The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorns spotlight: Brad Buckman
02.24.2006 | Men's Basketball
Brad Buckman can still recall his surreal freshman season like it was yesterday. He still remembers the 30,000-plus burnt orange-clad fans in the Alamodome. He often recalls the 50,000-plus watching his Longhorns at the Final Four in New Orleans, and he hopes to relive it all again as a senior. This time, however, he knows it would be different.
Three seasons ago as a freshman playing on a talented and experienced team, Buckman was the fifth or sixth option. He was a definite role player. He wasn't expected to put up double-doubles or lead the team. But now, as a senior, that has all changed.
"It's a lot different," said Buckman. "I'm a huge part of this team now. I was just a role player then. We had so many other players with a lot of experience. There were no expectations for me."
Now there are, not only for him, but for his team as well.
"I'm asked to contribute a lot more," said Buckman. "Back then I was just a freshman trying to contribute whenever I could. Now I'm a senior and have been through it all. Guys look up to you, and you have to be there night in a night out."
As the Longhorns begin another run that they hope will end in Indianapolis, it's hard for Buckman not to reflect on that magical run to the Final Four three seasons ago.
"There are so many memories from that year," said Buckman. "Playing the regional in San Antonio was one of the craziest environments I've ever been in. It was an unbelievable situation. Then walking on the court in front of 50,000 people at the Final Four was something else. I've never been in front of a crowd that big."
Every year growing up he would watch the Final Four on television, and Buckman even attended one in San Antonio. But he never dreamed of playing in one, especially right out of high school.
"That season was crazy," said Buckman. "Coming in as a freshman, I didn't think that was going to happen. One year I was watching it on TV, and then the next year there I was playing in it. It was surreal."
So surreal that it felt easy. But as he as found out, it certainly isn't.
"I don't think I took it for granted," said Buckman. "I didn't realize how hard it was to get there. It felt so easy to get there. I never realized how hard you have to work. Now I understand what it means to put in the time."
Buckman has used those memories and experiences to fuel him over the last two seasons. He thinks about losing to Syracuse in the semifinals. He remembers what it felt like cutting down the nets in San Antonio, and while he hopes for a chance to do it all again, he has aspirations of taking it one step further.
"It was tough," said Buckman. "We were close to winning it all, and then we fell short. I don't just want to go through that again, I want to win it all."
So here he is with one more opportunity to avenge that disappointment and relive that glory. This time, however, it would be a little sweeter.
"That season was great and was something I will never forget," said Buckman. "But to do it again as a leader of this team would be something really special. Words couldn't describe how it would feel. That was one of the most memorable moments in my life, and for me to get back there in my senior year would mean everything."
