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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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Illinois cheerleader Madelyn Roseman

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Friday Illinois lost to Maryland 88-65 in the Big 10 tourney but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Illini have won 20+ games for the 6th year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 5th year in the past 5 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Illinois cheerleader Madelyn Roseman about having so many new teams in the league and making the NCAA tourney.

You were raised in Gifford, IL: what made you choose Illinois for college? Cheering at the University of Illinois was a goal that I set for myself from a really young age. After I made the Illinois cheer team, there was no doubt that the University of Illinois was the place I was supposed to be.

You majored in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with minors in Business, Public Health, and Health Administration: how did you choose those subjects? Going into college, I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. I wanted to go into the clinical side at 1st, but after completing some science courses, I realized that the business side of healthcare was where I excelled. Standing out in today’s competitive environment, I made sure to add minors that would prepare me for a successful career.

You graduated last December and are pursuing a graduate degree at the Gies College of Business: what is the post-graduation plan? After I am done with grad school, I plan to use my education as well as my experience in healthcare administration. Eventually after a few years of experience my plan is to complete my MBA through Gies College of Business.

How did you 1st get into cheering, and what is the best part? I first got into cheerleading when I was very little: my mom was a cheer coach so I grew up surrounded by the sport. The best part of cheerleading is going to all the different sporting events and being able to cheer on the Illinois teams from the sidelines, especially at tournament games!

The Big 10 has changed a lot over the past several years: how do you feel about having so many new teams in the league? Personally, I think the expansion of the Big Ten provides exposure and opportunities that are not necessarily limited to the Midwest. From an athlete’s point of view, they are able to travel/play/see so many different parts of the country showcasing all that the Big Ten schools have to offer.

What was the highlight of your season so far: starting conference play 4-1, Senior Night, other? Senior Night was really awesome! Being able to cheer on the Illini during such a competitive game against Purdue and pulling off the win (88-80) was an awesome experience and will be a special memory for me.

The Illini received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney and have now made the NCAA tourney 5 years in a row: what was the reaction like when you finally heard your school’s name announced on Selection Sunday, and have you been able to attend any of their prior postseason games? Last year, I traveled to Minneapolis and was on the sideline celebrating our Big 10 title when the confetti dropped: that was a day I will never forget! Then I traveled to watch the Sweet 16/Elite 8 games in Boston. I had to be there to cheer on both my cheer team and the basketball team. Watching Selection Sunday last weekend and finding out that we are going to Milwaukee to try and do it again was very exciting.

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? For Illinois cheerleading specifically, it is usually upperclassmen and seniors who get to go to postseason events like the NCAA tournament. It means so much to me to be able to travel and continue to cheer on the Illini one final time.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? With part of our team going to Texas to cheer on the women’s basketball team, and another group going to cheer on the men’s basketball team in both NCAA tournaments, we will do things as small groups. We will go to dinner as a team and hopefully celebrate many wins!

Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. the Texas-Xavier winner? The Illini will come out on top on Friday!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Maryland dancer Bella Ruck

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Maryland lost to Michigan 81-80 in the Big 10 tourney semifinals but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Terps had a losing record last year but have won 25 games this season and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 3rd time in the past 5 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Maryland dancer Bella Ruck about seeing so many close games and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from New Jersey: what made you choose Maryland? I committed to UMD on decision day of my senior year. I was conflicted on where to go to school, but ultimately it came down to the academics, sports environment, school size, proximity to DC, and being the perfect distance from home. Having the ability to try out for the dance team also ended up being one of the best reasons I chose Maryland. Overall, this school has provided me with the balance of my school, social, and dance life.

You are majoring in Public Health Science and minoring in General Business: how did you choose those subjects? I have always been passionate about healthcare, but knew that I wanted to have both the science and business as foundational knowledge in my steps towards a career in healthcare administration. As an incoming freshman, Public Health was a great option because it encompasses many aspects of the healthcare field and was the perfect starting point to navigating my professional goals.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? I am thinking about how I can keep dance as a part of my life while also looking into obtaining my Master’s in healthcare administration. I have a tentative job offer in New Jersey, but I am trying to keep my options open for right now and am excited about the future.

Your team started this season 3-4 in conference play but won 11 of its final 13 regular season games: has it reached a point where everyone expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? This basketball season has been my favorite so far out of my four years dancing at Maryland. I am confident that every time this team steps out on the court, they are going to play their hardest and battle to the finish. It is a lot to expect a team to win every game, but I at least know they will always put on their best performance and keep pushing until the end.

