It turns out that their preliminary round upset was not the end of this year's version of a Cinderella story. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, just in their second season of eligibility for the National Tournament, have advanced to the school's first ever Sweet 16, as well as becoming the first 15 seed to advance that far. Not agreeing with the history of double digit seeds beyond the Round of 64, the Eagles managed yet another upset, this time it was over seventh seeded, San Diego State. After overcoming a heavily favored Georgetown on Friday, last night's matchup was a bit more favorable for the Eagles, but they were still viewed as underdogs
Bernard Thompson led the Eagles offensively, collecting 23 points, off of 5 steals. Jamaal Franklin of San Diego State provided a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Aztecs, along with 4 steals. After Gonzaga's elimination the night before, Florida Gulf's Sherwood Brown replaced Kelly Olynyk with the best hair in the tournament, while providing a big 17 points. Off the bench, Christophe Varidel hit 3 three pointers, which were crucial in the 81-71 win. The Aztecs were leading by one at the half, but were shut down completely until there were under 5 minutes left, good enough to eliminate the 7 seed.
Once again, the Eagles managed to establish dominance in lopsided runs and consistent shooting, all from their loose style of play. The way the crowds at the games and the entire sports world has accepted and viewed these players reminds me of the Little League World Series. Just like last year's Uganda team at Williamsport, FGCU has captured the hearts of everyone. The Eagles are interacting with the fans by putting on a show, contrasting to the drama that March basketball usually entails. Even head coach, Andy Enfield admits his team is loose, saying, "We don't take ourselves too seriously." Upon hearing Enfield's description of his team, it is hard to root against this team.
What makes the Florida Gulf story so remarkable, is that they are made up of walkons from an open tryout. It is not easy to find legitimate talent within a school. Except for a few, most of these players were likely passed up on by Division 3 teams, and somehow, they are beating some of the country's top teams. I am not sure if it is the coaching of Enfield, the free spirited, fun oriented style of play, or simply a hot team that has everything going right, but it is impossible to fathom a 15 seed is two wins away from a Final Four berth. Regardless of what happens in and beyond the Sweet 16, going this far is an accomplishment for any team, let alone a team of hometown high school heroes, resembling something out of The Replacements.
This Friday, Florida Gulf Coast will take on Big Brother, Florida Gators, in the Sweet 16, as Cinderella will try to stay at the ball just a little longer, before the clock strikes midnight for FGCU...
Bernard Thompson led the Eagles offensively, collecting 23 points, off of 5 steals. Jamaal Franklin of San Diego State provided a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Aztecs, along with 4 steals. After Gonzaga's elimination the night before, Florida Gulf's Sherwood Brown replaced Kelly Olynyk with the best hair in the tournament, while providing a big 17 points. Off the bench, Christophe Varidel hit 3 three pointers, which were crucial in the 81-71 win. The Aztecs were leading by one at the half, but were shut down completely until there were under 5 minutes left, good enough to eliminate the 7 seed.
Once again, the Eagles managed to establish dominance in lopsided runs and consistent shooting, all from their loose style of play. The way the crowds at the games and the entire sports world has accepted and viewed these players reminds me of the Little League World Series. Just like last year's Uganda team at Williamsport, FGCU has captured the hearts of everyone. The Eagles are interacting with the fans by putting on a show, contrasting to the drama that March basketball usually entails. Even head coach, Andy Enfield admits his team is loose, saying, "We don't take ourselves too seriously." Upon hearing Enfield's description of his team, it is hard to root against this team.
What makes the Florida Gulf story so remarkable, is that they are made up of walkons from an open tryout. It is not easy to find legitimate talent within a school. Except for a few, most of these players were likely passed up on by Division 3 teams, and somehow, they are beating some of the country's top teams. I am not sure if it is the coaching of Enfield, the free spirited, fun oriented style of play, or simply a hot team that has everything going right, but it is impossible to fathom a 15 seed is two wins away from a Final Four berth. Regardless of what happens in and beyond the Sweet 16, going this far is an accomplishment for any team, let alone a team of hometown high school heroes, resembling something out of The Replacements.
This Friday, Florida Gulf Coast will take on Big Brother, Florida Gators, in the Sweet 16, as Cinderella will try to stay at the ball just a little longer, before the clock strikes midnight for FGCU...
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