Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Creighton dancer Genevieve Pietruszynski

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Creighton lost to St. John’s 82-66 in the Big East tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bluejays have now had 10 winnings seasons in a row and are back in the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in a row. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Creighton dancer Genevieve Pietruszynski about the “Relay for Life” and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Ankeny, IA: what made you choose Creighton? My next-door neighbors’ oldest/youngest daughters go to Creighton: I grew up with them and looked up to them a lot! We definitely felt like family and our families are still very close. Even though the youngest (Kelsey) is 9 years older than me, she is still a very good friend. In 2016 I visited her Relay for Life event as her sorority’s cancer survivor! When it came time to pick colleges I already felt at home and it reminded me of my neighbors. Creighton was also a good fit for me as I wanted to go the pre-medicine route. I liked that the campus was not too big and the class sizes were small. I also was excited they had a dance team and other opportunities to dance!

You are majoring in psychology on the pre-med track with minors in biology and dance: how did you choose those subjects? During my first semester I took a Psychology 201 course. I was absolutely fascinated and wanted to learn as much as I could. The psychology major had all the courses in the areas I wanted more information about. I also believe it will help me become a compassionate and empathetic future healthcare worker. Due to the fact that I am on the pre-medicine track, I also need to take the prerequisite courses for medical school. These courses have led me to want to take some of the higher-level biology classes. Looking at the classes I wanted to take out of pure enjoyment for learning, I saw they added up to a biology minor! This complimented my psychology major for pre-med very well so I decided to make it official. My dance minor stems from my love for dance and performing. Taking dance classes during my day is a stress reducer and allows me to have an active break in-between my difficult classes. I also enjoy performing in the spring dance shows once the Dance Team season slows down.

You are in the honors program: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Balancing course work with the Dance Team can be a challenge. The university does not offer athletic academic support for the Dance Team so we are responsible for maintaining our grades. It can be difficult: I have had to go straight from a physics test in full game day gear to a game! Additionally, I have had late game nights followed by an early-morning exam. However, for me, being on a college Dance Team has been my dream so I work hard to make it work. There are sacrifices that we have to make in order to ensure we stay on top of our grades. The entire team is academically-driven and we do a great job encouraging each other to stay on top of our schoolwork. Personally, I use a paper calendar for my homework assignments and a Google calendar to stay on top of practices and performances at games.

You are part of the executive team for “Relay for Life”: what does that involve? Relay for Life is an on campus organization that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Our goal as a club is to support the American Cancer Society in their fight against cancer. I am a cancer survivor myself so this club means a lot to me. My role on the team is the “Greek Life Representative.” My job is to communicate with the sororities/fraternities to encourage their involvement at the event. I present to each chapter and monitor registration for each group. I also assist the other executive members with the organization and planning of the Relay for Life event.

You are a junior: do you have a post-graduation plan yet? Right now I am working on my medical school application. I have been shadowing and working at a local hospital to get clinical hours. I have also been studying for the MCAT, so my plan is to apply to medical schools and see where my application leads me!

Last Saturday in the Big East tourney title game the Bluejays lost to St. John’s but still received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how excited were you to hear your school’s name announced on Selection Sunday? I was lucky enough to travel to both the men’s and women’s Big East Tournaments and see both of our teams make the championship game, which was so much fun! Going to the Selection Sunday event the day after we returned felt very fitting for March. The Dance Team was very excited for another opportunity to cheer on the Bluejays. Getting to travel with the team is such a special opportunity and I have such incredible memories with the Dance Team. It was also special that we were able to dance at so many games during the Big East tournaments because for a lot of our seniors it was our last time dancing. The NCAA tournament is a huge time commitment and not everyone’s schedule is able to support missing so much school. I was so happy that the seniors were able to dance the whole week and live up their last few performances. Additionally, for our senior who is traveling for March Madness, I was grateful to hear our school’s name so that I could dance with her again! For many of us, the Dance Team is the last chance we get to dance so traveling means extending that time. I am very grateful we get to keep dancing!

