Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Gonzaga dancer Alexis Villanueva

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Jon Teitel

Last week Gonzaga beat BYU by 10 PTS in the WCC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs have won each of their 26 games this year and have not missed an NCAA tourney since 1998. 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. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Alexis Villanueva about her Final 4 picks and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.

You are from Orange County, CA: what made you choose Gonzaga? I was fortunate to grow up with a private school education and Gonzaga encompassed a home away from home with its combination of faith and education. The classes here are on the smaller size so I am on a 1st name basis with my teachers.

You have been dancing competitively for almost a decade: what is your favorite part of being a dancer? I am a very competitive person so I love an atmosphere where I can put that into a productive space. I have become a leader and worked well with others, which has allowed me to have a 2nd family.

You are 1 of the 3 captains on the team this year: what is the key to being a good leader? Realizing how much you can take on and being open to communication. You have to be able to perform well under pressure and always have a solution ready.

What does your team do at basketball games during a normal year? I am a very big basketball fan so it was awesome to cheer for a D-1 program. We do not get to watch the 1st half while we are warming up, but then we get to perform and watch the rest of the game. We help out at pep rallies on campus and at game-watches. We get the crowds amped up with “Kraziness at the Kennel” and are ambassadors for the team.

You are currently a sophomore studying public relations with a double minor in promotions/communication: why did you pick those subjects? I did a lot of volunteer work while growing up and enjoy event planning from a leadership position so I realized that PR would be the best degree for me to earn. I have seen what my passions are and would love to break into the sports industry but have not yet honed in on exactly what I want to do.

Your post-graduate plan is to move to the East Coast and work for the Knicks or another basketball franchise: why New York, and why basketball? My 3 favorite sports to watch are basketball/hockey/baseball. The Knicks’ franchise is iconic so it would be an honor to work for them. I almost attended Marist (in Poughkeepsie) but picked Gonzaga for the college experience. I have always loved the fast-paced environment that New York has to offer.

What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? Initially we served to pump up the crowd when the team has a timeout: almost like an accessory to the basketball team. There used to be a focus on the size/image of a dancer and what you could or could not wear when going out. 1 of my goals this year was to rebrand us by reaching out to alumni, fundraising, and working with the Spokane community. We have done outreach to young boys/girls who look up to us.

Last week in the WCC tourney title game the Bulldogs had a 10-PT win over BYU: does the student body still get excited about making the NCAA tourney or has it just become something that people expect to happen every spring? I was fortunate to attend last year’s WCC tourney title win in person when we beat St. Mary’s. I commend BYU: they have always done a good job of being a solid competitor but we have a lot of faith in our program. I think that Jalen Suggs was the missing piece and I am excited to see how the whole team will perform this month.

Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? You took the words out of my mouth. I was a freshman last year so my season ended just as the basketball season was heating up. We have alumni come from all over to support our program. Our team has worked so hard and we are doing our best to support them in any way we can: I would do anything to perform at a game right now.

Your team has not lost a single game this year: any predictions for March Madness? I have spent the last 2 days doing my research and have gone back and forth on my Final 4 but I think it will be Gonzaga/Baylor/Texas/Houston…with the Zags winning it all!

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Puppet Ramblings: 2021 First Four Edition

Posted on March 18, 2021 by David Griggs

The NCAA Tournament tips off this evening at 5:10pm, est with Texas Southern taking on Mount Saint Mary’s.  I’ve never really been a fan of the First Four.  I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it has allowed some teams to make the field that I felt deserved to be in, but I also need to say that in pretty much every single one of those cases I felt that team belonged in the Round of 64 anyway.  We have also seen some really good games, and at least from an administrative point of view, it isn’t the worst thing in the world because you get a full NCAA unit for playing in it.  In other words, going from the First Four to the Round of 64 will get your conference two units.  It’s the same as going from the Round of 64 to the Round of 32.  So for the UTR conferences, it’s actually a bit of a bargain for those conferences.

