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 Atlanta at the Mississippi players press conference.
Mississippi G Eduardo Klafke’s father Rogerio scored 3 PTS for Brazil in a 23-PT loss to the Dream Team III at the 1996 Olympics (Scottie Pippen scored 13 PTS for Team USA) at the Morehouse College Gymnasium in Atlanta (just 1.5 miles SW of State Farm Arena), and Pippen’s son Justin is on Michigan (although he entered the transfer portal last Mond), so I asked him if this is a full-circle moment and who is the best athlete in the family. He said that it is a great feeling, especially because his dad said that Scottie was the best person he ever played against…but that he (rather than his father) will be the best player in their family:
When Mississippi F Jaemyn Brakefield played at Duke the very 1st loss of his college career was to Michigan State way back in 2020, so I wondered if he considered this a revenge game. He smiled and said that Coach Izzo is a great coach who had recruited him out of high school…and that he has been waiting a long time for this game:
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 commences our coverage from Atlanta by chatting with Michigan State basketball father Jeff Kohler about his son Jaxon meeting LeBron James and his predictions for this weekend.
In 2022 your son Jaxon was invited to the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic: what did it mean to him to receive such an outstanding honor? That was a pivotal invite for him. He had worked very hard that season and came very close to making the McDonald’s All-American Game. He played very well at the Iverson game, and it gave him a lot of confidence that he could play with the best so it was 1 of his more memorable experiences.
That spring he signed an NIL deal with Helium Sports & Entertainment, becoming one of the first incoming freshmen in any college sport to do so: how big a deal was it? At that point it was a new frontier, so it was nice to have someone there to guide him. His freshman year was so overwhelming that he literally had to stop dealing with the opportunities coming his way: he put most of his focus into the basketball side of things.
Nobody from Utah had ever played at Michigan State: why did he want to become the 1st? The program values under Coach Tom Izzo. Every player comes in needing to work on certain things. Jaxon has always been a good rebounder and Michigan State was a perfect fit for him as a player.
Coach Izzo has made 27 consecutive NCAA tournaments, which is the most in men’s college basketball history: what makes him such a great coach? If you caught the viral clip this week (www.youtube.com/watch?v=N54BRArbGus): if you trust him and commit to him, then he is a guy who will do so in return. These days the sport is so transactional with coaches who rent a player for a year and hope it works out, so having a “home” is a great commodity.
2 of his nicknames are “The Big Footwork” and “Baby Jokic”, and as a kid he watched highlights of Hakeem Olajuwon and wrote down his post moves step-by-step in a journal before practicing them: which nickname does he like the most, and does he have a favorite post move? He has always loved footwork: if you watch his high school clips then you can see how creative he was. He would show a move to create a counter or show a counter to create a double-counter. The notebook was freaking funny: it looked like someone had drawn Nintendo figures! I know how to guard him…but the move he always gets me with is the double-step-through.
He got to talk to LeBron James after being named to the all-tournament team at the 2021 Battle US event: what did they chat about during what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”? LeBron was always so good to Jaxon to help him see the bigger picture. In AAU everyone is all about being an individual scorer, but LeBron helped him slow down/create movement/wait for your own opportunity. It really elevated his IQ.
He is a junior: does he have a post-graduation plan yet? Not yet. The only time we do not talk about basketball is during May: we eat/lift but have not had that conversation yet.
The Spartans won 8 straight games before a 3-PT loss to Wisconsin in the Big 10 tourney semifinals (Jaxon had 7 PTS): how devastating was that loss, and how have they been able to turn things around since then? What was most devastating for him is that if he picks up fouls early then he gets pulled off the court early. He only played 16 minutes and wanted the ring/bragging rights, but it is not so heart-breaking because it gave the team some extra rest before the NCAA tourney.
The SEC set a record this month with 14 NCAA tourney bids, but several Big 10 schools are also still alive (including Maryland/Michigan/Purdue): where do you think the Big 10 ranks among the best conferences in the country? The Big 10 got off to a 10-0 start in the NCAA tourney last week, which no conference had ever done before, while a lot of SEC teams fell rather quickly. The upper tier of the Big 10 is great and I think 1-2 of those teams will end up in the Final 4.
Any predictions for this weekend in Atlanta, and what would it mean if you end up facing Michigan on Sunday for a spot in the Final 4? It would be great for the game of basketball and the tradition/rivalry. I hope the Auburn/Michigan game involves both teams wearing each other down: our depth is what has carried us recently so hopefully we will get a tired opponent.