Your team made the Sweet 16 in 2024 and the Elite 8 in 2023: did you get to attend either/both of those 2 great postseason runs? I was able to travel to the NCAA tournament in 2024, which was so much fun! We went to Pittsburgh for the first 2 rounds and then Detroit for the Sweet 16. I have so many memories and had a blast getting to perform at these events.

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? Currently, our Dance Team is student-led so we have elected officers who deal with team decisions. The captains are the ones who choose the travel lists based on seniority, officer position, and (as a last resort) GPA. It is a surreal experience to realize you are on national TV. Last year I had friends/family send me videos from home: it is so crazy to realize that so many people are watching! Our team is well-prepared: we practice three times a week, have several great routines, and love what we do. For us, it is about supporting the Bluejays and representing our school well. We all love to dance and we are so excited to get to perform for such a large audience.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? The Big East Tournaments were over our spring break but this tournament will cause us to miss a lot of school, so we will be studying and making sure our work is completed before returning to school. We like to do at least one team meal a day: it is nice to come together and make memories because we are all very excited for the game!

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Louisville in Lexington? I am very nervous: it will definitely be a tough matchup but I think the team will be ready to give it their all!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Richmond F Maggie Doogan

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Richmond lost to St. Joe’s 50-49 in the A-10 women’s tourney but still earned an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Spiders had a losing season in 2020 but have now had 5 straight winning seasons in a row and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd year in a row. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Richmond F Maggie Doogan about being named conference POY and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Broomall, PA: what made you choose Richmond? I was ready to get out of my little town and experience something different. When I came here to campus I fell in love with the school/people and saw myself fitting in both on/off the court: it was a no-brainer.

In 2023 you were named to the conference All-Rookie team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I had a lot of veterans who had been in the system for a while and helped me. The coaching staff was also great: helping me find my way and move me along slowly but surely.

Last year you led the team with 15.6 PPG: what is the secret to being a great scorer? It is just about the people around me. Our offense is focused on finding the cutter and making the open 3, so I credit my teammates for finding me.

In the 2024 NCAA tourney you scored 15 PTS in a loss to Duke: what did you learn from that loss that you think will help you this year? The Blue Devils came out in the 2nd half with a new energy and we did not adjust that well. This year we will try to stay grounded and play our game. We had that level of competition in December vs. Alabama/Tennessee so we will be ready.

You played several other tourney-caliber teams this year including Fairfield/William & Mary/Oklahoma State/Columbia/Texas/Tennessee/Alabama: which of them impressed you the most? Tennessee has been phenomenal this season and their fast pace made it tough for us. It is still cool that we were able to compete with all these teams.

Last January you scored a career-high 37 PTS including the game-winning layup with 1 second left to clinch a 2-PT win over George Mason (www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OlpI4B7UgA): where does that rank among the highlights of your career? It was a very cool moment. We could not have fans in our gym back then due to a water crisis so it was pretty empty, but it is still a cool memory to make a buzzer-beater.

Earlier this month you were named conference POY (the 1st for the Spiders in 35 years): what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It is a great honor but I cannot take all the credit because my teammates/players helped put me in positions to succeed.

You were also named to the All-Conference 1st-Team and All-Academic Team: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? My professors are great with that. I received a lot of emails this week along the lines of, “Congrats on making the tourney, let me know if you need anything.” Their flexibility has helped me succeed.

In the A-10 tourney title game you scored 5 PTS including a go-ahead shot with 3.7 seconds left, but Laura Ziegler made a jumper at the buzzer to give St. Joe’s a 50-49 win (www.instagram.com/couchcoachlive/reel/DG8ybqFPPXk): where does that rank among the most devastating losses of your career, and did it at least soften the blow to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? That has to be right at the top. I am from Philly so I know a lot of their coaches/players, which made it worse. It is still great to make the NCAA tourney so I am not too upset about it anymore.

