Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews St. Mary’s Spirit Team Captain Giuliana Sorbi

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Jon Teitel

Last week St. Mary’s lost to Gonzaga 77-51 in the WCC tourney title game but was still able to clinch an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Gaels have now had a winning record for 20 years in a row and claimed the school’s 2nd straight NCAA tourney bid. In addition to shining a light on the players who got the job done on the court, it is also important to recognize the spirited students who have worked just as hard on the sidelines, such as band members/cheerleaders/dancers. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with St. Mary’s Spirit Team Captain Giuliana Sorbi about the rivalry with Gonzaga.

You are from El Cerrito, CA, and went to Saint Mary’s College High School: were you just destined to attend St. Mary’s College?! They are both part of the Catholic tradition and they appreciate the importance of community so I have found that here as well.

You are a captain on the Spirit Team: what is the key to being a good leader? Being a good listener as well as a kind/open-minded person. Everyone has a different talent they bring to the table so I try to be a positive person and have good school spirit.

You are studying Justice, Community, and Leadership on the Special Education track and are also a Dance minor: why did you choose those subjects? I have always been interested in helping students with special needs. I originally wanted to be a teacher but now I want to become a school psychologist. I can use my own experience while growing up to help others.

How long have you been dancing for, and what is the best part? I have been dancing since I was 3 years old so it will allow me to continue my skills after graduating if I want to. The best part of being a dancer at St. Mary’s is that I get a chance to represent my school each and every day. Not only am I a student but I am recognized for my dance ability. I have learned technique/stamina as well as skills to become a better person: work ethic, communication, and how to pursue your dreams.

You are a student ambassador at SMC in the admissions office: what does that entail? I have been a student ambassador since my sophomore year. I give campus tours, talk with prospective students, work at the front desk, and attend all of our admission events where I talk about my own experience. I remember it being intimidating when I was looking at schools so I try to put them at ease.

Last Tuesday in the WCC tourney title game you lost to Gonzaga: how do you explain the rivalry with the Zags to someone who has never experienced it in person? It is always a dynamic environment no matter where we play them, but when we have a home game our fans step it up even more than usual. They are invested from the beginning of the day through the end of the game. The turnout is always different but it is really fun for everyone. A lot of alumni (players/dancers/staff) come back to watch it as well.

What is the mood like on campus now that the NCAA tourney is finally here? Everyone is super-excited about it. I had to explain to my professors that I would be traveling for it and they just responded, “Go Gaels!” The whole city of Moraga is really excited. A lot of people showed up on Selection Sunday so everyone is grateful for this opportunity.

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 bring all of our dancers and have a rotation system where the rookies trade off but everyone gets to dance at least once/day. It is based off of seniority so all of the seniors will get to dance. We are all thrilled to be on national TV and show everyone what we have been working on. People thing Moraga is a small/isolated city but we have a lot going for us and will represent our passion through our dancing.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for Albany? We have 1 routine that we performed for the 1st time at the WCC tourney so we are excited to do that 1 again, as well as a brand-new 1 that we were just working on last night.

Any predictions for the Gaels on Friday afternoon vs. VCU? The Gaels always give it all that they have so I am crossing my fingers that we can pull out a win. We are passionate about what they do and we will give it whatever we can so it will be fun to watch and definitely memorable.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Monmouth SR F Lucy Thomas

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday Monmouth beat Towson 80-55 in the CAA tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Hawks only won 2 games in 2021 but won 18 games this year and clinched the school’s 1st NCAA tourney bid since 1983. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Monmouth SR F Lucy Thomas about the importance of veteran leadership.

You were born/raised in New Jersey: what made you choose Monmouth? I was actually born in Pennsylvania and then lived in New York for a little bit. Monmouth is close to home so it is nice to have my family at home games for support. It is a really good fit for me and was my best choice.

You play for Coach Ginny Boggess: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? She really pushes everyone to do their best and has so much faith in us/love for us. She knows how much talent we have and has really helped us throughout this postseason with positive talk.

In 2019 you made the conference all-rookie team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I made sure to get up some extra shots in the gym to try to improve my game. It was a really big accomplishment so shout-out to my teammates/coaches who helped me get that.

In December of 2019 you scored a career-high 22 PTS including the game-winning shot with 4.2 seconds left in OT to beat Manhattan: did you think the shot was going in, and where does that rank among the highlights of your career so far? That 1 is up there! It was a really intense game so I was just locked in on the play but the shot felt good when I released it. I remember the game being a battle but it was a really great moment.

You are pursuing a masters in communication: why did you choose that subject? My undergrad degree was in finance but I wanted to branch out of that field and do something different so that I could add something else to my resume.