Posted inNews and Notes|TaggedJeff Kohler, michigan state|Comments Off on All-Access at the South Regional in Atlanta: HoopsHD interviews Michigan State basketball father Jeff Kohler
Last Friday Michigan State beat Bryant 87-62 in an NCAA tourney 1st round game in Cleveland to earn a spot in the 2nd round. The Bulldogs started this season 6-9 but only lost 2 games from New Year’s Eve through Selection Sunday as they made it back to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in 4 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Bryant cheerleader Jessica Maffe about being a good leader and facing the Spartans last weekend.
You are from Wakefield, MA: what made you choose Bryant? I chose Bryant because of the sense of community I felt when I toured the campus. Everyone was so welcoming and I knew I could make this place my home!
You are captain of the cheer team: what is the key to being a good leader? For me, the key to being a good leader is being adaptable. Every athlete likes to be led differently, so the key is figuring out what the team needs and then being able to adapt to fit those needs.
You are majoring in marketing/international business: how did you choose those subjects? I like marketing because I enjoy learning about consumer behavior: in other words, why people buy the things they do. I am currently pursuing my MBA, so I chose International Business as my specialization because I wanted to apply everything I have learned over the past four years on a global scale.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? Right now the plan is to work in Boston at a tech sales company…but I am still open to whatever gets thrown my way!
1 of your hobbies is fitness: any tips for our readers who want to get in better shape? Find something you love! For me, it is cheerleading, but you will stay consistent if you love what you do.
Last Saturday in the America East tourney title game the Bulldogs had a win over Maine to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? The vibes on campus were definitely high: the second that the buzzer went off, I realized I would be traveling to March Madness! Being a senior, it was an extra special moment for me. Getting to travel with my team was one of the coolest experiences and I would not trade it for the world.
Your team started this season 6-9 but then won 17 of its next 19 games: did it reach a point where everyone expected the team to win every time that they stepped onto the court? When you start winning a lot, people expect it to keep happening. Nonetheless, we still cheer our hearts out and give them all the support they need!
How did your school decide who got to go to the NCAA tourney, and what did it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Our coaches choose who gets to travel based on a wide variety of attributes: performance, attitude, and stunt position. It means the world that this group of girls gets to cheer at the tournament, and means even more that I get to do it with my fellow seniors.
Did your squad have anything extra-special planned for last weekend? We had a few media and halftime routines planned for the tournament and were ready to support the team!
How was the big game? They played their hearts out and put up a good fight. We are so proud of our Bulldogs making it to the tournament despite coming from a little school in Rhode Island, and so proud of the season they had.
Posted inNews and Notes|TaggedBryant, Jessica Maffe|Comments Off on Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Bryant cheerleader Jessica Maffe
Last week Xavier lost to Marquette 89-87 in the Big East tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Musketeers had a losing record last year but are back in the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in the past 3 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Xavier cheerleader Shailee Patel about being a good leader and seeing the big win over Texas on Wednesday.
You are from Richmond, VA: what made you choose Xavier? Xavier has a great nursing program and I love the small class sizes. Also, the chance to be a part of the cheer team really attracted me.
You are majoring in nursing: how did you choose that subject? I have always been interested in healthcare and knew that nursing would allow me to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be moving to Nashville, TN, and working as a nurse in the ICU at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
You are co-captain of the cheer team: what is the key to being a good leader? I think a good leader is supportive, communicative and approachable. I try to set a positive example for my teammates and help everyone stay motivated whether it is during a game/practice.
Your team only won 16 games last year: is it more fun to cheer for them this year now that they are winning more games? Of course we love to see our team win! However, the energy at our home court (the Cintas Center) is always amazing, so win or lose it is a great feeling knowing that we can support our team and hype up the crowd!
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 6-0, beating UConn in January, Senior Night, other? Beating UConn last January was a highlight…and since that game the team has not lost a single home game! With each game you could feel the momentum growing. The Creighton game earlier this month was a must-win game, and the team and crowd did not disappoint: it was electric! After ending the regular season on a 7-game winning streak, the energy was at a high going into the postseason!
Last week the Musketeers lost to Marquette in the Big East tourney but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how exciting was it to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? After the loss to Marquette we knew the odds were not the highest. I was with the other seniors when Xavier’s name was called: we were ecstatic! Not only would the basketball team have the chance to compete in the Big Dance: it also meant that we still had a few more games to cheer at.
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? The decision is based on choosing the best girls from our squad to represent the university. Each girl can tumble and excels at their stunting position, and the cheer and dances we do on the sidelines. It is also important that everyone demonstrates a good attitude and is a team player. This year our team is incredibly talented: it is an honor to be a part of that group and we’re ready to show off our best skills!
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We make sure to attend the pep rallies with fans and the band right before the game because we really want to pump up the crowd. It is amazing to see all the people who have traveled to support Xavier.
