Latest news with #SamfordBulldogs
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Baseball game descends into chaos as gloating batter sparks mass ejections for players, coaches and parents
Mayhem broke out at a college baseball game in Greenville on Saturday night after a batter's provocative celebrations resulted in ejections for players, coaches and a mom in the stands. During their Southern Conference tournament win over the Mercer Bears, Samford outfielder Michael Gupton hit a two-run homer to increase the Bulldogs' lead on the night. Yet as he made his way around the bases, Gupton sparked anger when he appeared to shout something at Mercer's players and dugout, before touching home plate and celebrating with his teammates. Bears shortstop Bradley Frye was left furious with his gloating antics, making a beeline for the Bulldogs man before being held back by umpires at Fluor Field. A member of the team's coaching staff also had to be held back by his colleagues after taking offense to Gupton's celebrations. In the end, Mercer players left the field in protest at what played out after the two-run homer. Samford hits a bomb. Dude taunts the whole stadium. Mercer takes players off the field in protest. This leagueeeeeee — 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 25, 2025 After video review Gupton and Frye were both ejected from the game, while coaches were also thrown out - including Samford assistant Gil Walkes and Mercer pitching coach Tanner Gordon. And incredibly, Frye's mother - who was watching on in the stands - was also ejected from the game for standing and jumping on top of the dugout moments after she learned of her son's ejection, according to Fox News. Other Mercer supporters were also thrown out of the game after making their way onto the dugout roof to protest the decision. The game was delayed for around 25 minutes by the chaos that ensued after Gupton's controversial celebration. However, it was the Bulldogs who ultimately had the last laugh when they ran out 5-1 winners on the night. The victory earned them a place in the SoCon championship game.
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New HC Bucky McMillan's contract with Texas A&M revealed
New HC Bucky McMillan's contract with Texas A&M revealed New Texas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan earned his new position after leading the Samford Bulldogs to 99 wins, and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years in 2024, and while he is only 41 years old, Texas A&M AD Trev Alberts knew that after watching several young coaches, including Florida head coach Todd Golden, hiring McMillan was the right choice all along. After six seasons under Buzz Williams, McMillan's coaching style may be the polar opposite of Williams' defensive scheme focused on rebounding and forcing turnovers, but that's a good thing, mainly due to McMillan's focus on shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc. So far, Texas A&M's 2025 roster has been completely revamped through the transfer portal, landing eight players, including veteran forward Federiko Federiko and sharpshooter Rylan Kennedy, who, after two seasons with Alabama, including helping the Tide make it to the Final Four, spent last season with Kansas. For those interested in Bucky McMillan's contract with Texas A&M, GigEm247 beat writer Carter Karels released the specifics surrounding his deal, starting with the news that McMillan signed a five-year, $16 million deal with the Aggies, which is standard for first-year coaches moving up to the SEC. As Karels mentioned, if Texas A&M were to abruptly fire McMillan during the length of his contract, they would owe him 80% of his deal. Here are the rest of his financial incentives ahead of his first season: $100,000 for winning or sharing the regular season SEC title, and $50,000 for winning the conference tournament. $50,000 for making the NCAA Tournament, which includes the First Four, $75,000 for advancing to the Round of 32, $150,000 for advancing to the Sweet 16, $200,000 for advancing to the Elite Eight, $250,000 for advancing to the Final Four, $350,000 for advancing to the national championship and $600,000 for winning the national championship. $50,000 for being named the SEC Coach of the Year, and $50,000 for being named National Coach of the Year. Additionally, Texas A&M has provided McMillan $2.2 million for his coaching staff, led by associate HC Mitch Cole, assistant coaches Kyle Keller, Frank Haith, TJ Cleveland, and the youngest member of the staff, associate general manager and director of operations Warren Fitzpatrick. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas A&M will host Oklahoma transfer guard on Tuesday through Wednesday
Texas A&M's basketball future is now in the hands of new head coach Bucky McMillan. After five seasons leading the Samford Bulldogs to 99 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2024 season, McMillan has a difficult but achievable task ahead of him. He inherits a depleted roster left by former head coach Buzz Williams. However, the Alabama native is among the rising stars in the coaching ranks and has already landed a commitment from former Alabama State star guard Jacari Lane, who finished the 2024 season shooting above 40% from the field and 3-point range. While Lane looks to be the go-to scoring option for the Aggies next season, he is just one of now three players on the 2025 roster after four players followed Buzz Williams to Maryland. Advertisement Rebuilding any roster is difficult, but in today's transfer portal era, McMillan's influence, mainly regarding his aggressive play style, focused on offensive efficiency and relentless defense, immediately attracts athletes who like to play in transition and, like Lane, shoot at or above 40% from the field. According to several sources, including Texas A&M basketball insider Kannon Torres, McMillan and his staff will host Oklahoma senior guard Duke Miles. Miles finished his final season with the Sooners averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 51% from the field, 43% from 3-point range, and 83% from the free-throw line. Miles' 2023 season included 17 points per game while shooting 52% from the field, so if we're talking about a perfect fit in McMillan's offense, the Alabama native fits the bill. Yest, McMillan, and Miles share strong Alabama roots, which should play a significant part in his recruitment. Miles will visit Texas A&M Tuesday through Wednesday. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty. This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M basketball will host Oklahoma transfer G Duke Miles
