In fact, Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo has the same judgment as Blake Dolan. His coaching style is tough and iron-blooded, but he is not arrogant. He values every opponent.
When he learned that his opponent in the first round of the playoffs was the Princeton Tigers, he immediately arranged for people to find regular season game videos of the Princeton Tigers, and selected several other teams from the Princeton Tigers, Harvard and Cornell University.
Nice team's game.
After watching a series of game videos, Tom Izzo feels that the Princeton Tigers are a team worth encouraging. They try their best in every game. However, whether it is tactics or the execution of the players, they seem to be far behind.
Although their attitude is worthy of recognition, Tom Izzo believes that this team can only get a C+ grade in his heart, and this is because the Princeton Tigers have the right attitude.
"This is a team that deserves recognition. They are on the right path." Tom Izzo said, staring at the cheering Princeton Tigers players on the computer screen.
At that moment, he didn't notice Blake Dolan sitting on the coaching bench like an old man.
…
The first round of the top 64 was held in St. Louis, Missouri. Although this city does not have a deep basketball background, the sports facilities in this city are enough to cope with NCAA competitions. You know, this city has hosted
For the Summer Olympics, its sports facilities are built in accordance with international standards.
Today, at the St. Louis Indoor Stadium, the Michigan State Spartans and the Princeton Tigers will begin a brutal battle to advance to the next round.
Thanks to Michigan State University, the Princeton Tigers will be fully exposed to fans across the United States this time, because the Michigan State game will be broadcast live on CBS TV. If it is a match between the Princeton Tigers and a team like Stanford,
It is conceivable that CBS will not even look at them.
Although the ticket price for ordinary seats in this game is as high as 300 US dollars, which is dozens of dollars higher than the tickets for the Los Angeles Lakers, the most popular NBA team, the stands of 20,000 people are still full, and fans are pouring in from all directions.
To the city of St. Louis, I hope my shout-out can bring good luck to their team in advancing to the next round.
The warm-up between the two teams ended, in the Michigan State locker room.
Although Tom Izzo is already an old man, he has a strong body as a result of his football background. His not tall frame seems to contain huge power, and even his voice is tough.
"Listen, boys! We're going to challenge for the damn NCAA championship again! Our opponent in the first round, the one we're about to face, is the Princeton University Tigers of the Ivy League. Of course, I don't think they can.
Stop the brave Spartans, but!"
Tom Izzo put his hands on his waist, looked around at the players sitting in his seat and listened to his lecture, and emphasized:
"I don't want to see you underestimate the opponent just because the opponent is weak! Every opponent should be taken seriously! The fact that they can stand in the St. Louis Indoor Stadium today shows that they are qualified to be our opponent! There is no contempt, no pride,
I ask you to beat the opposing team just like we did against Kentucky!"
"Tell me! why!"
"Because we are Spartans!" the players stood up and shouted loudly.
"Good! Now, let's talk about tactics. I have watched the opponent's game videos. They are fighting positional warfare in every game. They are slow, stalemate, and never give up. This is the foundation of their journey here. And
Throughout the NCAA, we Spartans will never be afraid of positional warfare, because we understand the meaning of the word never give up better than they do! Their defense is more inclined to man-to-man defense, but occasionally there will be zone defense scenes.
But that can't stop us at all! From the front! Tear apart their defense! Defensively! Use our best zone defense! Block their offensive line! We don't have time to exchange feelings with this kind of team! There are Kentucky and Kansas ahead of us.
The bastards are waiting for us! Come on! Tell them! The Spartans are coming!”….
The players of the Michigan State Spartans stood up with a bang! Walking towards the door of the locker room!
…
On the other side, the Princeton Tigers' locker room.
Blake Dolan stood in the center, holding a cigarette in his mouth, quietly watching the players tidy up their sneakers or uniforms. It wasn't until the last player finished tidying up and sat down quietly that he glanced around and said:
"In the entire NCAA regular season, we didn't get a single positive comment. Those commentators and experts, mentioning the Princeton Tigers, will always be associated with the word luck. We won the conference championship because of luck, and we stood there because of luck.
Here, participating in the top 64 competition, we are a bubble team in their mouth. It seems that it will burst and dissipate in the next second. They despise us, despise us, and even humiliate us. Even our fans feel that
We're going to get beat by Michigan State."
The faces of the players are not very good. For them, the entire regular season is a history of oppression. They are oppressed by Blake Dolan and cannot play their own game. Even the fans, and most importantly, those girls
, has not appeared outside the dressing room door for a long time, waiting for them to change clothes and go on a date.
"They forgot our performance in the preseason. They don't remember how we devoured the Devils of Wake Forest, and they don't remember how we tore apart the curse of Columbia. It doesn't matter, now! The opportunity has come, and we have to tell them! Forgotten
The Tigers are back! This time! What we want is no longer to tear our opponents apart! But to win! Championship! That NCAA trophy!" Blake Dolan gradually increased his tone, and in the end it was even close to roaring!
"Now, it's time for the Michigan State Spartans to be the first opponent to fall in front of us! Let them see! Three months of training! What did you get! The locker room door is there!
What are you waiting for! Go!" Blake Dolan pointed at the door of the locker room with his finger! shouted!
"Go! tiger!" Casey Beamont and Rayne Gonzalez jumped up almost at the same time! They have been suppressing it for too long throughout the regular season! Now! Their coach finally told them! It's time to release!
Now, who cares whether the opponent is Michigan State or Kentucky! No matter who it is! They are ready to vent their suppressed anger for three months on them!
Simply defeating your opponent is not enough!
"We're going to tear it apart!" Bill Hunter, who was following Casey Beamont and Rayne Gonzalez, whispered through gritted teeth. "We're coming!"
(When I clicked on the competitive channel early in the morning, I was immediately shocked...the two new books recommended at the top of the list are so powerful, I am envious...)