How was the win vs. Texas on Wednesday? It was incredible: one of my favorite games I have ever cheered at! The energy was off the charts: it felt like a home game and the chants from the crowd were deafening. It felt amazing to be on the sidelines as the team made a comeback to secure the big win!
Posted inNews and Notes|TaggedShailee Patel, xavier|Comments Off on Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Xavier cheerleader Shailee Patel
Last Saturday Arizona lost to Houston 72-64 in the Big 12 tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Wildcats missed the NCAA tourney in 2021 but have now won 22+ games for the 4th year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney as a top-4 seed for the 4th year in a row. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arizona Pomline captain Shelby Langlois about seeing Caleb Love sink 1 heck of a shot and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from Rancho Cucamonga, CA: what made you choose Arizona? I have always had a deep love for my hometown and the environment where I grew up, but after a while I felt it was time for a change of scenery. When I started thinking about college, I weighed several factors such as the distance from my family, the climate, the college experience, and opportunities to pursue my passion for dance…and Arizona checked every single box for me. Ultimately, I chose the University of Arizona because of the incredible opportunities it offered for involvement, both on campus and within the surrounding community. What stood out to me even more, though, was the immense pride the Tucson community has in the school. The connection between the university and the city is undeniable, and it is inspiring to see how much everyone supports the students, athletes, and programs. The moment I toured the UofA for the first time, I had a feeling deep inside that this was the place where I would spend the next four years of my life—and that feeling has never wavered! The energy, the people, and the possibilities made it feel like the perfect fit for me, and I am beyond grateful and proud to be an Arizona Wildcat!
You are majoring in psychology and minoring in human development and family resources: how did you choose those subjects? I started college as a Physiology and Medical Sciences major but was always much more interested in psychology and mental processes. I have always found psychology fascinating to learn about, as I believe it plays a crucial role in shaping how our society functions. The human brain is incredibly complex, and delving deeper into its workings has been truly eye-opening. I chose to minor in human development and family resources because I have a strong desire to pursue a career in mental health counseling, whether that involves working with children, couples, or families.
You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I plan to move to Las Vegas in hopes of continuing my dance career. I grew up traveling to Las Vegas frequently and it has been one of my favorite cities in the country since childhood, so I am beyond excited to start a new chapter of life in a city that means so much to me! It has always been a dream of mine to cheer professionally in the NFL, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to audition for the Las Vegas Raiderettes this year. Regardless of the outcome of my audition, I still plan to move to Las Vegas and search for a job in the beauty industry!
You are captain of the Pomline team: what is the key to being a good leader? Being captain of the Arizona Pomline has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership. I am deeply grateful to Professor Chad Shoopman, the director of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band, for being an incredible mentor over the past four years and for shaping me into the leader I am today. His teachings on servant leadership, leading by example, and holding ourselves accountable have guided me and my fellow captains in setting a high standard of excellence for the Pomline. One of the core principles I emphasize in my leadership approach is creating a sense of comfort, trust, and support for each of my teammates. I aim to be a positive influence: someone they can look up to and turn to when they need anything. This strong, supportive relationship has fostered a deeper level of respect within the team and motivates us all to be the best versions of ourselves—not just for personal achievement, but for the collective success and growth of the entire team.
2 years ago you got to see Arizona beat Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl: how does performing at a football bowl game compare to performing at a basketball postseason tourney game? Being there to witness Arizona’s victory over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl was undoubtedly the most incredible experience of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have traveled with the entire Pomline and Marching Band, as it allowed us to bond deeply throughout our time in San Antonio. It was truly special to see Arizona secure a win in a postseason bowl game alongside my entire team. Seeing Arizona in a bowl game for the first time since 2017 was a special moment for the Tucson community, and it was inspiring to see how many Wildcat fans spent their holiday break in San Antonio cheering on the UofA! Similarly, traveling to postseason basketball tournaments is also both an honor and a privilege. We send six Pomline members to each round of the tournaments, giving us the chance to form even closer connections with one another. Moreover, college basketball tournaments, especially the NCAA tournament, are broadcast on a massive scale, reaching millions of viewers every year. This underscores one of the most important values we uphold as a group: to be the most professional, respectful, and disciplined representatives of the University of Arizona. Having these experiences is a true honor, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent the UofA at events across the country!
Last Saturday in the Big 12 tourney title game the Wildcats lost to Houston but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how excited were you to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? Arizona has a consistent record of being selected for the NCAA tournament…but the excitement of hearing our name called on Selection Sunday never fades. I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude just to watch the Wildcats compete in the biggest tournament of the year, let alone travel with them and continue cheering them on in every city we can visit!
