Hello, New Orleans: Scenes From Final Four Friday
We have made it to New Orleans! The 2022 Final Four is here and the city is absolutely buzzing with fans from all around college basketball. This is my first Final Four as a credentialed media member, and you really couldn't script a better storyline for what we are about to witness tomorrow night. Four powerhouse programs, four passionate fanbases, all with one common goal: to cut down the nets on Monday night.
I went out to the Ca*sars Superdome for Final Four Friday earlier today, where all four teams participated in open practice and met with the media. After taking a lap around the building, I made may way to the court to set the scene:
It was then time for Duke's media availability, and I got in a few questions to some of the star players for the Blue Devils. First up: future top pick Paolo Banchero. Is there revenge on his mind after what happened to close out the regular season? Not necessarily.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when a Duke player sees Carolina Blue (Pantone: PMS 542)? Trevor Keels and Jeremy Roach both had one word that stood out.
Dogfight. War. These guys would know more than anyone, but seems about right. These teams hate each other. These programs have plenty of history against each other. And tomorrow? The most important game this rivalry has ever seen.
Next up to the podium: Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski. In case you missed it, Mr. Cat prepared a very, very, very mini cheat sheet ahead of the final weekend of Coach K's career.
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Now let's be clear, I would never, ever, ever say something to Coach K or anyone affiliated with the Duke about anything on this list. But I had to show support for my boss and give his new invention some publicity in the media room.
On my way out of the Ca*sars Superdome, I caught up with the legendary Bill Raftery and asked him an important question - Who is going to make him scream "ONIONS!" in tomorrow night's Final Four?
So, that's a wrap from Final Four Friday. It was an awesome atmosphere on Semifinal Eve, so I can only imagine what tomorrow is going to look like. At the time of this sentence being written, we are exactly 24 hours away from tipoff. Until tomorrow…
PS - Barstool Live is taking place at Walk-On's both today and Monday from 4-6 PM CT. Today's show is below: