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Blogging from Birmingham:
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Mary – 3:56 p.m. – Thursday
Arrived in Bama’ yesterday afternoon a little after 5 p.m. after a short(three hour) flight from Boise. I’m starting to really love the fact that we were able to make a direct flight down. Some of the other local media didn’t get in till about 9 p.m. and had to make a couple of pit stops along the way. Ah, the perk of being a Boise State Bronco.
Today, we went and picked up the official NCAA media credentials and went and walked around the Civic Center where BSU is going to be playing tomorrow. A lot different from Taco Bell Arena.
We(Jake, Stan and I) just got back from some interviews with the BSU cheerleaders and band. On the way back we were able to hitch a ride with them on their bus. Interesting bus ride. The driver was pretty feisty and knowledgeable. He was able to give us a good (animated) chunk of Alabama history and cram it in about a 20 minute ride.
Also on a side note, haven’t seen too many women media around, though about to head off to some press conferences in a bit, so that might change.
Jake – 7:45 p.m.- Thursday
It is press day in Birmingham and I must say, March really is a ‘mad’ time of year. Whether it’s your first dance or you’re a seasoned veteran, I can’t imagine not being excited about that fact that this is my job.
The Louisville press conference wasn’t ground breaking, but it was informative. It didn’t hurt that Coach Pitino seemed to have an aura about him. The Cardinals certainly appreciate Boise State’s outside shooting ability and recognize the Broncos ability to push the ball as well.
It is no secret that Louisville’s pressure could be a difference maker in tomorrow night’s game. David Padgett said that the team isn’t going to change their approach because of the fast paced BSU attack. Instead, they are going to take care of their business and let their game take care of the rest.
The Cardinals took the floor shortly after and I must say, they are big. Bronco fans have been concerned about how BSU will match up with the size of Louisville and after Thursday I can say, they should be. Not to say size is everything, but it will certainly big a big task for the Broncos to take on.
BSU worked out shortly after Louisville and I was impressed with the structure of their shoot around. While the Cardinals spent half their time joking and playfully shooting half court shots for the fans, BSU was doing shooting drills and working on free throws. They definitely appear to be focused, but not uptight, which is a big benefit this time of year.
Mary – 8:05 p.m.- Thursday
Just got back from the first round of press conferences. Got to talk to Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino. If you’re anything of a basketball fan like I am, than you know how amazing it is to be literally 10 feet away from such a legendary and pioneer figure in the sports world.
From the sounds of it, from the players and Pitino, they aren’t overlooking the Broncos. Pitino also commented a few times on BSU’s ability to shoot the ball so well. He compared them to the likes of BYU.
If the Broncos are to stay in the game tomorrow, they will have to be shooting lights out. However, the Duke(number 2 seed) vs. Belmont(number 15 seed) game just finished up with the Blue Devils prevailingly by one point.
Jake – 10:00 a.m. – Friday
I woke this morning to the sound of the Tennessee fight song. At least I think that’s what it was. To be completely honest, it could have been a jazzed up rendition of ‘my little buttercup’ and I wouldn’t have known the difference. It was 9 a.m. and the only thing I knew was my hotel room was ringing with pep band music.
Turns out the Tennessee pep band was in the foyer of the hotel, with an entourage of while and orange following closely behind. As I stood there peering from the seventh floor I realized two things – I’m standing in the hall without a shirt on and it’s game day in Birmingham.
The atmosphere is electric and we are still over an hour away from tip off of the opening game. Boise State doesn’t even play for another 10 hours, but the excitement is higher than ever.
Ever since I got here a lot of the talk surrounding the BSU men has been whether or not they could replicate the 2007 Fiesta Bowl success of the Bronco football team. For the longest time I wondered that too. Now, however, I’m beginning to see that this journey is much different than that. These guys are making their own memories. I’m interested to see if they will be able to write their legacy in such a memorable way.
Mary – 10:25 – Friday
Today’s the day that the NCAA tournament finally starts in Birmingham, Alabama. And let me tell you, they’re sure excited.
This morning I woke up to the Tennessee band marching through our hotel. When I went outside my room to go look down below, my eyes were greeted with a sea of orange, white and a lot more orange.
I later made the mistake of going down to the lobby to get some breakfast. Bad move. Trying to meander between Volunteer fans is tricky business.
Tennessee has the first game this morning at 11:15 a.m. and it can not come soon enough.
BSU doesn’t square off til tonight, so for today, a lot of basketball and a lot of writing.
Jake – 2:15 – Friday
I got believer fever. Its funny how a good upset makes you start believing that anything in the NCAA tournament is possible. I just got done watching American University take Tennessee punch for punch for 35 solid minutes in today’s opener.
In expected fashion, the Vols took control late and went on to win by 12 or so, but the fight that AU showed was inspiring. They weren’t as big, they weren’t as fast but they works just as hard and it gave them a chance.