USA Today
10-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
'We find fun ways to win' Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan is ready to get to work
'We find fun ways to win' Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan is ready to get to work On Monday, new Texas A&M basketball head coach Bucky McMillan was officially hired as the program's 23rd head coach. He greeted Aggie fans in Reed Arena, providing his first introduction to those who aren't as familiar with his coaching history after five seasons heading the Samford Bulldogs. Like most new head coaches, McMillan made the media rounds on Wednesday, starting with his appearances on the Paul Finebaum show, whose host is reportedly a big fan of what the Alabama native offers, calling in a potential "game-changer" and one of the best hires this offseason during his recent appearance on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning. While Finebaum kept it professional, McMillan provided a brief run-through of his interesting coaching career ahead of taking on his biggest challenge yet. "I started coaching when I was playing. When I was young playing in high school, I started coaching locally. When I played college, I started coaching AAU. I was never an assistant coach. It was an unusual path." After winning five state championships at Mountain Brook High School, McMillan's two-year rebuild at Samford was extremely impressive. Four consecutive 20-plus win seasons and the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2024 season resulted in a close first-round loss to Kansas. Knowing that he will be working with more resources, building a completely depleted roster this offseason isn't impossible, but the clock is ticking. "I haven't slept much at all. I laughed when Coach Cal said he met with the team and there was no team last year. We have one player on the roster. We're going to put our best foot forward." With the transfer portal window closing, Aggie fans shouldn't worry because recruiting players from the portal is about pitching the program's play style, as McMillan's "Bucky Ball" approach is built on speed, 3-point shooting, and relentless defense. "We find fun ways to win. We were the only mid major team in the top 12 in scoring last year. It's not good enough to just win, we have to win and make it entertaining. That's what we'll keep doing." Winning is everything, but this is a game, after all, and exciting Aggies fans with high-scoring contests and relentless effort will fill Reed Arena throughout the 2025 season and beyond, which, outside of earning NCAA Tournament bids is the primary goal. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie fans react to Texas A&M hiring SoCon Coach of the Year Bucky McMillan
Aggie fans react to Texas A&M hiring SoCon Coach of the Year Bucky McMillan This story was updated to correct misspellings. On Friday night, news broke that Texas A&M will hire Samford Bulldogs men's basketball coach Bucky McMillan as its 23rd coach in program history. Texas A&M basketball fans can look forward to an exciting new era with McMillan as coach. Known for his dynamic "Bucky Ball" style, McMillan's aggressive offense focuses heavily on 3-point shooting and pressing defense. That will be a significant shift from the slower-paced strategy under Buzz Williams. This fast-paced approach is expected to energize the program, attract fans and fill seats in Reed Arena. After top candidate Chris Beard decided to stay at Ole Miss, Texas A&M athletic director Trev Alberts reviewed his options and settled on McMillan, a multiple-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year. Despite mixed initial reactions, the hire is being praised for its potential to transform the Aggies' basketball identity. McMillan faces immediate challenges, including hiring a coaching staff and navigating the transfer portal as the entry window closes on April 22. However, his proven track record and offensive creativity offer hope for success. With Texas A&M's enhanced resources and McMillan's leadership, the Aggies aim to rebuild their roster and compete at a higher level in the SEC. Fans can expect a fast-pace brand of basketball that will redefine Texas A&M's program. Below are some of the best reactions from Aggie fans and the media after the announcement. Strong Mid-Major coach is the next coach of Texas A&M Get ready for a high paced offense High risk high reward higher Coach Bucky McMillian has been successful at every stop Even D1Baseball's Kendall Rogers took time away college baseball to comment on the hire Sounds like a great NIL or sponsorship opportunity Some fans are happy with the hire Some fans are not happy with the hire Samford took Kansas to the wire in the NCAA tournament Bill Self praises McMillian after the game McMillian is a winner and will put pressure on defenses The style of play should make for more exciting games at Reed Arena Give Bucky what he needs and watch him flourish Possible staffing hire with Texas A&M ties Welcome Coach Bucky McMillian to Aggieland! Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
