Last week Arkansas State beat JMU 86-79 in OT in the Sun Belt women’s tourney to earned an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Red Wolves had a losing season for 6 straight but are now heading to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time in school history. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arkansas State coach Destinee Rogers about the importance of 3-PT shooting and making the NCAA tourney.
You were a 3-year starter at Central Arkansas: how good a player were you back in the day? I was a coach on the floor and prided myself on being an elite point guard who got the ball where it needed to go. I also tried to be a good leader for our team.
How did you get into coaching? I watched my dad coach my whole life. I have been around the game of basketball for a long time, and it became life for me at an early age.
As an assistant at your alma mater your team set a school record with 28 wins in 2016 and made the 1st NCAA tourney in school history: what are your memories of that magical season? How hard it was. It is not easy to win, but when you have a team that truly believes then you can achieve anything. The biggest thing I learned that year is that you win with a “we over me” mentality.
In 2021 you became the 1st African-American female head coach to win a game in school history: how big a deal was it? It was a huge deal because I truly felt the moment was far greater than me. I was thankful to God first and foremost, but I also felt like it was an opportunity for me to open the door for someone else who looks like me.
You had a losing record in each of your 1st 2 years: what has clicked in year #3? The first two years were tough because we could not play the way that we really wanted to. This year is the first year that every kid on our team was a kid who we recruited.
Your former player Izzy Higginbottom was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2023, 1st-Team All-Sun Belt in 2014, and led the SEC in scoring with 24.4 PPG for Arkansas this year: was it weird to face her last November in Fayetteville? Not weird at all. I love Izzy and was truly happy to witness her success here as well as in Arkansas. She deserves it and I am super-proud of her.
You lost back-to-back road games in late-February: how was you team able to turn things around at the right time? It happened for a reason. It was an opportunity for us to regroup and learn some lessons that would later help us win the tournament.
Last Monday you had a 7-PT OT win over JMU to clinch a spot in the NCAA tourney for the 1st time in school history: how on earth were you able to overcome a 17-PT 1st half deficit, and what did it mean to you to win a title? God is the greatest: we trust his plan even when others do not. We overcame the deficit because we believed that we could. It came down to getting stops so that we could get out in transition and create advantages for our offense. We had to wake up and stop playing scared.
Your team’s 10.6 3PM this year is #1 in the nation: how crucial is the 3-PT shot to your offensive philosophy? We value taking good shots, period, whether that is a three or a layup. We want to shoot the best available shot each possession and a lot of times that is a three because we drive and kick the ball a ton.
How do you feel about being a #15 seed facing UConn? People have bet against us all year so this will be no different. We will take whatever seed we are given and are grateful to be dancing.
Last Thursday San Diego State lost to Boise State in the MWC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Aztecs have now had a winning season for 20 straight years and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with San Diego State dancer SR Kailey Lagestee about being a captain and making the NCAA tourney. *NOTE: special thanks to Kailey for taking time out of her busy day to answer these questions literally hours before her team takes the court tonight in the 1st 4!
You grew up in Orange County, CA: what made you choose San Diego State? I chose San Diego State because of the beautiful location, strong child development program, and collegiate-level dance team. The dance team was a significant factor in why I chose SDSU: I fell in love with the family-oriented environment, as well as the dedication/passion the team radiates.
You are majoring in Early Childhood Development: how did you choose that subject? My love for working with kids began at a young age due to my large family. My major in Early Childhood Development has given me the opportunity to work in several different childcare settings.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? Having the opportunity to be exposed to working in childcare, I have developed a love for teaching elementary education. I will be working to receive my teaching credential after graduation.
You have been captain of the dance team for the past 3 years: what is the key to being a good leader? After being a captain of the San Diego State dance team for three years, I have learned several factors that contribute to being a strong leader. Gaining the respect of my teammates by leading by example and putting the team first, while also creating strong connections and relationships with my teammates, helps make them feel supported.
You were a 2-time silver medalist at UDA College Nationals: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? Receiving the opportunity to compete at such a high-caliber competition is a privilege in itself. Being able to represent our university proudly in the D1A hip-hop category is extremely rewarding. Being one of the few all-girl teams in this category and receiving two silver medals in this division is a huge honor, thanks to our consistent hard work.