How do you feel about being a #8 seed, and what do you know about Georgia Tech? To be a #8 seed without winning our conference tourney is a huge testament to what we have done this year. We will be prepared, listen to our coaches, and I am excited to play Georgia Tech.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Bryant dancer Lauren Poor

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Bryant beat Maine 79-59 in the America East tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs started this season 6-9 but have only lost 2 games since New Year’s Eve and are heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in 4 years. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Bryant dancer Lauren Poor about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from North Andover, MA: what made you choose Bryant? I actually transferred into Bryant midway through my freshman year: I was previously attending and dancing at a school out west but I quickly got very homesick. I missed my family/dog/house and New England in general. I applied to a few schools throughout Massachusetts/Rhode Island, while also connecting with the head coach of the Dance Team at Bryant (Toni Gravel). After getting into Bryant, I ultimately chose it because I loved the school size, location, academic statistics…and the fact that Toni was going to let me join the team.

You are captain of the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? As captain of the team, I believe the key to being a good leader is leading by example and fostering a positive/supportive environment. A strong leader sets the tone for the team by showing commitment, work ethic, and passion for the craft. It is important to demonstrate resilience and confidence, especially when facing challenges, because the team looks to you for guidance and inspiration. Another key aspect is communication. A good leader makes sure everyone feels heard, whether it is about choreography, concerns, or personal challenges. Open/honest communication helps build trust within the team and ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is crucial for success in both practice and performance. Finally, being a team player is essential. A leader is not above the team: they are part of it. I make sure to support each dancer, recognize their strengths, and encourage them to grow. When the team feels valued and included, they’re more motivated and confident in their roles.

You are majoring in communication: how did you choose that subject? I chose to major in Communication because it perfectly aligns with my passion for connecting with others and helping people understand each other more effectively. I have always been fascinated by how different forms of communication can shape relationships, both personal and professional. Whether it is through body language, media, or verbal interactions, communication is such a powerful tool, and I wanted to study it in depth to improve my skills and learn how to help others do the same. It is a subject that offers endless opportunities for growth, and I know it will serve me well in both my academic and professional life.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? It is still up in the air. I know I want to graduate from Bryant and get a job where I can take what I have learned in school and apply it to the real world. I want to do something I enjoy, meet more people, and honestly just do whatever makes me happy! Along with this, I want to find a way to continue to keep dance in my life.

1 of your hobbies is traveling: any destination recommendations for our readers? There are so many! I love Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. My grandparents used to live there, and it was my absolute favorite place to visit growing up. The scenery, weather, and animals are all beautiful and there is always something to do. Along with this, I love Disney World. A lot of planning goes into a trip there, but it is so worth it. My favorite traveling memories growing up involve going to Disney with my family and friends.

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? After the final buzzer went off and the Bulldogs clinched the win over Maine, the excitement was absolutely insane! The whole gym erupted in cheers, and you could feel the energy from the players/coaches/fans. It was such a huge moment for the team, and you could see the pure joy and relief on their faces after all the hard work paid off. There were hugs, high-fives, and tears of joy (especially from me!): everyone was just so thrilled for the team’s success! As for the campus this week, the excitement is through the roof. There is a sense of pride and excitement for March Madness all around. Students, faculty, and alumni are all buzzing with excitement and it feels like everyone is talking about the win.

Your team started this season 6-9 but has won 17 of its past 19 games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? Absolutely! After starting the season 6-9, the team has really turned things around, and with 17 wins in their past 19 games, there was definitely a growing expectation that the Bulldogs can win every time they step onto the court. The team’s resilience and determination have been impressive: each player has really bought into the system and their confidence is through the roof. The winning streak has not only boosted the team’s morale but also raised the expectations from fans and the campus community. When you see a team perform at such a high level, you start to believe they can overcome any challenge. It is not just about winning anymore: it is about maintaining that level of excellence and continuing to dominate. While there is always a level of respect for every opponent, the Bulldogs are stepping onto the court with the mindset that they can win every game, and that belief is contagious.

