The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Sweet 16/Elite 8 are taking place in 4 cities around the country and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with some UConn locker room interviews.
SR G Alec Millender
You began your career at IU Indy: why did you decide to transfer to UConn? This was my dream school. I wanted to experience stuff like this: a big-time game on a big-time stage.
Your sister Ashton won 4 NCAA tourney games as a player at DePaul: who is the best athlete in the family? I am! She is very talented, but I am a better multi-sport athlete. I played baseball in the past, and in the 4th grade I was the #1 running back in the nation.
Your team started 22-1 but went 7-4 in its final 11 games before the NCAA tourney: how were you able to turn things around last week? Buckling down. We aired out all our problems, which brought us closer together, and we know that the biggest goal is still ahead of us.
What makes Dan Hurley such a great coach? The way he balances passion with care. He will get on you, but it comes from a place of love.
What do you know about Michigan State? They play hard, so whoever does the tougher things will come out victorious.
SR F Alex Karaban
You have won as many NCAA tourney games as any other active player in the country: what is the secret to winning games in March? Having a great coach and teammates. You must take it 1 game at a time: even after we found out who we had in front of us, it is just about living the dream.
Last month you were inducted into the Huskies of Honor: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It means everything because it stamps my legacy here forever. It is a blessing and when I come back to visit in 20 years it will be fun to see my name up there.
Your team is top-15 in the nation in PPG allowed: what is the key to playing great defense? We all bought into the game plan and helped each other out.
What makes Dan Hurley such a great coach? The relationships/connections that he makes. I always feel that I can talk to him about anything because he balances pushing us with supporting us.
What do you know about Michigan State? They are super-fast and ultra-physical. They have a Hall of Fame coach and are playing their best right now, so we have much respect for them.
Check back for a lot more access all weekend long!