Tonight all bets are off because this tournament is one of the most unpredictable things in sports. Most people think BSU will either win a close one or get blown out… but who says they aren’t capable of running Louisville out of the gym?
All I do know is the Broncos are hungry. And the fact that they have nothing to lose makes them dangerous. Whether or not they continue on after today, it doesn’t really matter – if they fight to the finish it will all take care of itself.
Mary – 2:56 – Friday
After spending about two days in and around the BJCC Arena where all of the tournament games are being played today and Sunday, it’s really hard to imagine that this arena is bigger than Taco Bell Arena.
It has the same feeling almost as Taco Bell Arena, which I guess is a really good thing for the Broncos.
On a different note, our photographer Stan brought up a good point. Where is Buster the Bronco? Since I haven’t heard a mention of him I’m assuming the school didn’t bring him. Why is that exactly? After watching the Tennessee vs. American game earlier this afternoon and their mascots, I actually think Buster could give them a run for their money.
First the American mascot, which is a bald eagle, looked like he’d seen better days. Jake pointed out that the costume looked like a hand-me-down. Which it did. The sleeves were too short, so you could see the skin peeking out, which could really damage some kids spirits. Also, the eagle did have some pep, but the way it was moving around looked like he was on drugs or possibly hung over.
Moving on to the Tennessee mascot, which looked very similar to the crime dog on T.V. Scruff McGruff. He had some nice moves, and seemed to change outfits once or twice. But, still wasn’t that impressed.
I’ll be checking out the mascots tonight and see how they fair. Though, like I said earlier, Buster should be here.
Mary – 4:35 p.m. – Friday
Looks like the fans from the games have spilled over into our hotel. Down below my room there is about three or more different lines of people waiting to get drinks and food. I also see some Oklahoma and Louisville fans mixed in there as well. Don’t plan to be going down there, unless I absolutely have to.
Just a little more than an hour till the tip off of the Oklahoma vs. Saint Joe’s game, which means the BSU game is just over the horizon.
After watching some upsets take place today in the tournament, it’s really getting me excited for the game. I can’t imagine what the BSU players and coaches are feeling right now.
I’m curious to though what the attendance will be for the game. BSU has the last game on the slate for tonight, but I’m hoping they’ll get a good crowd. Jake mentioned earlier that some fans might just come out because they are playing Louisville. A chance to see Rick Pitino, heck if the game was at midnight, I’d still be there.
Mary-7:32 p.m. -Friday
We are over half way through the second half of the Oklahoma/Saint Joe’s game. Getting closer to tip off for BSU.
Though, to continue my thoughts on the mascots. Saint Joseph’s mascot is the Hawk.
The only time I’ve really seen him is when he came charging right by me when he led the team out on to the court. Kind of scary looking. However, his costume is pretty complex and unique looking. On the side of cheering, all I’ve seen him do is raise his arms in what looks like a half attempt at a flap and a cheer. Pretty weak if you ask me.
For Oklahoma their mascot is The Sooner. Basically I really haven’t seen him out and about that much, but all he is a pale looking horse with some messed up looking teeth on the front of the costume. He also has a ratty main on the back of his costume.
I’ll evaluate the Louisville Cardinal tonight if he’s here.
Jake – 8:35 – Friday
Boise State just took the floor and I must say the atmosphere is electric. I was curious if any of the Oklahoma fans would stick around and root against BSU, we will wait and see.
The Broncos did receive a big ‘boo’ from the arena, but I couldn’t tell if it was OU fans or spectators from Louisville. I wont’ throw the Sooners under the bus just yet.
All the preparation has led up to this…we’ll see if the Broncos have any more blue collar magic up their sleeve.
Mary-7:45 p.m.-Friday
I stand corrected. Buster is officially in the building. Just saw him walk in.
He is outfitted in an orange BSU basketball uni and looks pretty sharp. Hoping he does a good job of pumping up the modest crowd we have out here.
Also, the Louisville Cardinal is about five feet away from me and doesn’t look too bad. His red feathered suit is relatively clean looking, but his yellow feet are a sight for sore eyes.
Should be a good match up, tip off is just about to happen.
Mary-1:24 a.m.-Saturday
The ride is over. Can’t really believe that it’s been three days, but it has.
Boise State wasn’t able to defeat Louisville as the Cards shot an unreal 55.8 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three point line.
BSU never really got blown out by the Cardinals, but the fact that BSU couldn’t buy a basket, didn’t really help the cause.
The Broncos had an amazing season this year, and I’m really glad that I was able to experience it all. Next year will be a completely different team as four of the starters will be gone. But I’m sure that the players that were here at the NCAA’s, will take part of that experience with them into next year.
Jake Garcin and Mary Albl