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 Bryant University Spirit Program is a huge program and presence on campus. Twelve of us get to go (per NCAA rules) to cheer on the team. This is decided on game day presence, performance value, and overall attitude. It is a great honor and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a dance team member traveling to cheer them on, it is such an exciting and proud moment! Our role is to support the team in every way we can. Knowing that we are there, cheering them on and helping bring that energy to the court is so meaningful. It is not just about showing school spirit: it is about being part of something bigger, and witnessing the team’s hard work pay off on such a huge platform will be surreal. It is amazing to think that the Bulldogs are getting this kind of recognition, and it makes me even prouder to be part of Bryant University.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? We will be preparing performances and getting ready to travel to Cleveland for the game against Michigan State. It is busy, as we are also preparing for our own National Championships, but we are so excited and gearing up for this experience.

Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. Michigan State in Cleveland? Even though Bryant is a smaller school, I have no doubt that the team will play their hearts out this week. All season long they have shown their determination, skill, and teamwork. The Bulldogs have proven they can compete with the best, and their hard work/resilience will be on full display in the NCAA tournament. I expect them to come out with a fierce mentality and give it their all, regardless of who they face. They have earned their spot and they will play with everything they have got. No matter the opponent, we know they are ready to show the world what Bryant is made of!

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Puppet Ramblings – NCAA Tournament Round of 64 Rapid Fire Rundown

Posted on March 20, 2025 by David Griggs

So, if you follow the site you know that each day of the season we have a Daily Rundown, where we basically highlight the games we feel that are important and outline the impact they can have on seeding, selection, the bubble, or whatever. Going into that kind of detail at this point is pointless. The storyline for every single game is that the winning team advances to the next round and the losing team is eliminated. So, I’ll just do a quick sentence or two on each game.

Also, if you haven’t signed up for the BEAT THE PUPPET CHALLENGE, don’t bother. You won’t beat me!

THURSDAY, MARCH 20TH:

-Creighton vs Louisville – Louisville has undergone one of the biggest turnarounds in all of college basketball from a season ago. Both teams love to shoot from the outside and Creighton can be strong in the post

-High Point vs Purdue – Purdue faded down the stretch and High Point is a very talented team that didn’t always play up to their ceiling, but was seeming to do so at the end of the year

-Montana vs Wisconsin – The Grizz had a great year and beat a really good Northern Colorado team in the Big Sky Championship. Wisconsin is historically known for their defense, but can really put up points as well and won’t be easy for anyone to beat

-SIUE vs Houston – It’s SIUE’s first ever NCAA Tournament appearance and it’s been fun to watch that program grow under Coach Brian Barone. They’re just way too overmatched today against a Houston team that plays better defense than almost anyone I’ve ever seen

-Alabama State @ Auburn – Alabama State had an exciting run through the SWAC Tournament and won a thriller in the First Four. Auburn played one of the toughest schedules I can ever rememeber any team playing. In fact this may be their easiest opponent of the entire season

-McNeese @ Clemson – McNeese is super talented and a popular upset pick. Clemson had a great year that followed a deep tournament run from a season ago.

-VCU vs BYU – BYU is a great offensive team and beat some really good teams in the second half of conference play. It’s been a while since they’ve won an NCAA Tournament game and they’re facing a really strong VCU team that was dominant in the Atlantic 10

-Georgia vs Gonzaga – the Zags struggled for much of the year, but were clearly playing their best ball in the last few weeks. Georgia held their own (for the most part) in a very tough SEC

-Wofford vs Tennessee – Wofford is not who most of us picked to win the SoCon Tournament, but they did and earned the right to be here. Tennessee won the SEC Tournament and had a strong claim for a #1 seed

-Arkansas vs Kansas – Arkansas didn’t have the best season, but they seemed to play well when they absolutely had to. Well, today, they absolutely have to. Kansas had a good year, but struggled away from home. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses

-Yale vs Texas A&M – I really liked this Yale team for most of the season, but while they won the Ivy League Tournament they didn’t seem as strong in the last couple weeks of the season as they had been. TAMU is very well coached and could go far.