My two biggest issues with it have always been that it didn’t feel like the NCAA Tournament.  I’ve been to games in every round of the NCAA Tournament throughout my existence.  I know what a typical NCAA Tournament atmosphere is.  You typically do not get that at the First Four.  The City of Dayton and the University of Dayton do a fantastic job hosting it, but the crowd typically extremely neutral (understandably so), they don’t really know the teams (also understandably so), and on top of that they probably haven’t even picked one of them in their brackets so they have no rooting interest at all.  It’s a blah experience.  My second issue is that I don’t like how a team learns that they are in on Sunday, has to travel to Dayton by Tuesday (less than 48hrs), and then travel again to their next site to get ready for the Round of 64.  I’d much rather play two games in two days in one place than play two games in three days in two different places.  I’d prefer that a ton, actually.  So, if we are going to have a First Four, my proposal would be to some how figure out a way to play it at the site that it’s playing in to rather than play it in Dayton.  And, again, I must echo my support for the job the University of Dayton does hosting this event.  I have issues with the First Four, but none of my issues involve them.

Now, having said all that…neither of my two big issues matter this year.  Everyone is in Indianapolis, everyone is staying in Indianapolis, and there are very few fans so there won’t be much of an atmosphere at any of the games anyway.  And. some of these teams are pretty good.  Drake and Wichita State had really good years and were really good stories.  It wouldn’t shock me if the winner of the game today was able to get to the Round of 32.  Michigan State and UCLA are two brand name programs, and Michigan State was playing pretty well down the stretch.  That one should be fun.  The two #16 seeded games will be fun as well with Texas Southern getting hot at the end of the year, Mount Saint Mary’s playing a unique slow down style and winning the NEC, Norfolk State looking like a strong team and playing a crazy conference format due to COVID protocol, and Appalachian State winning a Sun Belt Tournament after a year where every week it looked like we had a different top team in that league.

So, while I’m not a fan of the First Four, I do think we have some good basketball games to watch tonight.  And, we’ve got something tonight that we didn’t have at all last year!  WE’VE GOT NCAA TOURNAMENT GAMES!!!

 

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Illinois dancer Molly Tuskey

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday Illinois beat Ohio State by 3 PTS in OT in the Big 10 tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini started 9-5 this season but won 14 of 15 since then to make the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2013. 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. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Molly Tuskey about her love of basketball and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.

You grew up in Naperville, IL: what made you choose Illinois for college? I knew that I wanted to be at a Big 10 school because of the amazing academics, school spirit, and competitive athletics. When I made the dance team and had the opportunity to dance in Big 10 stadiums along with receiving a great education, I knew that Illinois was the one.

You started dancing at age 3 and have been on the team for the past 4 years: what is your favorite part of being a dancer? My favorite part about being a dancer is getting to be on the sideline and right in the middle of the action of the sporting events that we dance at. We really get to be a part of the games and help provide that amazing Illinois school spirit.

You were captain as a senior in high school: what is the key to being a good leader? I believe that the key to being a good leader is communicating with your team and giving them the same respect that they give you. Creating a culture of positivity and respect is truly the key to a happy team.

What does the dance team do at basketball games during a normal year? During a normal basketball game we participate in many ways. We give spirit to the crowd as the team warms up, then we move to the sideline where we do cheers with the cheerleaders as well as our own short dances. During timeouts we go onto the court to do sideline dances and pump up the crowd: in the first half we always perform a 1-minute routine choreographed by a member of the team. Throughout the game we cheer on the team and continue to keep the crowd’s energy up: we love being a part of gameday!

What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? In the past I think that college dance teams have been more focused on entertainment value, but as the years go on dance teams are becoming their own recognized programs. They cheer on the team they are dancing for, but they also showcase their own special skills and abilities.

