Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Florida State women’s coach Brooke Wyckoff

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

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.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Michigan State SR G Julia Ayrault

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Iowa beat Michigan State 74-61 in the Big 10 women’s tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Spartans had losing records in conference play in 2022 & 2023 but are now heading to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Michigan State SR G Julia Ayrault about being a good student and making the NCAA tourney.

You were born/raised in Michigan: what made you choose Michigan State? I appreciated the family environment of the university/team and it was something that I wanted to be a part of. I felt really at home/welcomed when I came to visit and appreciated the atmosphere.

You missed all of the 2021-22 season with a left foot injury: how bad was it, and how were you able to get back onto the court? There was a lot of recovery, but the biggest thing was working on the mental aspect of learning how to trust myself and my body again over time.

In the 2024 NCAA tourney you scored 14 PTS in a 3-PT loss to North Carolina: what did you learn from that loss that you think will help you this year? We had a slow start and got ourselves into a little bit of a hole, which was hard to fight back from. March is a time when everyone is good and every team is in the tourney for a reason so you have to start the game ready to go. I am excited for us to have a little redemption.

Your team is top-20 in the nation in PPG/APG/SPG/BPG: what are your team’s weaknesses because it seems like you are good at everything?! There have been games where we got down and let teams go on a run and we were forced to fight back a bit. We cannot dig ourselves a hole early on so we can spend more of the game building a lead.

You are a 3-time member of the all-conference academic team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? We have a lot of good resources: our academic coordinator Shelby is awesome and has helped me stay on top of stuff/know what I have to do/make time for school. I have a lot of online classes and need to focus so that I can do what I need to get done.

Your parents Kimberly/Andrew both played college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? I have to go with my mom because she is underrated. She was a post player at the time and is 6’ on a good day so respect to her going down with the big guns and battling. Shout-out to her!

How do you feel about being a #7 seed, and what do you know about Harvard? I am really excited to be a #7 seed, which our coach said is our highest seed since 2016. We have had a good year and are looking forward to playing a good Harvard team, getting our 1st win in the tourney, and then going from there.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews UNCW cheerleader Sydney Collins

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last week UNCW beat Delaware 76-72 in the CAA tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Seahawks only won 7 games in 2021 but have now had 4 winning seasons in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2017. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with UNCW cheerleader Sydney Collins about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Hamptonville, NC: what made you choose UNCW? I chose UNCW because I have always loved the beach. I also thought that it would be good for me to move farther away from home to get out of my comfort zone.

You are majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate: how did you choose those subjects? Business has always been the plan for me, but I did not know what I wanted to concentrate on until the school started offering real estate. I feel it is easy to figure out what you like and do not like in business school since you take so many classes from all different parts of the business world.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I would love to stay in Wilmington after I graduate. I am still sorting out my job options, but right now I am trying to soak up every last moment of my final semester at UNCW.

You have been captain of your team the past 2 years: what is the key to being a good leader? I think the key to being a good leader is showing up everyday and letting your team know that you have their back no matter what, both in/out of practice. I also think it is very important to build a relationship with each individual on the team: figure out what drives them to be better, and be their biggest motivator throughout the process.

1 of your hobbies is reading: and book recommendations for our readers? I recently read “In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle. It is about friendship, loyalty, and understanding the nature of our destiny in this life: it is a great short read.

In the CAA tourney title game the Seahawks had a 4-PT win over Delaware to clinch the title: what was the reaction like after the final buzzer went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? I remember after the buzzer went off everyone ran out on the court and was jumping around and hugging. I saw so many videos of people gathered together on and off campus cheering for the guys after they won. It is so nice to know that they have so many people cheering for them: not only at the game but back home too.

Your team has won 15 of its past 17 games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? I definitely think that there is an expectation for these guys to win. We expect a lot out of them because we see the potential this team has. However, we are there to cheer them on no matter the outcome.

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 are very fortunate to be able to bring 12 cheerleaders to the NCAA tournament. We want to be able to represent our school/program to the best of our ability. I am so excited to have this opportunity, especially during my senior year. My team works incredibly hard and I cannot wait to cheer the team on!

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? None of us have ever been to Kansas before so we are excited to go explore…but honestly we are most excited to cheer on our Seahawks on Thursday night.