-Drake vs Missouri – Drake plays tough defense and can find ways to score, and probably deserved a better seed. Mizzou has some great athleticism, which makes the matchup intriguing

-Utah State vs UCLA – both teams had times during the season when they looked incredible and other times when it appeared they were struggling. This is a tough one to pick

-Omaha vs Saint John’s – we love the trashcan wrestling of Omaha!! Saint John’s struggles to score at times, but they play aggressive defense that just wears teams down

FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST:

-Baylor vs Mississippi State – Mississippi State won some big games during the season and while Baylor had some good moments, they also struggled with injuries which made it difficult for them

-Robert Morris vs Alabama – Alabama loves to shoot the three and is capable of beating anyone in this tournament. Robert Morris had a really strong year in the Horizon League but is likely way overmatched today

-Lipscomb vs Iowa State – Lipscomb won the ASun and may hold their own for part of the game, but Iowa State is just too talented

-Colorado State vs Memphis – these are two teams that I was sure I’d pick to win a game in the Round of 64 until I saw they were playing each other. In the last few weeks of the season Colorado State was fantastic, and Memphis played a really strong out of conference schedule and racked up some big wins, so both can (and have) beaten really good teams

-Mount Saint Mary’s vs Duke – Do not doubt the Mount!! Well, today, I kinda am. Duke is one of the best teams in the country and while Mount Saint Mary’s played well down the stretch, won the MAAC Tournament, and won their First Four game on Wednesday, the ride is probably over

-Vanderbilt vs Saint Mary’s – Vandy was a fantastic team when they played at home and just a so-so team on the road. Saint Mary’s had a great year and many thought (myself included) they’d be seeded a little better than what they were

-North Carolina vs Ole Miss – many felt UNC should not be in the field, but they did look very impressive in their First Four win the other night. Ole Miss is certainly battle-tested and has shown they can play with and beat really good teams themselves

-Grand Canyon vs Maryland – This is a super talented Grand Canyon team that I would have picked to upset a lot of teams in the Round of 64, but I’m not sure if I can pick them to beat Maryland who is also very talented and who was playing really well down the stretch

-Norfolk State vs Florida – this is a 1 vs 16 game that will probably go the way we are all expecting it to. A good year for Norfolk State, though, who probably deserved to be seeded a little bit better

-Troy vs Kentucky – this is a dangerous Troy team that is capable of pulling an upset if their team overlooks them, and Kentucky Coach Mark Pope does not have a history of strong showings in the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky won some really big games this season, but they had their challenges as well

-New Mexico vs Marquette – New Mexico was probably the strongest overall team in the Mountain West and Marquette was solid as well. This is a tough game to pick and it should be fun

-Akron vs Arizona – Akron blew through the MAC and is a solid 13 seed in this field, but I just think they are playing an Arizona team that’s both really good and not likely to overlook them

-Oklahoma vs UConn – UConn has won two straight NCAA Tournaments and that experience is not something to overlook. Oklahoma lost some really close games against really good teams throughout SEC play, but they did enough to get here and they have a chance to bounce back from that

-Xavier vs Illinois – Xavier had a nice come from behind win against Texas the other night and while they struggled for much of the year they were playing really well in the last month or so. Illinois has battled injuries and has been a little schizophrenic throughout the year looking like a Final Four team on some nights and an NIT team on others

-Bryant vs Michigan State – Bryant had a nice year in the America East but tonight they’ve got to face a Michigan State team that’s as good as anyone

-Liberty @ Oregon – this is a talented and dangerous Liberty team that I think would be most of the teams seeded on the 8, 9, 10, and 11 lines. Oregon has been wildly inconsistent all year long and they may get upset if they don’t bring their A-game

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Michigan State cheerleader Gigi Schultz

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Michigan State lost to Wisconsin 77-74 in the Big 10 tourney semifinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Spartans have not had a losing season this century and are extending their streak of the most consecutive tournament appearances in men’s college basketball history. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Michigan State cheerleader Gigi Schultz about the rivalry with the Wolverines and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Rochester, MI: what made you choose Michigan State? I chose Michigan State because the athletics here are truly incredible. It is such an amazing community and everyone wants to see the person next to them succeed: now I bleed green!

