Alex Caruso inspires Texas A&M basketball with message for March Madness run

Texas A&M coach Bucky McMillan has long admired Alex Caruso . Not just the résumé. The resolve.

McMillan still marvels at the edge and resilience it took for the OKC Thunder guard and former Aggies standout to help lead Texas A&M to the Sweet 16 in 2016 "AC is a winner — and I think that's something that you all want your players to strive to be from College Station," McMillan said. "The thing about AC is that he was probably an underdog his whole career. He talked to our team earlier this year about one of the biggest traits successful players have.

To be a great player, to make it at the highest levels, you’ve got to have self-awareness. " MUSSATTO: Relive craziest March Madness comeback between Texas A&M, Northern Iowa with Alex Caruso Caruso delivered that message again this week. During the Thunder’s five-game road trip, the veteran guard hopped on a Zoom call Wednesday to speak with the Aggies ahead of their 63-50 win over Saint Mary’s in Thursday's NCAA Tournament opener.

And the message hit home. “Just to hear from him was great,” graduate forward Rashaun Agee said. “He’s been in our shoes.