of 41% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc before suffering a season-ending injury. His return is highly anticipated as he aims to bolster the Aggies‘ offensive capabilities in 2025. With McMillan at the helm, it seems that Texas A&M is well on its way to becoming a formidable competitor.

Looking Forward

Alongside Mgbako and Isaacs, McMillan is also keen on recruiting Ethan Mgbako, Mackenzie’s younger brother, who is currently a four-star small forward at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Ethan is expected to enter his final season this fall, and with offers already in hand from various programs, including Pitt and LSU, Texas A&M is clearly making its intentions known. McMillan’s proactive recruitment strategy puts Texas A&M in a strong position to not just participate but thrive in a challenging collegiate basketball landscape.

As the dust settles and the roster takes shape, it’s not just about how McMillan has used the transfer portal; it’s how he has crafted a vision that resonates with players and fans alike. With an eye on the future, as Texas A&M gears up for the new season, expectations are high. For all the latest on McMillan’s coaching and the Aggies’ journey, don’t forget to check out updates on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.