You are majoring in Accounting: how did you choose that subject? I chose accounting as my major because I worked with numbers a lot when I was a part of the Student Council in high school. I also love a challenge: accounting pushes me every day to stay focused on growing my problem-solving and strategy skills, which has translated a lot into my personal life.

You are a junior: do you have a post-graduation plan yet? I do: I just got into the MS in Accounting program at MSU and am thrilled to spend 1 extra year at my favorite place! I want to go into a career with tax accounting and hopefully transition into the realm of helping professional athletes with their financial goals.

1 of your hobbies is working out: any advice for our readers who want to lose some weight? I would say rather than focus on losing weight, you should focus on moving your body and making sure your mental health is good. I find that the more I move my body, the better the headspace I am in.

Your team has won 27 games so far and all 6 of its losses were by single-digits: is it more fun to cheer for a team that you know is going to be competitive every single time it steps onto the court? It is truly the most insane experience every time I am able to cheer on the court. It is one of my favorite things about being a cheerleader. I think that being in the Breslin Center and having students/parents/athletes coming together to support our basketball team creates an atmosphere that is almost indescribable. The competitive culture of MSU basketball is truly something different.

2 of those wins were against Michigan: how do you explain the in-state rivalry to someone who has never experienced it in person? I would describe it as an in-state rivalry between two teams showing they have something to prove. During both games this year you could see that both teams were giving their all, and it makes watching those games very entertaining.

1 of those losses was last Saturday to Wisconsin in the Big 10 tourney semifinals but you 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 was truly incredible hearing MSU get placed into the tournament last Sunday. I know the guys work extremely hard and Coach Tom Izzo continues to push the program year by year, so it is very rewarding. It will also be my first time cheering at a men’s NCAA tournament and I could not be more excited.

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 uses a point system based on skill set, GPA, and events we do throughout the year. A lot of our events contribute to other sports teams where we are able to bond with other athletes, which makes doing the events a lot of fun. To be able to go to these tournaments and see my teammates cheering on national TV means the world to me. Everyone on our team comes into practice and gives 100% to make the atmosphere at the games positive and fun, so getting to travel is very rewarding.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We are planning on checking out Cleveland a little bit while we are there and spending a lot of bonding time together. We are planning on soaking up every moment.

Any predictions for your game vs. Bryant on Friday in Cleveland? I think our team is going to show up and give it all they have and prove that MSU Basketball is a team to root for. They have so much potential and seeing them grow over the last three years has been such a blessing.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Purdue basketball mother Ginny Smith about her son Braden

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Friday Purdue lost to Michigan 86-68 in the Big 10 tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Boilermakers have had a winning record for 11 years in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney to see if they can make it back to the title game. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Purdue basketball mother Ginny Smith about her son Braden being named 1st-team All-American yesterday and making the NCAA tourney.

No Westfield High School boys’ basketball player had ever been a D-1 recruit before: how big a deal was it for your son Braden to become the 1st, and what made him choose Purdue? From our perspective, it was a big deal because that is what he aspired to do. He was in a strong class of athletes back in 2022. Purdue was his top choice and in hindsight it was a fantastic choice. It was a quick recruiting process after they finally came up with a scholarship, but Coach Painter and his staff are great.

