Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan confidently states, “We’re a good shooting team expressing strong belief in his 2025 roster’s shooting ability and overall potential.

In the world of college basketball, coaching confidence can serve as a powerful indicator of a team’s outlook and potential. When a coach publicly states, “We’re a good shooting team,” it signals not only belief in the current roster but also a strategic vision for how the team can succeed in the upcoming seasons. Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan’s recent confident assertion about his 2025 roster offers a compelling look into the team’s strengths, development philosophy, and future prospects.

This article explores McMillan’s confidence, analyzing the team’s shooting capabilities, the overall talent on the roster, strategic approach, and what this means for Texas A&M’s trajectory in college basketball.

The Context: Bucky McMillan’s Vision for Texas A&M Basketball

Bucky McMillan, a former high school coaching legend and Alabama native, took over the Texas A&M program with a clear vision: to establish a competitive, aggressive, and disciplined team capable of contending at the highest levels of NCAA basketball. Since his arrival, McMillan has emphasized a tough, defensive-minded style of play, but he also recognizes the importance of offensive efficiency, particularly in shooting.

As the 2024-2025 season approaches, McMillan’s focus on building a team with shooting prowess reflects a strategic shift toward balancing defense with a perimeter-oriented offense. His confidence in the roster’s shooting ability indicates a belief that his team can stretch defenses, create open looks, and execute in high-pressure situations.

The 2025 Roster: A Look at Talent and Development

The Texas A&M 2025 roster is a blend of returning players, incoming freshmen, and transfer additions. Key figures include:

• Jalen Johnson (Guard, Sophomore): A sharpshooting guard with a reputation for deep-range shooting.
• Marcus Williams (Forward, Freshman): A versatile wing with a smooth stroke and scoring ability.
• Transfer Portal Additions: Several experienced players from other programs known for their shooting and offensive skills.
• Emerging Freshmen: Talented young players with high ceilings, many of whom have demonstrated perimeter shooting during high school.

McMillan’s coaching staff has prioritized recruiting and developing players with shooting potential, emphasizing the importance of perimeter scoring in today’s game. The team’s practice emphasis on shooting drills, spacing, and offensive flow has been a core component of their training.

The Significance of Shooting in Modern College Basketball

In contemporary college basketball, the ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc has become a critical determinant of success. Teams that excel in three-point shooting can space the floor, create driving lanes, and generate more efficient offense. This trend is driven by the evolution of the game into a perimeter-oriented style, with three-point shots often dictating game outcomes.

McMillan’s assertion that “We’re a good shooting team” aligns with this trend, suggesting that Texas A&M is positioning itself to compete at a high level by leveraging perimeter shooting as a weapon.

Analyzing the Shooting Capabilities of the 2025 Roster

1. Perimeter Shooting:

The roster’s guards and wings have demonstrated strong shooting during high school and early college workouts. Jalen Johnson, in particular, has been noted for his deep-range shooting and consistency from three. His ability to hit contested shots and stretch defenses makes him a focal point of McMillan’s offensive plans.

2. Versatility and Spacing:

Players like Marcus Williams and incoming transfers bring a combination of shooting and athleticism, allowing McMillan to deploy lineups with multiple shooters on the floor simultaneously. This creates spacing that opens up driving lanes and pick-and-pop opportunities.

3. Shooting Depth:

The team’s depth in shooting allows for sustained offensive pressure and the ability to adapt to different game situations. McMillan has emphasized developing multiple perimeter shooters to maintain offensive flow even when facing tight defenses.

4. Practice and Development:

A significant part of McMillan’s confidence stems from the team’s rigorous shooting drills, focus on shot selection, and advanced analytics that track shooting percentages and shot quality. The coaching staff’s emphasis on continuous improvement has helped elevate the team’s shooting efficiency.

Strategic Implications: How Shooting Shapes Texas A&M’s Style of Play

1. Offensive Philosophy:

McMillan’s team aims to utilize perimeter shooting to create spacing, facilitate ball movement, and generate high-percentage looks. This approach aligns with modern basketball trends and aims to maximize the team’s scoring efficiency.

2. Defensive Complement:

An effective shooting team can also influence defensive strategies. When opponents respect the perimeter threat, it can open up opportunities for steals, fast breaks, and defensive rotations. McMillan’s team’s defensive intensity complements their offensive spacing, creating a well-rounded approach.

3. Clutch Performance and Confidence:

Having reliable shooters bolsters team confidence, especially in close games or clutch situations. McMillan’s belief that his team is good at shooting suggests he expects his players to perform under pressure, which can be a decisive factor in tight contests.

Player Development and Future Outlook

McMillan’s confidence is rooted in both current player skill and ongoing development. His coaching staff has focused on fine-tuning shooting mechanics, decision-making, and shot selection. The team’s culture emphasizes disciplined shooting, avoiding low-percentage attempts, and capitalizing on open looks.

Looking ahead, the 2025 roster’s shooting ability positions Texas A&M for several strategic advantages:

• Enhanced Scoring Potential: Consistent perimeter shooting can lead to higher team offensive efficiency.
• Recruiting Magnet: A reputation as a good shooting team can attract future recruits with perimeter skills.
• Tournament Success: Shooting prowess is often the difference-maker in NCAA tournament runs, where defenses tighten and every possession counts.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While McMillan is confident, he also recognizes potential challenges:

• Shooting Consistency: Maintaining high shooting percentages across the season requires disciplined practice and mental toughness.
• Injury Risks: Shooting is a skill that can be affected by injuries, fatigue, or slumps.
• Defensive Pressure: Opponents may focus defenses on limiting perimeter shots, forcing the team to adapt and find other ways to score.

McMillan’s emphasis on continuous improvement, player development, and strategic adjustments aims to mitigate these challenges.

The Broader Impact: Building a Program for Sustained Success

McMillan’s confidence in the shooting capability of his 2025 roster reflects a broader vision for Texas A&M basketball: to build a competitive, modern program capable of competing nationally and making deep tournament runs. Emphasizing perimeter shooting aligns with the evolving landscape of college basketball and ensures that the Aggies remain adaptable and poised for success.

Furthermore, this approach can attract talented recruits eager to develop their shooting skills and contribute to a dynamic, high-scoring team. It also positions Texas A&M as a team that can execute in clutch moments, which is essential for postseason success.

 A Promising Future Fueled by Confidence and Skill

Bucky McMillan’s statement, “We’re a good shooting team,” encapsulates his belief in his team’s offensive potential and strategic direction. With a roster rich in perimeter shooters, a focus on disciplined shooting, and a commitment to player development, Texas A&M is poised to leverage its shooting strength to compete at a high level.

While challenges remain, McMillan’s confidence signals a team that is motivated, prepared, and aligned with the demands of modern college basketball. As the 2024-2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Texas A&M’s shooting prowess translates into sustained success and elevates the program to new heights.