What is the post-graduation plan? I am still thinking about it.

Last Sunday in the CAA tourney title game you scored 9 PTS in a win over Towson on their home court: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? The hard work we put in throughout the whole year is something that I am just so proud of. To see everyone just out there hooping was really nice. Winning a ring to finish up my last year is something that I will never forget. After the game everyone was just yelling/screaming on the court.

You had to win 4 games in 4 days while facing each of the top-3 seeds: did you even stay awake for the Selection Show or just go to sleep for 24 hours after the title game to recover?! We were all awake/together as 1 big team for the Selection Show: there was so much excitement.

You are 1 of 4 graduate students on the roster: how crucial has all of that experience been to your team’s success this year? It really helps out on the court due to all of the knowledge that we have: I think it is a really big factor.

How do you feel about being a 16 seed, and what do you know about Tennessee Tech? I feel good about it. We just have to go out and do our thing. We will have to scout Tennessee Tech because they are a really good team but I am excited to play.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Boise State SO F Tyson Degenhart

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jon Teitel

Last Friday Boise State lost to Utah State 72-62 in the MWC tourney semifinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Broncos were an 8 seed last year and are a 10 seed this year after clinching the school’s 2nd straight NCAA tourney bid. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Boise State SO F Tyson Degenhart about all of the fellow tourney teams he faced this season.

You grew up in Washington: what made you choose Boise State? There were a couple of reasons. It is close to home and my dad told me about how homesick he got while attending college at Clemson. It is also a perfect fit in terms of the coaching staff/style of play.

You graduated as valedictorian of Mt. Spokane High School with a 4.0 GPA: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Both of my parents are teachers so good grades were always expected out of me. You need to be a good time manager and be proactive rather than procrastinating until the last minute.

You play for Coach Leon Rice: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? He has a great feel for what his team is and always plays to our strengths. Last year we were a good defensive team and this year we are a better offensive team. He has a 1-game-at-a-time mentality and teaches us to always stay present and make each day the best day possible.

Last year you only scored 12 PTS off the bench in the 1st 6 games but ended up being named conference ROY: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It is a tremendous honor but is a team award because my teammates/coaches put me in the right position to be successful.

Last March in the MWC tourney title game you scored a team-high 13 points in a 1-PT win over San Diego State: where does that rank among the highlights of your career so far? That probably has to be #1. To be in the title game and then win the MWC tourney (which was something that Boise State had never done before) was a super-special moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

In the NCAA tourney you scored 8 PTS in a loss to Memphis: what did you learn from that game that you think will help you this time around? Just going through the whole experience was huge for us because none of us had been there before. You hear stories about it but you do not truly understand it until you have been through it. We cannot start off slow or dig ourselves into a 20-PT hole and then expect to come back.

You played several NCAA fellow tourney teams this year including Nevada/San Diego State/Texas A&M/Utah State: which of them impressed you the most? I think that Utah State has played some really good basketball over the past month and gotten hot at the right time. San Diego State is a 5 seed and is a lot better offensively than they were last year. I am also happy that Nevada got in because it is good for our league, and I think that Texas A&M was underseeded a bit.

Your PPG/RPG have improved from last year but your 3P%/FT% have decreased: how have you changed as a player from freshman year to sophomore year? I am a more mature player this year. Last year I did not know how fast the game was but I have more of an understanding now. There was also a position change: last year I played the 4 most of the time but this year I am a 5.

Your 4 fellow starters include 1 junior/3 seniors: how crucial has all of that experience been to your team’s success? Having veteran leadership is always super-important. Last year as a freshman I had 4 seniors in the starting lineup. They have been a huge help to me and the younger guys.

How do you feel about being a 10 seed, and what do you know about Northwestern? I am excited to be a 10 seed and am just glad that we got in this year. I know that Northwestern is very good defensively so it will be a good challenge for us.

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Bracket Tactics: HoopsHD provides some tips for surviving and advancing

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jon Teitel

The best week of the year is finally here! This is the time when we ponder the impact of McDonald’s All-Americans, the importance of having a veteran coach, and exactly how many different “Wildcats” can make the Final 4. For those of you who need some last-minute bracket advice grounded in historical facts/trends, please see below for our Sweetest 16 Suggestions. For the rest of you, enjoy the Madness!!

TIP #1: No team that lost its opening game in its conference tournament has ever gone on to win the NCAA title that same year.
STRATEGY: The extra few days of rest have not proven helpful in the past so take a long hard look at Baylor (lost to Iowa State in the Big 12 tourney quarterfinals)/Kansas State (lost to TCU in the Big 12 tourney quarterfinals) before penciling them in as your champ.