In his very 1st college game, he set a school freshman record with 7 STL in a win over Milwaukee and was eventually named to the conference All-Freshman team: how was he able to come in and contribute right from the start? Purdue needed a PG so that gave him an opportunity. He had never sat on the bench in his life, so we talked about what his work ethic needed to be. He thought we were crazy because he felt that he was going to play right away, and all the dominoes fell into place for him.

In the 2023 NCAA tourney he scored 7 PTS in a 5-PT loss to #16-seed FDU: where does that rank among the most devastating losses of his career, and how was the entire team able to turn things around last season? I cannot speak for him, but it was also tough when he lost in the regional as a high school senior because we thought his team would win the state tourney that year. Not only is it devastating to lose on a national stage in college, but also a little embarrassing. It was a very strange feeling on the ride home because none of us anticipated that happening.

Take me through the magical 2024 postseason:
How nervous were you when he hurt his right knee/calf vs. Michigan State in the Big 10 tourney quarterfinals, and were you worried that he should have sat out rather than come back onto the court to help his team get the 5-PT win? You never want to see anyone get hurt, but when it is your son there is an extra level of apprehension/anxiety. I wanted to walk down to the bench and ask, “Yo, what’s up?”, but instead I texted the trainer and begged him to give me some information. Nothing surprises me with Braden: if I had to guess he probably harassed Coach Painter until he put him back in! It is what I would expect from the kind of player who played an entire season with a broken foot. We felt that if they put him back in then he was well enough to be in there.

The Boilermakers’ 1st 2 NCAA tourney games last year were in Indianapolis: how many family members/friends made the 40-minute drive from Westfield to see their hometown hero in person? There were a LOT of people there so I cannot give you an exact number. Each player gets 6 tickets…so we had to ask for a lot of extras. People from Westfield are very proud of him and it was great to play in front of a “home” crowd.

In the NCAA title game he scored 12 PTS in a loss to UConn: what kind of emotions did you have watching your son play for a national championship? You cannot say that it was a failure: instead, they showed a tremendous amount of resiliency/grit. It was overwhelming for me because we knew that UConn was incredibly tough and that Purdue team would have to play perfect. It was not our day…but we could not be prouder. He had some uncharacteristic turnovers in the Final 4 win over NC State, but we discussed how the title game was a new opportunity. He represented himself/his school/his community very well and we were proud that he got to be in that situation.

He has been 2nd in the nation in APG during each of the past 2 years: what makes him such a great PG? He has great instincts, incredible floor vision, a high IQ, and good chemistry with his teammates. It is a skill set that he has worked on but part of it is a gift: he can see/do things that not everyone else can. Passing the ball is a true skill and he does an incredible job making everyone around him better, which his teammates appreciate. Having a pass-first mentality sometimes puts him or his teammates in a jam, but he is a great PG due to his ability to see the floor.

Yesterday he was named 1st-team All-American: what did it mean to him to receive such an outstanding honor? We have not talked to him about it yet since we have all been traveling East but we sent him a note in our group text and received back a, “Thanks, love you too!” He has always been undervalued and never passed the eye test. He is unassuming in the world of basketball so to do what he has been able to do at the level he has done it at makes us proud. There is an old adage that, “If you love the game, then it will love you back.”

You and your husband Dustin both played basketball at Arkansas Tech: who is the best athlete in the family? I would have said that I was the best player at 1 point…but I am not the best athlete! Braden’s dad was a PG, and I played the 2, so he got his passing skills from his dad. Basketball is important to our entire family, and we appreciate the opportunities that it can provide. The beautiful thing is that Braden embraces it: we never pushed him too hard, and he eventually developed a passion for the sport. He soaked it all up and watched YouTube videos of PGs like Jason Williams/Jason Kidd and tried to emulate them. Dustin coached him up until high school and taught him how to play the game the right way: we never put him in a hectic AAU environment.

Purdue was given a #4 seed this year: any predictions for their game(s) this weekend in Providence? No predictions…but we are here with a happy heart and fingers crossed to get some wins!

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