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July 23, 2026 | Brooks Gymnasium, Johnson City, Tennessee
In an effort to bring the community together and share their programs, the Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams at ETSU held an open practice at Brooks Gym, on ETSU’s Campus. This free event showcased full court practice exercises, a meet and greet with the Bucs, and some Johnny Brusco’s pizza to boot.
Lady Bucs, and Coach Mock Brown’s Outlook
With the momentum of being a Co-Regular Season Champion team in 2025-2026 season, The Lady Bucs are driving to keep the title, and take the Conference Championship. This was the first time the Women’s team took the full court for practice. With 8 players returning, there is still a lot to be done in regards to team chemistry, and teambuilding for Coach Mock Brown. “We’re developing a new chemistry and a new defense so that can take some time.”
With the additions though, Coach feels good about the depth that has been gained with the newer players, and the team is a little bit bigger, with a lot of experience. With a new offensive strategy though, the waters are even for everyone, veteran or not.
Emmah McAmis spoke to how important the fans are during the season and into the postseason, that they’re crucial to the energy for the team. Coach Mock Brown stated “We love that this is a community focused on ETSU. We’re only as good as our fans. Brooks Gym has a lot of history, but it’s special because it’s an hard environment to play in. So getting to that 850, 1,000 mark and creating a really difficult environment for our opponents is critical for our success this year.”
Men’s Team, McCullum and Coach Brooks Savage
The 2026 Regular Season Champions, and almost Conference Championship, it’s easy to say that Coach Savage and his team are determined. With a chip on their shoulder, this team has a good chance to win it all
McCullum spoke about the new additions to the team, ‘We’re trying to get the new guys to understand the culture around here. Play hard, most convincing, most commanding team are the best together. We (McCullum and Maki Johnson) took a leadership role in practice, making sure guys hit the right spot..’ McCullum this summer has spent a lot of time bulking up and reaching a higher physical potential. With a 7’1″ wingspan and an additional 20(ish) pounds, McCullum has a larger presence on the court and under the basket forcing rebounds and making those dunks.
Coach Savage referred to this summer for McCullum as his ‘Million Dollar Summer.’ That if McCullum wants to reach that full potential in the next step of his career, he needs to make this summer count, and to make this coming season count. “We need these guys to play well, to help our team win #1, and they’ll benefit with that from other opportunities. So (McCullum), looks just like on paper the guys that get drafted. He’s shooting the ball really well, and maturity and confidence are really high. We all have individual aspirations and how you get there matters. You have to do that through your team, and through your teammates.” Recognizing that, and bringing that perspective every day to practices and games, is truly what being a Buc is about.
Both Coach Savage and Jordan McCullum agreed that fans are vital. Attendance to the early season non-conference games is just as important to the team and the energy as SoCon season play. Packing Freedom Hall as often is the hope for The Bucs.
The season has not been fully completed, but scrimmages for The Bucs will begin in early October.
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