The Aztecs have made some great postseason runs in recent years: do you have a favorite memory? In 2024 the Aztecs made it to the Sweet 16, and a core memory from those games includes cheering at the game against Yale. The energy in the arena was unmatched and the players’ confidence radiated throughout the venue.
1 of your hobbies is exploring new restaurants: do you have a favorite cuisine? Choosing a favorite cuisine is difficult, but while in San Diego I have loved exploring several Mexican restaurants.
How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Our team typically decides who goes to the NCAA by seniority and several other factors throughout the year. Watching our team on national television is such a privilege due to the love and dedication we have for cheering on the Aztecs.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We plan to cheer on the Aztecs’ men’s team at their First Four NCAA tournament game, and are also cheering on the women’s team at their First Round NCAA tournament game in Louisiana.
Any predictions for your game tonight vs. North Carolina in Dayton? I believe we will have an Aztec win! We will always support and cheer on the Aztecs.
Last Sunday Memphis beat UAB 84-72 in the AAC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Tigers have now had a winning season for 25 straight years and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd time in 4 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Memphis pom team member Bailey Rollins about winning the conference tourney and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Nashville, TN: what made you choose Memphis? I knew the coach (Carol Lloyd) and had some other friends who enjoyed their experiences up here. I attended a couple clinics and loved the vibe so it drew me in.
You are majoring in exercise sport and movement sciences and minoring in psychology and medical assisting: how did you choose those subjects? When I arrived on campus I was planning to attend nursing school so I did all my prerequisites for that, applied to nursing school, and got accepted…but it is impossible to do both at the same time so I chose to dance on the team for 2 more years. I thought about becoming a Physical Therapist/Physician Assistant, but now I will use my medical assisting minor to go to nursing school at Vanderbilt in August. You are a senior: what is the post-graduate school plan? Nursing school is an accelerated masters program that will last 4 straight semesters. After that I hope to get a job at a hospital, get some experience, and then possibly do some travel nursing.
1 of your hobbies is cooking: what is your specialty? I just love to cook anything in general. I cook almost all my meals after growing up watching my parents/Nana cook.
Last Sunday in the AAC tourney title game the Tigers had a win over UAB to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? It was amazing! The whole pom and cheer teams were yelling and it was good to have such a live experience. The energy throughout the arena was crazy and is also good on campus.
Your team has won 20 of its past 22 games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? We do not “know” they will win…but we do “expect” them to win. They have held their own against the toughest teams and been clutch when needed.
Your basketball team missed the NCAA tourney last year but made it in 2022/2023: did you make it to either of those 2 tourneys? I went to the 1 in 2023, which was very fun. I was not as excited back then because this year the team has a different aspect that makes everything so much more dynamic. I am excited that we have already made it this far.
How does your school decide who gets to go to the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? We took all of our seniors on pom/cheer. We have 6 seniors on pom so that worked out perfectly. It will be a great experience, and to share our talent while supporting the basketball team means the world to me. I would not trade it for anything and it has been 1 of the best experiences of my life.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We will do a send-off tomorrow with our team members who are not going. After we arrive we are attending a couple of special events to support the team. I am sure we will do send-offs every day if we continue to win and we will be their biggest fans on the court.
Any predictions for you game on Friday vs. Colorado State in Seattle? I predict that we will win. It will be tough, as Colorado State has won 10 in a row, but if we play hard then I see no reason why we will not pull it off.
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Kansas State lost to West Virginia 73-69 in the Big 12 women’s tourney quarterfinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Wildcats won just 9 games in 2021 but since then they have had 4 straight winning seasons and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd time in 4 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Kansas State SO G Taryn Sides about growing up in a tiny town and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Phillipsburg, KS (population 2337): what was it like growing up in such a tiny town? My graduating class was about 40, but it was fun because I grew up with a great group of friends and played every sport that you can think of. The community was so supportive and still shows up to see me play home games at Bramlage Coliseum.
What made you choose Kansas State? I grew up a K-State fan so it was always my dream school. Manhattan is a college town where everything revolves around our sports program, and we have a great coaching staff/teammates.
You are 5’6”: do you see your height as an advantage or disadvantage on the court? It can be difficult at times on offense to pass/shoot against a taller defender, but on defense I can be a little pest!
