While no Indiana team is playing in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, the state will still have a presence on the court.
UConn freshman guard Braylon Mullins, a native of Greenfield, is part of the Huskies roster. Mullins received a strong reaction from the crowd during player introductions ahead of Saturday night’s semifinal game.
“It just means so much to me to represent that community,” Mullins said. “The Connecticut fans, my family and friends, so happy. They showed out tonight.”
Another Indiana connection comes from Michigan head coach Dusty May, who is from Terre Haute. May previously worked as a student manager under former Indiana University head coach Bob Knight.
May said that experience helped shape his approach to coaching.
“Looking back, I think that’s probably one of the biggest components of problem solving — where you’re anticipating what could be the next problem, or problems, you’re figuring out solutions or contingencies in advance,” May said.
During Monday night’s championship game, the NCAA will also recognize the 1976 Indiana University men’s basketball team. That team completed an undefeated season and won the national title, the last program to do so in Division I men’s basketball.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game is scheduled to begin at 8:50 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
