How Far We’ve Come: Bucks Nation Speaks

Look, all the members of Bucks Nation know what it has taken for this team, this city, to get to this point. Last night, Milwaukee took part in their first NBA Finals game since 1974. While they did not come out on top in that particular contest, it’s important to remember how we became fans of this team in the first place. So, that is the mission I set out upon in recent days, to contact those in Bucks Nation to have them answer some questions about their fandom.

This is the product of that, enjoy.

When Did You Start Watching/Following The Bucks?

“I started following the Bucks when I was around 8 years old. I was watching basketball a lot more, had a hoop out on my driveway, and shot around practically every day. At the same time, I realized Wisconsin had an NBA team. I was fascinated by the talent on that team with Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, Tim Thomas, and Michael Redd. They made a run to the eastern conference finals, beating out the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic. That was when I became a fan and wanted to attend games at the Bradley Center.”

Dan Edwards (@PackerEddyFF)

“2018 (Kinda crazy but never really was a fan of basketball until Rodgers bought a tiny share. Was like hmmm might as well give it a try. Immediately fell in love with Giannis and the Bucks”

Sammy for 3 (@SammyBuckets15)

First Favorite Bucks Player?

“I was really high on Giannis, Thon, and Jabari at the time. Genuinely thought they had Big Three potential if the Bucks developed them right.”

DonteSZN (@BucksGotNext)

“My first favorite Buck was Andrew Bogut. I think it was 2005 or so, my family went to dinner in Milwaukee and randomly decided to go to a game after. My father splurged on really good seats, and I was hooked. It was the first NBA game that I had watched in years and it was so much fun! I still remember being close enough to see Andrew’s sweat. He played a great game and instantly became my favorite. I’ve always loved Australia so that also sealed the deal for me lol”

Amy Turk (@mistermagoo13)

“My first favorite Bucks player was Brandon Jennings. His 55 point game was iconic in this franchise’s history and is a game I will never forget.”

logan (4 more wins) (@logjwben)

First Bucks Jersey You Owned?

“Ray Allen was my first favorite Bucks player, but the first jersey I owned was Tim Thomas’ jersey. I got it as a Christmas present in 1999 I think. He was one of my other favorite players growing up.”

Dan Edwards

“The first Bucks jersey I owned was Luc Mbah A Moute, believe it or not! I was skinny then and was able to fit in a kids jersey (they were cheaper and money was tight!) And I wanted to get a jersey for a player not everyone had (so many Bogut and redd jerseys then, i wanted to be different) and at the time I thought he’d be with the team for a while. I still have that jersey too! One of the red alternates. It’s faded and waaaay too small for me but I’ll always hang on to it!”

Amy Turk

Favorite Bucks Game Memory?

“Don’t have a specific favorite memory of a game I was at. My favorite bucks memory though was from last Saturday when they clinched their spot in the Finals for the first time in my lifetime”

Jake Sirianni (@Jcsirianni)

“Brandon Jennings game-winning buzzer-beater November 3, 2012, vs. Cleveland”

Nick Holz

“I’ve attended 3 bucks games in person but many more in the deer district. My favorite memory seems obvious but it has to be last night (Game 6 vs. Atlanta). Seeing 25,000 people come together and unleash their sheer joy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any sports fan. I know how hungry this team has been and it felt like the win last night lifted the weight off our shoulders”

Jonathan Michel (@jondog237)

So, as you can tell, this team and the run they have found themselves on has meant a lot to the fans that cheer them on every time out on that court. Hopefully, then, with a little bit of luck, these same fans and many more around Bucks Nation can be cheering on a championship for the first time in 50 years.

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