Last year you made the Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Sometimes it can be tough so the most important thing is to stay on top of everything. I schedule my week in advance to know when I will do homework and when I will be in the gym, which has helped a lot.
This season you are scoring almost 10 PPG despite coming off the bench: what is the secret to being a “super-sub”? I just come in and do what my coach asks of me and what the team needs. I try to be a decoy on some plays but my teammates have confidence in my ability to make shots.
The Big 12 made some big changes this year by adding 4 new teams: how do you feel about conference realignment? I like it! It is cool to play against some other schools. We went to Utah this year and will go to Arizona next year, so it is even more excitement. Your team started this season 19-1 but lost 6 of your final 13 games including a Big 12 tourney loss to West Virginia: are you concerned that your team might have peaked too early? Not at all. We lost our All-American in Ayoka Lee so I think that we did pretty well under the circumstances. It was an adjustment to play without her, but now that she is back I think we are headed in the right direction.
You received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how did it feel to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? It is always a surreal feeling because it is hard to make the NCAA tourney. We were a little disappointed to not play at home as a #4 seed, but now we are excited to play on the road.
Your brother Trey played basketball at Jacksonville, your mother Robin played college volleyball, and your father Keith played college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? You would have to ask them but it depends on the day.
How do you feel about being a #5 seed, and what do you know about Fairfield? Losing at home last year to Colorado left a sour taste in my mouth. Fairfield is quick and are top-20 in transition offense. They have good shooters so it will be a different matchup for us.
-For starters, if you’d like to enter the BEAT THE PUPPET BRACKET CHALLENGE that Chad Sherwood has cooked up….don’t bother!! You won’t beat me!! It’s not even worth trying!! The only way anyone can beat me is if they cheat!!
SELECTIONS AND SEEDINGS:
-We shared our thoughts on the selections and seedings and then collectively filled out a bracket last night. You can watch us do that on the latest HOOPS HD REPORT – NCAA TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
-In terms of the Selection Committee, it seems as though every year there is a controversial selection and/or omission that has people screaming and yelling and taking to the streets in protest. This year’s selection of North Carolina looks particularly sketch considering that Bubba Cunningham was the committee chairman and is also the Athletic Director at UNC. I’m not going to deny that I don’t understand why the optics of that are questionable.
Having said that, though…
While very few “experts” were projecting UNC to get in, almost all of them had them within the next four teams of making it. Or…first four out. Or…last four out. Or…however they phrase it. They were the next in line!!! As I understand it, a bracketologist who gets a team correct and gets them within one of the actual seedline considers that good for their “score.” Well, had it been a 72 team tournament, all would have had UNC in the field and within one of their actual seedline, and no one would have been complaining. So, it wasn’t as if they selected Seton Hall, or South Carolina, or someone that was so far away from the bubble that they needed a telescope to see it.
Also…
The selection committee has 12 members on it and has a broad range of ties. Conspiracy theorists will always be able to find a conspiracy. The Big Ten had someone on the committee. The Big 12 had someone on the committee. The Big East had someone on the committee. Every team that was on the bubble, whether they were in our out, had ties to someone that was on the committee that would have personally benefited from their selection. So, EVERY YEAR we have these “A HA!!!” moments among the conspiracy theorists. THAT’S why UNC got in and West Virginia didn’t!!!
Something that I think gets lost in all of this is that the selection committee is just that. It’s a COMMITTEE. I think a lot of bracketologists get caught up in looking at team-sheets, and thinking of them as scorecards, and adding up all the different things on there to determine the value of that scorecard, and then ranking the teams that way. I love what bracketologists do. I think they make the sport a lot more exciting for fans and that they make the season a lot easier to put into context as it plays out than it otherwise would be without them. But what they do and how they do it is procedurally not the same as what the committee does. If you’ve ever been on any sort of a committee, be it a hiring committee, a rules committee, a party planning committee, or whatever, you know that committees are not unanimous in their decisions and that no one ever agrees with everything. The Selection Committee really isn’t any different.
And, it’s also worth noting that there are multiple NCAA Staffers in the room throughout the process. I’m not saying they are monitored for 96 straight hours throughout the whole week, but a committee member just can’t brazenly say “Hey! Do me a solid! Select my team!”
