Located just three miles from his office at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, is the house where Bucky McMillan spent his childhood. This suburban home, where a new owner found 18 waterlogged basketballs buried beneath years of leaves in a ditch, is close to many important places in McMillans’s life. The Shades Valley YMCA, where he played his first organized basketball, is less than half a mile away. Mountain Brook High School, where he excelled both as a player and a coach, is just six miles away. Birmingham-Southern College, where McMillan transitioned from a walk-on player to a Division I contributor, is eight miles away.
At Samford, where he has made a name for himself as a successful coach, winning multiple awards and titles in just four years, McMillan has been able to build on his lifelong connection to the area. His success story is one of dedication and achievement, as he has never strayed far from his roots while making a significant impact in the basketball world.
As McMillan looks to continue building success at Samford and dreams of turning the school into a basketball powerhouse, he has the support of individuals like Gary Cooney, a former athlete and honored figure in the Samford community. Cooney has pledged his support to McMillan and the program, believing in the potential for greatness that lies within the coach and the team.
McMillan’s coaching style, known as “Bucky Ball,” is a fast-paced, high-scoring approach that has garnered attention and accolades. His team’s impressive statistics and exciting playing style have drawn comparisons to other successful coaches in the sport. With a focus on fun, fast-paced basketball, McMillan has created a system that keeps players and fans engaged and excited to watch.
As McMillan looks to the future and the potential offers that may come his way, he remains committed to his roots and the community that has supported him throughout his career. With a dedicated following and a strong network of supporters, he believes that staying true to his roots and building something special at Samford is the key to long-term success and fulfillment.