What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-1 in conference play, beating ASU on Senior Night, other? It is hard to put into words how truly magical the Arizona vs. Iowa State game was. I had the privilege of dancing on the court when Caleb Love made his half-court shot to tie the game, eventually leading us to victory (www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGehePh0QQM). The energy in McKale was electric and witnessing that moment from the courtside is something I will remember for the rest of my life!
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? The Pride of Arizona Marching Band and the Arizona Pomline select our tournament rosters based on seniority and years of experience with the team. This year, we have our six four-year seniors traveling to the NCAA tournament. It means the world to me to share this experience with the girls who have been by my side since day one. Reflecting on our journey from freshman year and seeing how far we have come, both as dancers and as women, makes this moment even more meaningful. These girls are truly my best friends, and I could not be more grateful and proud to share these experiences with them.
Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? None of my teammates on this trip have been to Seattle before, so we were excited to explore the Pike Place Market today! We also went to the Wings Over Washington which was so much fun! Some of us also have our parents flying in and are planning on some fun dinners with them as well! We are beyond excited to explore this city while doing what we love: supporting our Wildcats!
Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Akron in Seattle? Regardless of how the game goes, it truly is an honor and a privilege to be here…but we are hoping/praying for a Wildcat win of course!
Florida State lost to North Carolina 60-56 in the ACC women’s tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Seminoles only won 10 games in 2021 but have now won exactly 23 games for the 3rd year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Florida State women’s coach Brooke Wyckoff about coaching the top scorer in the country and making the NCAA tourney.
You are from West Chester, OH: what made you choose Florida State for college? I loved the family atmosphere here at Florida State and felt the most comfortable here. I felt it was a great opportunity for me basketball-wise: they were an up and coming program and I had a chance to make an immediate impact.
You set a school record with 80 BLK as a freshman in 1997 and were twice named to the conference all-defensive team: what is the secret to being a great defender? My secret was desire: I just had that desire to compete and win. I loved the feeling of denying someone: blocking a shot was a very fun feeling!
You were FSU’s only 4-time Academic All-ACC performer and in 2001 you received an ACC postgraduate scholarship: how did you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? I had a great support system and FSU did a great job supporting its athletes, whether it be study hall or academic advisors helping us with time management and our studies. Our basketball coaches made academics a priority, so I felt like I had time and people who cared about those things.
As a player for Connecticut in Game 2 of the 2005 WNBA Finals you made a 3-PT shot with 2 seconds left in regulation en route to a 7-PT OT win over Sacramento: did you think the shot was going in, and where does that rank among the highlights of your career? That one ranks very high as a memorable moment. I had a great pass from my teammate and just knew that I had to shoot it. It was not how we drew it up: I was not supposed to get the last shot, but the ball came to me and I was fortunate to make the last shot. It was a really fun moment for our team in front of a packed house in Connecticut.
In 2010 you were named an ACC Legend and in 2011 you were inducted into your school’s Hall of Fame: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It means a lot. At the time when you are an athlete in the middle of all of it you do not really realize the impact you have and the legacy you can build: you are just doing it. To be recognized for that is a huge honor and I am glad I am still part of it here at Florida State.
You had a 4-PT loss to North Carolina in the ACC tourney quarterfinals but still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how did it feel to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? It felt great: I will never get tired of that feeling of having our name called! Especially this year, I was pleased with what the committee gave us and what we deserved. I felt like it was a great draw and I am really excited.
You have spent 4 years as head coach at your alma mater and made the NCAA tourney every single year: how have you been able to be such a consistent winner during your time on the sideline? We maintain consistency because the path was laid out for me by former coach Sue Semrau. She consistently got to the NCAA Tournament for so many years, and being a part of that as a player/assistant coach I watched what it takes to do that. We will remain consistent and keep following the plan.
Your PG Ta’Niya Latson is leading the nation with 24.9 PPG and your team’s 87.2 PPG is #2 in the nation: where does Ta’Niya rank among the best players that you have ever coached, and how have you been able to create such an unstoppable offense? Ta’Niya is definitely one of the best (if not the best) who I have been fortunate to coach. She is unique: there has not been anybody like her who I have coached. She came in with a hunger/desire and obviously the talent to take the opportunity she was given and go with it.
You have a birthday coming up this month: what are your plans for the big day? I would love to still be playing, but I will just be enjoying another year of life.
How do you feel about being a #6 seed, and what do you know about George Mason? I know their coach (Vanessa Blair-Lewis) pretty well. She has been a friend for many years and is part of the “Moms in Coaching” group that I started. She is a phenomenal basketball coach/person: you can see that her team just exudes her personality/character/work ethic. They are a really solid, confident, and capable basketball team so we will have our work cut out for us.