What was the highlight of your season so far: beating Wisconsin in January, Senior Day, other? The highlight of the season for me was definitely Senior Day. It was so special to celebrate the seniors on the basketball team as well as our seniors on the Spirit Squad. Being able to perform in front of a packed student section and feel the energy of the atmosphere at the Xfinity Center is a surreal experience that I will forever be grateful for. Any time we are able to win at home is definitely a perk!

Each of your 8 losses this year were by single-digits: is it more fun to cheer for a team that you know will keep fighting to win and never quit? This year we have experienced multiple buzzer-beater losses. It comes down to the final minute of the game, creating a nail-biting, adrenaline-rushing, and overall-exciting game. Knowing they will not back down and will push as hard as they do until the end is what makes this team so special. There is something to be said about our only losses this season being by single-digits: it is a testament to the work put in by the team and the fight they have in them. It makes our role of bringing spirit/energy to the game that much more important.

Last Sunday the Terrapins received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: what was the reaction like when you finally heard your school’s name announced on Selection Sunday? I was beyond excited to hear our team announced on Selection Sunday. I traveled to the Men’s Big Ten Tournament and had just arrived home after we lost to the University of Michigan on Saturday by just one point. Watching the power they brought to the game against Illinois and the fight they had against Michigan made me that much more excited for the NCAA tournament. This team has something to prove and I think they are ready to show 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? There are many factors that go into who travels to the NCAA tournament. Ultimately, we try to give as many girls as possible the opportunity to travel to the men’s and women’s Big Ten Tournaments as well as both men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. Luckily both women’s and men’s basketball at Maryland have excelled this year, and we will always be thankful to have the opportunity to travel with them. It is special for family/friends at home to see us on TV and makes us proud to be at these games to support our school.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? We are excited about traveling to Seattle for those of us who have not been there before. We have looked at some must-visit spots including the Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, etc. We are also looking forward to going to the University of Washington because we hear it is a beautiful campus.

Any predictions for your game on Friday vs. GCU? I obviously predict that Maryland will win their game against GCU this Friday and could not be more excited to watch them enter the madness that is March!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Montana dancer Lily Halvorson

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Wednesday Montana beat Northern Colorado 91-83 in the Big Sky tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Grizzlies started this season 11-8 but have won 14 of their past 15 games and are now heading back to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2019. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Montana dancer Lily Halvorson about being a good leader and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Olympia, WA: what made you choose Montana? I wanted a school with a strong sense of community, and I definitely found that at Montana. My biggest draws to UM were the dance team, the environment, and the culture of sports here: it is unmatched! The combination of great academics, an amazing college town, and the opportunity to continue dancing at a high level made it the perfect fit for me.

You are majoring in business marketing and minoring in psychology: how did you choose that subject? I love the design and creativity aspects of marketing and have also always been fascinated by how people think and what influences their decisions, so combining psychology with marketing felt like the perfect blend. Plus, the business school at UM is incredible!

You are a junior: do you have a post-graduation plan yet? I am still figuring out the specifics, but I know I want to work in the marketing field, Being part of the dance team has also shown me how much I love working with people and the power of community, so I definitely want that to play a part in my career as well,

You are captain of the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? I feel strongly about leading by example, bringing energy, work ethic, and positivity every single day no matter what! However, I also think being a good leader means knowing how to support your teammates, make sure everyone feels valued, and create an environment where people want to push themselves.

One of your hobbies is spending time outdoors: do you have a favorite outdoor spot that you recommend? There are so many great spots, but one of my favorite classics is the trail that runs along the river. It is a classic Missoula walk/run with the best views of the river and downtown!

Last Wednesday the Grizzlies beat Northern Colorado in the Big Sky tourney title game to clinch the title: what was the reaction like when the buzzer finally went off, and how excited is everyone on campus this week? It was amazing! The energy in the arena was insane: I feel so lucky that we had the privilege to be right there with the team in that moment. It was a long couple days of back-to-back games for us…but so worth that moment!! People on campus are so proud of the team bringing Montana to the top. As we took off for Denver, we could feel the Griz community’s support!

