#MUBB Set For NCAA Lidlifter After Open Practice, Media Availability
3/20/2025 2:47:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TBS features 6:35 p.m. CT broadcast from Rocket Arena Friday Night
Seniors Kam Jones, David Joplin and Stevie Mitchell and head coach Shaka Smart represented the team on the dais in the media room, followed by a brief appearance on the court.
"It's terrific to be in Cleveland," Smart said. "Spent three years of my life in northeast Ohio. I love this area. But more importantly, I'm really excited to be here with our guys, our team.
"We've had a heck of a journey so far to this point, and all the experiences we've had, I tell our guys all the time, you've got those experiences in your pocket, so now is the time to pull them out and use them and come together to be our best," Smart added. "New Mexico is a terrific team. I've known Richard Pitino a long, long time. He actually replaced me as an assistant coach at Florida when I left to go to VCU. He's done a heck of a job. Terrific team, terrific season, conference champions. So it'll be a great game tomorrow night."
The Golden Eagles practiced earlier in the day at Case Western Reserve and will continue preparations Thursday night for Friday's 6:35 p.m. CT matchup with New Mexico in the first round.Â