You are majoring in elementary education: why did you pick that subject, and what is the post-graduation plan? I have always loved working with children and want to be someone who can positively influence future generations to be the best they can be. My post-graduation plan is to be an elementary teacher in the surrounding suburbs of my hometown.

How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? I love basketball, especially college basketball. The energy in the State Farm Center is unmatched and really makes me feel like I am a part of something amazing!

On Sunday the Illini had a 3-PT OT win over Ohio State in the Big 10 tourney title game: how excited was the student body after the win to give you your 1st NCAA tourney appearance since 2013 (since last year’s tourney was canceled)? The student body could not be more excited about the win on Sunday. We have been waiting for this team to get the recognition it deserves so watching them receive that trophy was awesome. People were running around campus, honking horns on Green Street, and having celebrations everywhere!

Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is quite frustrating to be a dancer during this time because Sophie and I (along with the other seniors) have been cheering on this team for the past three years no matter how successful they were. To now see our team doing so well and be unable to dance alongside them at the tournament is very sad, but we still love to continue cheering them on from home together!

You are playing Drexel on Friday: any predictions? I am so excited to watch Illinois play in the tournament and I predict that we are going to win this Friday!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Illinois dancer Sophie Leskis

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday Illinois beat Ohio State by 3 PTS in OT in the Big 10 tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini started 9-5 this season but won 14 of 15 since then to make the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2013. 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. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Sophie Leskis about growing up near campus and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.

You grew up in Champaign, IL: how close were you to campus, and was it an easy choice for college? I grew up in Champaign/Mahomet so I was around 12 minutes away from campus! I definitely knew that I wanted to go to a school close to home and the minute I made the dance team I knew that that this was the school for me!

You danced competitively for 15 years and have been on the team for the past 4 years: what is your favorite part of being a dancer? My favorite part about being a dancer is being able to perform in front of a crowd and entertain them. It is definitely a feeling unlike any other! Seeing the reactions of people and the joy they get from being hyped up is one of my favorite things of all-time.

You are a captain this year as a senior: what is the key to being a good leader? The key to being a good leader is being able to understand the difference between making decisions for yourself versus making decisions for the betterment of the team. We work really hard to make sure that we are always looking at the bigger picture and doing whatever is best for our team.

What does the dance team do at basketball games during a normal year? During a normal basketball season our team would perform at every home game on the sidelines and during timeouts on center court. We also have the opportunity to attend a few away games (Mizzou bragging rights game, United Center games, etc.)! During a typical season the team would be able to travel to tournament games and stand on the sideline too. This is disappointing for us given our amazing season and the way that the team has been playing, but we still love supporting the Illini from our homes and sometimes do watch parties together!

What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? I think the role of a college dance team today is to be there to support your team. I know the basketball (and football) team really appreciates when we are at games and pumping up the crowd. I think it has changed a lot over the years because in the past I think dancers were typically thought of as cheerleaders, and although a lot of the stuff we do is similar it is a very different sport and people are starting to notice that!

You are majoring in kinesiology: why did you pick that subject, and what is the post-graduation plan? I am majoring in kinesiology because it is an exercise science, which is really interesting to me. I definitely love being active and learning more about my body so I thought this was a good fit for me. I plan on teaching dance after I graduate, hopefully at the high school level.

How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? I LOVE the game of basketball. It is definitely one of my favorites to watch because it is such a quick-paced game.

On Sunday the Illini had a 3-PT OT win over Ohio State in the Big 10 tourney title game: how excited was the student body after the win to give you your 1st NCAA tourney appearance since 2013 (since last year’s tourney was canceled)? After our BIG 10 Championship win the student body here on campus went crazy. It was so surreal to see so many people excited about the victory. This was definitely an accomplishment for our basketball program and everyone could not be more excited to celebrate the team’s success.

Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? Due to COVID-19 we are unable to travel to Indy this year, but in past years we would have been able to travel with the team. This is super-upsetting to us because we have seen this team grow over the past 4 years and want to celebrate their success in person! Their basketball season is our season too and we unable to participate. However, it does not take away from the excitement that we have about our team winning the BIG 10 Championship and going to the NCAA tournament. It should be a lot of fun to watch on TV and we are always thrilled to watch them play!