TIP #2: Since 1979 only 3 national champions did not have a McDonald’s All-American on their roster (2002 Maryland/2014 UConn/2021 Baylor).
STRATEGY: A coach who cannot recruit the best high school players usually fails to win it all so beware of picking Arizona/Purdue to go all the way.

TIP #3: The last coach to win a title in his very 1st year as coach at a school was Tubby Smith at Kentucky in 1998.
STRATEGY: History is not on the side of Kansas State coach Jerome Tang/Texas coach Rodney Terry.

TIP #4: Since UNLV from the Big West won it all in 1990, 30 of the past 31 champs have come from a power-conference (except for UConn from the AAC in 2014): ACC (11), SEC (6), Big East (7), Big 12 (3), Pac-12 (2), Big 10 (1).
STRATEGY: You might want to think twice before picking anyone from the MWC/WCC to win it all.

TIP #5: Only 3 coaches with 4 or fewer prior tournament appearances have won the title since 1985 (Steve Fisher/Tom Izzo/Kevin Ollie).
STRATEGY: Teams like Duke (Jon Scheyer has 0 prior tourney appearances)/San Diego State (Brian Dutcher has 3 prior tourney appearances) might need a little more seasoning before they can win it all.

TIP #6: Each champ since 2002 had a strength of schedule that was among the top-75 in the nation.
STRATEGY: You have to play the best to learn how to beat the best you might want to stay away from FAU (SOS: 106)/VCU (SOS: 99).

TIP #7: There are 5 active coaches who have won at least 2/3 of their NCAA tournament games (minimum 5 wins).
STRATEGY: Do not expect Bill Self of Kansas (72.4%)/Tom Izzo of Michigan State (69.7%) to be catching an early flight home.

TIP #8: There are 6 schools who have won at least 85% of their games in the round of 64 (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Auburn (10-1)/Kansas (36-2) are near-automatic in their opening games.

TIP #9: There are 8 schools who have won at least 75% of their games in the round of 32 (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Arizona (19-4) is looking good vs. the Missouri-Utah State winner if they can win their 1st round game, and if not then Kentucky (28-7) is not a bad alternative.

TIP #10: There are 6 schools who have won at least 75% of their Sweet 16 games (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Kentucky (34-11) has played great in their Sweet 16 games so Marquette should beware.

TIP #11: There are 10 schools who have won at least 70% of their Elite 8 games (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Keep an eye on some of the best seeds in case either Houston (6-1)/UCLA (19-4) can make it to the 2nd Sunday.

TIP #12: There are 9 schools who have won at least 60% of their Final 4 games (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Connecticut is 4-1 in the Final 4 so if you pick them to survive the West Region then you might want to pick them to get all the way to the title game.

TIP #13: There are 10 schools who have won at least 2/3 of their NCAA tournament games as an at-large team (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Do not sleep on Kansas because even though they did not win the Big 12 tourney they still have a terrific track record when they do not get an automatic bid (57-23).

TIP #14: Only 3 teams have won an NCAA title after not being in the tournament the previous year it was held (1986 Louisville/2003 Syracuse/2014 UConn).
STRATEGY: Xavier (2022 NIT)/Virginia (2022 NIT) are certainly ready for primetime…but might not be ready to go all the way.

TIP #15: There are 7 schools who have won at least 85% of their NCAA tournament games in their home state (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: How excited is UCLA (29-1 in the state of California) to be playing in Sacramento?!

TIP #16: There are 8 schools who have won at least 75% of their NCAA tournament games as an automatic bid team (minimum 5 games).
STRATEGY: Do not sleep on Duke because when they win the ACC tourney and get an automatic bid they are near-unstoppable (67-19).

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Happy Anniversary! HoopsHD interviews former Cal Poly coach Ernie Wheeler

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jon Teitel

Cal Poly’s last NCAA tourney appearance was a miraculous 1 back in 2014. After finishing the regular season 10-19, Coach Joe Callero’s squad won 3 games in 3 days to clinch the Big West tourney title, then beat Texas Southern by double-digits in the 1st 4 before losing to an undefeated Wichita State squad. A few decades earlier Mustangs coach Ernie Wheeler led his team all the way to the Final 4 of the 1981 D-2 tourney before losing to eventual champ Florida Southern. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Ernie about being the winningest coach in school history. Today marks the 42nd anniversary of Ernie’s Elite 8 win over New Hampshire on March 14, 1981, so we take this time to remember his remarkable accomplishment.

 photo credit: Lompoc Record

In 1972 you were hired as head coach at Cal Poly: why did you take the job? I spent 7 years coaching high school basketball in California so when I had the opportunity to become a college coach I took it.