Your team lost a couple of games in mid-January but since then they have won 14 of 15 with just a 3-PT OT loss at Portland State: has it reached a point where everyone just expects the team to win every time that they step onto the court? I think there is a lot of confidence in the team, but also a ton of respect for the tough competition. They have put in the work to get this far and you can see it in how they play. I do not think it is an expectation of winning, but more about knowing they have the ability to win!

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 University of Montana Spirit Squad as a whole is made up of the Cheer Team and Dance Team. Cheer travels for all post-season football and Dance travels for all post-season basketball, which means the Dance Team gets to follow the basketball team as far as they go this postseason. That includes Boise for the conference tourney and Denver for March Madness! We are so incredibly excited: it is such an amazing opportunity to perform in front of a national audience. We are lucky to represent Montana and the amazing support system we have there. We have worked so hard for this moment and I think it will be surreal to see our team out there in the tournament.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? This week we are all focused on the game! We have the incredible opportunity to perform at halftime, and we will be out there with our amazing band during a few timeouts. Our goal is to bring that strong Griz energy and represent Montana well!

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Wisconsin in Denver? I think it is going to be a great game! Wisconsin is a strong team, but Montana has a lot of momentum/talent. We believe in our guys, and I think they are ready to make some noise in this tournament. I have a good feeling and it is going to be a fun one to watch!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Columbia SR PG Cecelia Collins

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Saturday Columbia lost to Harvard 74-71 in the Ivy League women’s tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Lions and the rest of the conference were shut down for COVID in 2020-21, but have now won 23+ games for the 4th year in a row and are heading to the NCAA tourney for the 2nd year in a row. Yesterday HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Columbia SR PG Cecelia Collins about having a triple-double and making the NCAA tourney.

In 2022 as a freshman at Bucknell you became the 1st freshman in more than 20 years to make an All-League Team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? That preseason was crucial for me. I was not a highly recruited player, so I came in with an open mind/worked hard/put on some muscle. It was a learning experience, but I had some great upperclassmen who I could lean on.

Why did you decide to transfer in 2023, and what made you choose Columbia? I was looking for a new environment and wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. The team was super-welcoming and I trusted them right away: I am very proud of my decision.

Last year you led the conference in assist/turnover ratio: what is the key to being a good PG? I have been able to learn from so many PGs including my teammate Kitty Henderson. When you are surrounded by great players it makes it easy. We have such great shooters that it allows me to get easy assists, and early on I was taught to take care of the ball.

Your 86.1 FT% was also top-35 in the nation: what is the secret to making FTs? I wish I had that answer since I am not shooting as well this year (74.4 FT%)! Confidence comes from preparation, so I was always in the gym trying to make 10 in a row while shooting under pressure.

In the 2024 NCAA tourney you scored 13 PTS in a loss to Vanderbilt: what did you learn from that loss that you think will help you this year? I had never played in March Madness before. It was a rollercoaster of emotions to lose to Princeton on a Saturday and then get selected to the tourney the next day, so this year I will go in with a clear head and execute the game plan.

Last summer you did an internship with the NBA: how was it? It was great! I was an events intern and able to travel to Las Vegas for the Summer League, work at the draft, and connect with so many different people. I learned a lot of new things about the business side of the sports industry and the importance of making connections.

Earlier this month you had the 3rd triple-double in school history (16 PTS/10 REB/10 AST) in a win over Yale to clinch the #1 seed in the Ivy League tourney: where does that rank among the best all-around games of your career? It is up there. It is something I have wanted to do since I was little: you are never sure if you can do something like that, but it was great to share that weekend with Kitty because she did the same thing the night before!

You had a 3-PT loss to Harvard in the Ivy tourney title game but still received an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney: how did it feel to hear your team’s name called on Selection Sunday? It was very exciting. It was different this year because we were predicted as 1 of the “last teams in” so we had more hope. It was such a relief so we will not take it for granted and be prepared for Washington.

Harvard/Princeton also heard their names called: how competitive is your conference considering it contains 3 of the 68 best teams in the country? It is very competitive. When you look at the top-3 teams, we each handed each other a loss during the season. The teams are getting better and better, and we are all grateful for this recognition that I feel we deserved a long time ago. To have 3 bids from a mid-major league is super-cool.

How do you feel about being a #11 seed, and what do you know about Washington? We feel great about it. Our coaching staff has put together a good game plan. They shoot the 3-ball well and have some skilled guards/post players so we will spend a few days preparing for them and then put our best foot forward on Thursday.

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