BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Six months ago, Bucky McMillan became the coach of a Texas A&M basketball team with no players.
Graduation and desertions left the Aggies’ roster empty as a broken promise.
Yet, through persistent pursuit of prospects, McMillan assembled a team, which is… well, somewhat promising.
The A&M roster is now full. It includes transfers like Pop Isaacs, Mackenzie Mgbako and Rylan Griffen, who’ve been successful on their previous teams.
But in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference, how much success can a collection of newcomers attain?
Quite a bit, actually. It has been done before. Last year, in fact.
John Calipari was in the same position when he took over as coach at Arkansas.
“I met with the team. There is no team,” Calipari said on his first day on the job in Fayetteville. “We have to get a roster together.”
Calipari put together a roster. A damn good one.
The Razorbacks struggled early, but they eventually reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They were ultimately eliminated in overtime by Texas Tech, 85-83.
Speaking on Tuesday at SEC Basketball Media Days, Calipari said the key to success was patience, conviction and accountability.
“We started 0-5 in our league, so it's not like we just went in and went up,” Calipari said. “I really believe in what we do. You better be with good people … your staff and the players, that they take responsibility. That we all own what's going on, including (players) and the staff.”
As he mentioned, Arkansas opened SEC play with consecutive losses to Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, LSU and Missouri. Indeed, the Razorbacks lost six of their first seven conference games.
Complaints, criticisms and questions followed. There were suggestions that Calipari was no longer an elite coach.
Such negativity, Calipari said, can galvanize a team.
“When things get rough, it's what kind of hardens you to what this really is about,” he said. “The only people you can count on are the people in the room. If you're worried about all that other stuff … that's why I have on my wall: ‘Coach your team.’ None of the other stuff matters.”
That’s the advice Calipari would give McMillan. Believe in what you do. Lean on those you trust. Understand there may be tough times.
“I would tell him to make sure you got good people,” Calipari said. “Normally, it’s going to be rough early. Then, after that, it gets better.”
Maybe even good enough to make a strong run in the NCAA Tournament.