In the 1977 D-2 tourney you had a 3-PT loss to North Alabama: how close did you come to pulling out the win? We had a heck of a team that year and beat Stanford by double-digits during the season. The North Alabama game was tremendous: it was probably the loudest arena that I have ever been in.

In March of 1981 you had a 4-PT win over New Hampshire to advance to the D-2 Final 4: where does that rank among the biggest wins of your career? Going to the Final 4 is something you always think about but never expect it to happen. They sent us to the Eastern regional in New Jersey so we were actually representing the East! We lost to Florida Southern in the semifinals but that tourney run ranks among the best teams that we have ever had here.

In December of 1982 you had a 3-PT 2-OT loss to Sacramento State: where does that rank among the most devastating losses of your career? I do not remember that 1. The loss that stands out was to Hayward State on the road when 1 of their players made a 25-footer at the buzzer!

You remain the all-time winningest coach in school history: do you think that anyone will ever break your record? I think that someone will break it in time. We had a great run for 14 years and I got to have both of my sons play for me. My oldest son transferred from Idaho State and my other boy was highly-recruited but wanted to stay home. I was fortunate because they could really play and fit in as just 1 of the guys.

After leaving Cal Poly you spent 3 years as coach at Eastern Montana: what did you do during your time off, and why did you decide to get back on the sideline? I stayed at Cal Poly for a year working for their athletic department. I needed a job after Cal Poly switched athletic directors and Eastern Montana was a good way for me to get back into coaching. It is a wonderful profession because it is not just about Xs and Os but also the people around you.

You later coached in the CBA and served as a scout for Portland: which gig did you enjoy more, and what is the key to being a good scout? I evaluated mid-major players for the Trail Blazers for a year. Coaching in the CBA was neat: pro basketball is a completely different type of atmosphere than college. Some of the rules are different but the big thing is the travel.

When people look back on your career, how do you want to be remembered the most? Cal Poly is 1 of the top academic schools in California so I was proud to have graduated over 90% of my players. We played hard and represented the university with class. I was lucky to coach at a place like Cal Poly.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Norfolk State SR G Camille Downs

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Norfolk State beat Howard 56-52 in the MEAC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Spartans won 5 games in 2021 and 17 games in 2022 but are 25-6 this year and clinched the school’s 1st NCAA tourney bid since 2002. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Norfolk State SR G Camille Downs about being a great defender.

You were born in Japan: how did you 1st get into basketball? My parents were in the military and I played a bunch of different sports over there including soccer/track.

You began your career at Coppin State/UNCW: why did you decide to transfer, and what made you choose Norfolk State? I tore my Achilles as a freshman so I wanted a fresh start. UNCW was not a great fit for me and I wanted to be closer to home so that my parents could attend more of my games. I am glad I did so…because I am a champion!

You are majoring in cyberpsychology: what on earth is that?! It is the study of human interaction with technology. I recently wrote a paper on how things like online dating/gaming affect people’s mental state.

Last year you were #4 in the nation with 3.3 SPG and this year you are #6 in the nation with 3.4 SPG: what is the key to being a great defender? Just timing everything right and keeping my opponent in front of me. I just think to myself, “You are not getting past me”.

Last year against South Carolina State you had 15 PTS/12 REB/9 STL: where does that rank among the best all-around games of your career? That actually was not the best game of my career. When I played in the regional tourney at Butler Community College I averaged a triple-double!

In the 2022 MEAC tourney semifinals you scored 14 PTS including a turnaround jumper at the buzzer in a 2-PT win over Morgan State: where does that rank among the highlights of your career? I will never forget that. My coach said that the game was going to end in a rebound so I just made sure that I was ready.

In the 2022 WNIT you scored 10 PTS in a 7-PT loss at Drexel: what did you learn from that loss that you think will help you this time around? Drexel was a very good/disciplined team. We worked hard but now we will be even more locked in/focused so that we can get the outcome that we want.

Last Saturday in the MEAC tourney title game you scored 6 PTS in a 4-PT win over Howard to clinch the school’s 1st tourney title since 2002 and tie the record for most wins in a season in school history: how big a deal was it, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It was a very big deal just to be able to make history with my teammates. Last year we got a share of the regular season title but that was not good enough for us. My emotions are everywhere: I have re-watched the title game 3 times already!

You are 1 of 3 grad students on the roster: how much pressure is there on you to be a leader? There is no pressure at all. I have been playing for a long time so I have plenty of confidence: I just play hard and score when I need to.

How do you feel about being a 16 seed, and how do you like your chances against undefeated South Carolina in Columbia? We were hoping to get higher than a 16 but at this point I am just excited for the experience to play the #1 team in the country and see what happens.

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