Any predictions for your game vs. Texas Tech on Thursday in Wichita? I think this team is going to surprise a lot of people. You can really tell how much heart these guys put into every game and I am excited to see what they do on Thursday night.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Arkansas dancer Ryan Crockett

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last week Arkansas lost to Mississippi 83-80 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Razorbacks started 0-5 in conference play but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 4th time in the past 5 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arkansas dancer Ryan Crockett about having a new basketball coach and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Jackson, MS: what made you choose Arkansas? For as long as I can remember, I have been dancing. I am classically trained in ballet so I spent most of my time training/performing: I could not imagine a life without dance. I knew I wanted to go to college and needed a school that would provide a strong education to prepare me for chiropractic school after earning my bachelor’s degree. I also wanted a school where I could continue my dance career. I tried out for the Razorback Dance Team and made it, even though I had never used poms before. The university also offered the exercise science major I was looking for. After making the dance team, I knew that Arkansas was the place for me.

You are majoring in Exercise Science: how did you choose that subject? I have always been interested in holistic medicine, specifically chiropractic care. I knew that exercise science as a major would prepare me for the intensity of chiropractic school.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I plan to attend Parker University in Dallas to continue my academic career with the goal of becoming a chiropractor.

Your basketball team has a new coach this season: what is it like to have John Calipari as the new sheriff in town? Coach Calipari has been a breath of fresh air and has brought a sense of excitement. Starting over can be intimidating, but Coach Cal has sparked a new fire in Arkansas fans and given us an opportunity for change/growth.

What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-2, Senior Night, other? Senior Night at Bud Walton Arena is a memory that I will cherish forever. That night, we beat Texas and performed during halftime. It was a special night for both me and my teammates.

The Razorbacks lost to Mississippi in the SEC 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? Excited is an understatement. Initially, I was happy that Arkansas had the opportunity to compete in such an iconic tournament. My teammates and I were thrilled at the chance to travel and support our team. I also think it is ironic that commentators say our men’s basketball team will be “dancing” in March Madness!

You were 1 of a record 14 SEC teams to make the tourney: what is it like to be part of the greatest conference in the history of the sport? I am always honored and proud to be a part of the SEC. There is nothing like this conference and I would not change it for the world.

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? Dance Team Head Coach Britney Hanson makes it a priority that every dancer on our team travels. She creates a survey for us to fill out so that we can rank where we want to travel during the season: seniors generally have priority. Based on these rankings and the number of travel opportunities, she then selects who gets to go.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? The Dance Team plans to cheer on our men’s basketball team as they compete in the NCAA tournament. It is also baseball season, so Razorback Dance will be dancing on the dugouts for the first SEC series this year at Baum-Walker Stadium this weekend.

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Kansas in Providence? My predictions will always favor the Hogs. If they play as hard as I have seen them play then the sky is the limit!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Arkansas cheerleader Kayleigh Shortt

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last week Arkansas lost to Mississippi 83-80 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Razorbacks started 0-5 in conference play but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 4th time in the past 5 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Arkansas cheerleader Kayleigh Shortt about having a new basketball coach and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Edmond, OK: what made you choose Arkansas? I chose the University of Arkansas because of the overall atmosphere at the school. Not only does it have a strong community, but also has a highly-engaged fanbase that makes any Razorback sporting event unforgettable.

You are majoring in Accounting: how did you choose that subject? I chose Accounting through my love of business/numbers/people. I have always been interested in the subject, and thanks to the Sam Walton College of Business, I have had an amazing opportunity to pursue my degree.

You are a sophomore: do you have a post-graduation plan yet? My plan is to get my Masters of Accountancy and then pass my CPA exam in order to become a certified public accountant.

Your basketball team has a new coach this season: what is it like to have John Calipari as the new sheriff in town? Having John Calipari as our head coach has started a new chapter for the Razorback legacy. He has brought new talent, energy, and joy into the University’s traditional gameday. I see Coach Cal as a very respectful and humble coach.

What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 11-2, Senior Night, other? The highlight of the season has been watching our team come back after starting 0-5 in our conference. Watching the Razorbacks being beaten into the ground and almost losing any chance of making it into the NCAA tournament, yet persevering and showing our worth, has been truly inspiring.

The Razorbacks lost to Mississippi in the SEC 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? Hearing our team’s name called on Selection Sunday was a feeling I will never forget: it was exhilarating! It has been my dream to be able to cheer on the Razorbacks during March Madness. I would be lying if I said that I have not shed a few tears at this amazing opportunity: I have been incredibly blessed.