You are playing Drexel on Friday: any predictions? I am predicting an Illinois win Friday against Drexel!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews FGCU JR G Tyra Cox

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday the Florida Gulf Coast women’s team had a 22-PT win over Liberty in the ASUN tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Eagles lost back-to-back games in November but have won 25 in a row and are back in the NCAA tourney for the 4th straight year. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Tyra Cox about her role as Diversity Inclusion Chair and making the NCAA tourney.

You began your college career at William & Mary: what made you decide to transfer, and what made you choose FGCU? I got really sick due to some mold in my room and my doctor found out that I was deathly allergic to that. It is an older school so switching rooms would not have helped because there was mold everywhere. FGCU had recruited me out of high school and is close to my home so I got in touch with them and then came here.

You play for Coach Karl Smesko: what makes him such a great coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? I have been in boardrooms with VPs but he is 1 of the smartest people I have ever met. He knows so much not just about basketball but many other things as well. He creates such a good game plan that even if we are undersized we know that we can compete with anyone.

You are majoring in Management with a concentration in International Business: what made you choose those subjects, and will the post-college plan include a job at Disney?! My plans have changed a little since I was a freshman: I already have my undergrad degree and will be getting my MBA. I love to talk and meet people and have traveled a lot (which is why I attended 11 different schools!), so now I am looking at consulting.

You are the Diversity Inclusion Chair within FGCU athletics: what is the purpose of the position, and what have you been able to accomplish so far? I also sit on a council with some athletic administrators. I try to represent our student-athletes and raise any issues that people may have concerning diversity. We have a lot of international students so we have discussed having cultural events. I have helped organize some town halls and also helped lead a unity march last November.

What is it like to be a college basketball player during a pandemic? It is a challenge for sure. Our games were taken away from us and then we had to find a way to stay in shape when gyms were closed: we tried Zumba workouts at home while having film sessions on Zoom. We could not hang out with anyone but it is still very rewarding to get to play basketball.

You led the team this year with 38.4 3P%: what is the secret to making shots from behind the arc? Just hard work. Coach spends time with me after practice and we use machines that calculate my arc to ensure that I stay within 44-46%. We shoot threes in practice so in games it just becomes 2nd nature.

You lost back-to-back games right after Thanksgiving: how have you been able to win each of your 25 games since then? The beginning of the season was rough: I was out with a broken hand and 1 of my teammates was injured as well. We have focused on efficiency on both offense and defense: we try to do what we do well and exploit the weaknesses of our opponents.

Take me through the ASUN tourney last week:
In the quarterfinals you scored a career-high 21 PTS/7-13 3PM in a win over Jacksonville: how were you able to play your best when it mattered the most? The conference tourney is 1 of the most stressful times of the year so it is just about focus. We took it 1 game at a time and wanted to make sure that we gave ourselves the best possible chance to win while leaving no room for doubt.

In the title game you scored 5 PTS in a 22-PT win over Liberty: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It was amazing! We were crowned co-champs last year and had such a great season before the NCAA tourney was canceled: to go get that win this year made me feel that it was for our senior class last year. This was my 4th title…but it is still exciting!

How do you feel about being a #11-seed, and what do you know about Michigan? Sometimes your seed is not exactly what you hoped for or expected but we are just happy to be in the NCAA tourney. You cannot count us out no matter what # is in front of our name. We are preparing for Michigan right now but know that we will have to really guard the post and hit shots (as always).

