There is an interesting story behind how the Milwaukee Bucks’ mascot got his name. The franchise’s longtime play-by-play announcer and commentator Eddie Doucette used the word “Bango” each time a Bucks player made a long-range basket. The phrase became so popular in the Milwaukee community that they decided to name their mascot Bango.
Bango is known for his daring rebounds, high-flying acrobatics and other entertaining antics. He also energizes the Bucks fans during crucial moments in the game. He has successfully performed a backflip dunk from the top of a 16 foot ladder becoming only the second mascot to do so. He has also performed a behind-the-back half-court shot and dunked from inside of a human hamster wheel. Some of his achievements include winning the Mascot of the Year in 2010 and the Most Awesome Mascot by Cartoon Network, and performing at the NBA All-Star Game.
While NBA mascot salaries are kept confidential, some online sources suggest that he earns somewhere between $50,000 - $100,000 per year. Bucks also have a secondary mascot, who dons a brown bear costume and wears a Bucks jersey. He goes by the name Hoop the Bear. Bango currently holds the record of being the longest service mascot in the NBA.
Bango the Bucks Real Name
According to NBAmascots.com, Bango the Buck is currently played by Jon McGlocklin, a former Bucks player who has been the mascot since 2005. He has a team of dancers and other professionals to assist him.
Bango was introduced as the official mascot of the Milwaukee Bucks on October 18, 1977, and he is 46 years old. The previous version of Bango wore a green woolen sweater with “B” on the front. The current Bango wears a #68 Bucks jersey, representing the year the franchise was born. Bango’s hard work has made him popular amongst Bucks fans over the years throughout the state of Wisconsin. He is a great ambassador for the Milwaukee Bucks and represents his team in community and charity events. He also visits schools, parades and festivals to promote his team.
Bango is a lovely, fun-loving, large anthropomorphic deer with huge antlers on his head. He loves to cheer the fans and get the crowd involved.
FAQs
A. Bango the Buck is the official mascot for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He has been entertaining the fans since 1977.
A. R.D. Trebilcox suggested the name Bucks for the team, after seeing bucks as fast, agile and spirited creatures who are good at jumping.
A. Yes, he is a white-headed large green anthropomorphic deer, who wears a Bucks jersey and shorts.
A. The Milwaukee Bucks franchise was founded in 1968, which is why the mascot wears the number 68.