You were 1 of a record 14 SEC teams to make the tourney: what is it like to be part of the greatest conference in the history of the sport? It has been competitive being a part of the SEC. We are constantly on our toes for the other giants who could beat us. That is what makes the SEC the SEC: nothing beats it!

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 decide who goes to the NCAA tournament based on age, grades, community service, and upholding Razorback Cheerleading values.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? We will hopefully get to perform some of our favorite Razorback traditions.

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Kansas in Providence? I believe that on Thursday the Hogs are going to show up hungry to win. After a season of many highs and lows, I know Coach Cal is going to bring a team of athletes who are determined to make a name for themselves.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Georgia Dance Dawg Kaylah Percival

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last week Georgia lost to Oklahoma 81-75 in the SEC tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs lost 26 games in 2022 but are now heading back in the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2015. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Georgia Dance Dawg Kaylah Percival about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Suwanee, GA: what made you choose Georgia for college? I chose the University of Georgia because of its outstanding Exercise and Sport Science program, which aligned perfectly with my career goals. I was also drawn to the school’s talented dance teams and the vibrant campus atmosphere. Plus, staying close to home allowed me to have the best of both worlds: pursuing my education and passion while remaining connected to my family and support system.

You are majoring in exercise and sports science: how did you choose that subject? I chose Exercise and Sport Science because I have always been fascinated by the way the human body moves/adapts/heals. Understanding the mechanics of movement and recovery, especially in athletes, fuels my passion for helping others regain strength and mobility. This field allows me to combine my love for science with my desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives through rehabilitation.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? My post-graduation plan is to attend a graduate program for physical therapy, where I can further develop my skills and expertise in rehabilitation and athletic performance. I am currently deciding between two incredible programs that I have been accepted into, both of which align with my passion for helping others regain strength and mobility.

What has been the highlight of the season so far: starting 14-2, beating Florida last month, Senior Night, other? The highlight of the season so far was Georgia’s big win over Florida and the incredible experience of rushing the court with my teammates and the rest of the UGA student body. The energy and excitement in that moment were unforgettable, and it was amazing to celebrate such a huge victory together.

Last Wednesday the Bulldogs lost to Oklahoma in the SEC tourney but they still made the NCAA tourney as an at-large team on Selection Sunday: how excited is everyone on campus now that the team is making its 1st NCAA tourney appearance in 10 years? Everyone on campus is buzzing with excitement now that the Bulldogs have secured their first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade. The energy is electric, and there’s a huge sense of pride in seeing the team’s hard work pay off. It is an incredible moment for the school, the fans, and the entire UGA community!

The SEC set a record on Sunday by receiving 14 bids: what is it like to be part of the best conference in the history of the sport? Being part of the SEC, especially in a historic year like this, is an incredible experience. The competition is intense, and it pushes everyone to perform at their highest level. It is amazing to be part of a conference that continues to set records and make history in the sport!

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 school determines who travels to the NCAA Tournament based on seniority while also ensuring there are no conflicts with exams or mandatory classes. It is an incredible honor to perform on such a big stage, and it means more for our team to have this platform to showcase our hard work, school spirit, and love for what we do in front of a national audience!

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? Yes! My team and I are planning to explore downtown and take in the local sights, including a visit to the Pizza Hut Museum. It is a fun way to bond, make memories, and enjoy the experience before game day!

How does it feel to be captain of the UGA Dance Dawgs, and what is your best memory of the season/dance that you and your team have performed? It is an incredible honor to serve as captain of the UGA Dance Dawgs and be recognized as a leader within this amazing program. Being able to guide and support my teammates while representing Georgia has been such a rewarding experience. One of my favorite memories this season was Senior Night when we played Vanderbilt. My team put together scrapbooks for all the seniors, and it was such a heartfelt moment that reminded me of the strong bond we have built over the years. Dancing together one last time in Stegeman Coliseum was truly unforgettable. As for my favorite performance, it has to be “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. The song is iconic, and the energy from the crowd made it even more fun to perform. It was such a hyped routine, and we had an absolute blast bringing it to life on the court!

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Gonzaga in Wichita? I am expecting a thrilling game that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Gonzaga is a tough opponent, but I am hopeful that the Dawgs will bring the energy and pull off a big win!

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