Your father Fred played football at Illinois: who is the best athlete in the family, and how does he feel about the Wolverines?! I would say that I am the best: he played in the Big 10 but he is moving a little slower now! He says that we have to beat the Blue and is calling me every couple of days to ask about our scouting reports. He is also happy that his Illinois team is a #1-seed on the men’s side.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews UCSB dancer Lily Hurtubise

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday UCSB beat UC-Irvine by 16 PTS in the Big West tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Gauchos were swept by the Anteaters in December but won 18 of 19 since then to make the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2011. 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. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Lily Hurtubise about being a captain and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.

What made you choose UCSB? I had a lot of different choices coming out of high school and was considering several schools. I have a lot of family in Canada but after visiting UCSB I just knew that I wanted to spent the next 4 years of my life there.

You teach at a dance studio and are a member of the United Spirit Association Dance Staff: what is your favorite part of being a dancer, and do you have time to do anything not involving school or dance?! I just completed my 3rd year on the dance staff and it was a big part of my life. My favorite part is to share my love of dance with the younger students. To see them develop the same love that I have for dance is great. It helps me in a lot of other areas of my life: I have learned about responsibility and being a team player. I have time for a few other things and am in the honors program at my school.

Last spring you were voted to be a captain for the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? It is all about lifting up the people on your team. My style is to be understanding/accepting of all my teammates so I just try to make sure that everyone is being heard/valued.

You are a Communication major, a French minor, and are also pursuing a Technology Management certificate: why did you pick those subjects, and what is the post-graduation plan? I am trying to broaden my horizons because I want to dance professionally after college. I think I am the only student here studying all 3 of those diverse subjects! Technology management focuses on finance/management/organizational leadership so I decided to add that as well, and my dad speaks French so it brings me closer to him. I am currently looking at summer internships in marketing/PR.

What does your team do at basketball games during a normal year? We arrive super-early to warm up, do a pregame formation, and then perform coordinated cheers with our cheer team as well as some jazz/hip-hop routines. I just wish we could have done all of that this year.

What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? For me dance is about entertaining the audience that is there to watch the sports team, while also supporting our athletic department. People have told me that there is a different energy in the arena when we are dancing/cheering for our athletes. Dance teams are primarily female, which has not changed a lot. In the past I think that dance teams were an object of decoration, which I think is unfortunate, but it is becoming more about female empowerment and being a separate entity from the male sports teams. We are there to cheer them on, but also to entertain the crowd and showcase our own talents because we have been training our entire lives.

How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? You are going to get me in trouble: we also dance at soccer games but basketball is my favorite! We dance at the Thunderdome, which is smaller than most arenas, but it feels like home because during the season I am there twice/week with my friends in the crowd: it is a great environment. I hope to dance in the NBA after graduation and want to pursue both my dance/career goals at the same time.

Last Saturday in the Big West tourney title game the Gauchos had a 16-PT win over UC-Irvine: how excited was the student body to get its 1st NCAA tourney appearance in a decade? It is definitely a good feeling: in this time where there is not a lot of connection between people it was a moment of unity for our school. We are not considered a “sports” school so it was a big deal for us: people who do not know anything about us are talking about it a lot on social media. I am excited to see what happens this weekend.

Due to COVID your team has been unable to participate this season and you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is tough. We had plans to do other things beyond gameday (like an annual competition) but we could not get approved for that. We had 8 freshman who we were trying to integrate into our team: I could focus on the negative aspects but I know that we will come back stronger from this. As long as we can stand behind the other teams who get do their thing, that is the main goal.

You are playing Creighton on Saturday: any predictions? All I can say is that I will be cheering on UCSB from home.

I heard a rumor that your brother Taggart is an actor: are we ever going to see you on the big screen someday as well?! He was a child actor who was really into acting: he was perfect for the big screen. I grew up wanting to be like him but I decided to take the dance route. We both moved to LA with my mom for a summer, which was a great learning experience, but he decided to pursue other things and is now a ski team coach in Tahoe. His drive/motivation to entertain audiences and put on a different persona to play different characters has really inspired me as a dancer. I did a few voiceovers/commercials as a kid…but the only big screen you will see me on in the future is at a pro sports arena!

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