| BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Final Four bound Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team worked through their final practice in Boca Raton on Tuesday afternoon before spending time with the media for the last time before leaving for Houston, Texas on Wednesday morning. Fans are invited to join us Wednesday morning at 8:55 a.m. at the Eleanor R. Baldwin arena to send off the “Beach Boys” in style. QUOTABLE Excerpt from Tuesday’s sit down with the media Head Coach Dusty May On the coaching staff “We have an unbelievable staff from top to bottom. It’s a complete collaboration, our managers, our GA’s, our support staff, our strength coach, our trainer, everyone has a major hand in our success.” On preparing for the Final Four compared to other rounds “Our preparation is exactly the same: all hands-on deck for San Diego State and preparing to play the very best we can, possession by possession.” On team continuity “These guys know to react and play off of each other. They know which buttons to push and when things aren’t going well, they hold each other accountable and get them re-centered or grounded. The continuity is one of the biggest reasons for our success.” On watching the team’s success “It’s like being a parent. You sit back and watch them cut the net and watch their moments. I love their practices. If Alijah (Martin) makes a big-time pass in practice, I’m more excited than I am in Elite Eight. And then seeing my wife and kids. You move your family around, changing schools, and your wife’s changing jobs; to see them soak in that moment because they are the ones that have made the sacrifice, I have gotten to do what I loved every single day for 20 plus years. Those are the moments I’ll cherish.” On how the players are staying locked in “We go to Columbus playing in a hockey arena, looks like an NBA facility, and these guys are not fazed one bit and have so much confidence. I wasn’t worried about the moment or the bright lights of New York City. There’s no moment too big for these guys, they love to hoop and they trust each other. That’s a heck of a deal when you can really believe in your teammates like that.” Redshirt freshman guard Nick Boyd On sharing the spotlight “We don’t plan on it, we just play the game. Whoever has the open shot, takes it. We don’t shy away from taking the shot if we’re wide open. We just play the game and whatever else comes, comes.” On his game-winning play against Memphis “It was definitely drawn up, Coach May drew a great play, shoot the corner three, but they took it away and I just got to the rim. What was going through my mind was I can’t let them shoot a half-court shot and ruin the moment for us, so everyone just started sprinting.” On his relationship with his teammates “That’s a key to our success. I feel like we’re the most together team in the country. Our ability to hold each other accountable and not take things personal goes a long way.” Sophomore guard Alijah Martin On the feeling of being in the Final Four “We are just trying to stay locked in and block out the outside noise.” On facing San Diego State “They’re a big team, big and physical. They’re just like us with that depth and also their resume.” On the excitement on campus “It’s an amazing difference. None of us can go anywhere on campus without signing something or taking a photo. But we appreciate the love and support, it helps us keep going.” On the team dynamic “We’re a brotherhood. Your brother can get on you and you take it seriously, because he has seen you do something better. He can hold you accountable.” On the coaching staff “They don’t get as much praise as they should. They’re a big reason of our success. They do the breakdowns on film and the scouting, they help us get ready for our opponents.” NEXT UP The Final Four will be held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Saturday, April 1 at 6:09 p.m. versus San Diego State on CBS. Florida Atlantic is ready for the challenge ahead to become the lowest seed to ever win a National Championship. |
