Today, we are sitting down with Mick Hunt of the Buckner Bandits.
Mick, how has your career gone so far for the Buckner Bandits.
Mick leans back in his chair, a relaxed smile on his face, and chuckles softly before answering.
"My career with the Buckner Bandits has been amazing so far. Being here from the start and seeing how we’ve grown as a team has been special. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some great guys, and we’ve had our ups and downs, but I think we’ve really built something here.
I don’t care much for the limelight, and I’m not chasing personal fame, but what drives me is seeing the team succeed. Winning is what it’s all about for me. The fans, they’re incredible—they’ve supported us since day one, and that’s what matters to me. I want to keep being a part of something that makes them proud."
He pauses, his smile widening.
"I’m not worried about the big market teams or any of that. Staying with the Bandits and helping us keep getting better, that’s my goal. The coach can use me however he sees fit. I just want to contribute and keep this ride going."
Mick, how is the year going on so far?
“Well, looking at where we stand right now, we’re 3-3, so we're right in the middle of the pack in the Great 8. We’ve had some solid wins but also some tough losses that could’ve gone either way. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, especially since we’re just a couple of games behind the top teams like WildTipatinas and Beam Us Up.
We’ve been competitive, and our point differential is positive, which shows that when we’re locked in, we can compete with anyone. I think we’ve got the talent to make a push, but it’s all about consistency. We’re right there with teams like the UW-Whitewater Warhawks and Tucson XFactors, but to really take that next step, we need to finish games stronger.
Our focus has to be on the details—limiting turnovers, playing good defense, and making the most of our possessions. I’m confident we can turn this into a winning season, and with the group of guys we have, I think we can make a deep run if we just stick to the game plan."
Last question for you Mick, how are your feelings about the league leaders so far this year?
“Man, it’s exciting to see our guys right at the top of those leaderboards. Kevin Moore is having an incredible season. Averaging 26.3 points per game and leading the league, that’s no small feat. What I love about Kevin is that he’s not just a scorer. You look at him, and he’s also leading the league in assists with 8.7 per game. That’s huge. He’s making everyone around him better, including me. It’s a luxury to play alongside someone who’s that unselfish but can still get buckets when we need them.
As for me, seeing my name up there with 22.7 points per game, it’s a great feeling. But honestly, I’m more proud of how our team is performing as a whole. It’s not about the individual numbers; it’s about getting those wins. But don’t get me wrong, I’m always trying to do my part to contribute on both ends of the floor.
And then, let’s talk about Edwin Long. He’s been a monster on the boards—15.7 rebounds per game! The guy just doesn’t quit, and that energy helps drive our whole team forward. We’ve got William Moore grabbing 15.3 rebounds a game too, so between those two, we’ve got some real firepower in the paint.
It’s clear we’ve got the talent to compete with the best in the league. Now, it’s all about keeping the momentum going and staying focused as we push deeper into the season.”
He finishes with a confident smile, clearly proud of his teammates and the Buckner Bandits' potential.