After all that, let me say this. I DID NOT agree with all of the selections and seedings. I never do. I thought the inclusion of North Carolina and Texas were a little ridiculous and that West Virginia clearly appeared to have a better team sheet and be better on the court than both of those teams.
I also feel that UC Irvine was/is both better and more deserving than all four teams in the First Four. I didn’t think they’d actually get selected, but had I been on the committee I would have absolutely argued for them. They won 14 true road games and a total of 18 away from home, and while almost none of those were ‘tier 1’ some of them were still games that were very hard to win. I don’t think any of the four bubble teams would have had as good of a record against UC Irvine’s schedule as UC Irvine did.
And, seeding Drake and UC San Diego as low as they did was wrong. Those teams played a lot of games away from home that were not easy to win and should have been seeded better. In fact, for seemingly the 20th straight year, I’m looking at the 12-line and thinking all of these 12 seeds would beat all the teams on the 9, 10, and 11 lines! Sucks for the 5 seeds, I guess! But, those are just my personal thoughts. Someone else who is just as informed may see it entirely differently.
We at Hoops HD replicate the process every year in our mock committee. The final bracket can be seen HERE. I didn’t agree with all of our selections and seedings either. I never do. No one from Hoops HD who participated agreed with everything. They never do. I mean…have you WATCHED our shows?? We start evaluating teams on the first night of the season and have two to three weekly shows throughout the season. We are unanimous on almost nothing!! And neither is the real committee. Almost no type of committee on the planet ever is.
But…
Just because I don’t agree with everything the committee did does not necessarily mean I think they were dishonest or uninformed. Quite frankly, as often as they meet, and as much as they go over, it is impossible for them to not be informed. They are far more informed than most of the media. The media spends well over 90 percent of their time covering less than 10 percent of the teams. The committee literally watches everyone. And I think suggesting that bracketologists take over the process is a silly suggestion. As much as I love what they do, they grade themselves on how close they come to guessing the real committee. Replacing the real committee with a group of people who gauge their success based on how accurate their guesses are is just illogical. It’s like suggesting court room reporters replace the juries. It’s the kind of thing I would suggest as a joke. I love what bracketologists do, but am totally against turning them into administrators.
As far as whether or not the committee is the fairest way to do it?? It’s a fair question. I’m open to other ideas and suggestions. And I totally get how frustrating it can be that the committee changes from year to year, and as the committee changes the points of emphasis change right along with that. Having said that, 31 teams get in via auto-bid. At least another 31 are absolute no brainers. They’d be in regardless of who is on the committee or what the points of emphasis are. That’s 62 out of 68 teams. Every single team, ESPECIALLY those from the nine mutli-bid leagues, has the chance to play their way into being one of those 62 teams. So, while I don’t agree with North Carolina and Texas getting in, I don’t feel THAT sorry for the teams that were left out either. They had chances to be one of the 62 no-brainers.
NIT:
-A lot of fun games tonight! If these games were regular season games we’d be highlighting pretty much all of them. Arkansas State had a great year and gets to host Saint Louis, Cal State Northridge was good in the Big West and gets to go to Stanford, UC Riverside v Santa Clara is another really fun game, Chattanooga was the 1st place team in the SoCon and was really playing well down the stretch and it will be fun to see them play against a Middle Tennessee tea that was also good down the stretch. All the games tonight are good!
NCAA FIRST FOUR:
-Saint Francis and Alabama State finished down the standings in weak conferences, but got hot in the conference tournaments and won the auto-bids. Saint Francis’s win at Central Connecticut in the NEC final may have been one of the biggest upsets during all of championship week. Alabama State finished just 4th in the SWAC, but they were really good in the latter part of the season and that momentum carried over into the SWAC Tournament. I’m actually looking forward to this one!
-San Diego State also squares off against North Carolina, who we now know was the last team into the field and would not have made it at all had UAB beaten Memphis. It could be that in 13 hours this horribly selected team is out of the field!
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It’s the evening after the Selection Show and Chad is joined by a full panel as they go through the selections and seedings and talk about what the committee got right, what they got wrong, and who the biggest snubs were. After that we took a look at the bracket and fill it out on the air as we go through each matchup and preview each team. We also take a quick look at all of the other postseason tournaments, and we close by revealing this year’s AC8 field!!
And, for all you radio lovers, below is an audio only version of the show…
And here is the bracket we filled out on the show:
