HOUSTON — Minutes after a buzzer-beating leap shot by San Diego State’s Lamont Butler despatched his group dwelling in a 72-71 loss within the Ultimate 4 on Saturday, Florida Atlantic guard Nick Boyd did not pout.
Though he stated he was “in shock” when Butler made the winner, Boyd spoke positively about his group’s expertise and journey, which included this system’s first NCAA event win and a visit to the Ultimate 4.
“It is a bittersweet second,” stated Boyd, who completed with 12 factors. “I am not dwelling on it a lot. I am able to get again to work. I am glad for our group. I imply, we put FAU on the map. That is most necessary to me. Once I got here to this college and I dedicated right here, I stated that is what we’ll do. And we took it to a brand new peak. All I can do is smile and be appreciative of the run we went on.
Most shedding groups arrive on the postgame information convention in tears after a troublesome Ultimate 4 recreation. However the Owls weren’t the everyday heartbroken crew. Disillusioned? Sure. However they have been additionally pleased with what they achieved.
They count on that buzz to proceed. The important thing gamers from the squad are all anticipated to return for the 2023-24 season. Plus, head coach Dusty Could not too long ago signed a prolonged extension.
“It feels good as a result of we actually took this college from the underside to the highest,” stated Alijah Martin, who scored a game-high 26 factors. “And to know what we did to get right here, it simply feels superb. Simply bought to maintain our heads down and preserve going at it.”
After the sport, Could stated his group will replicate on the loss however not on the expense of specializing in the long run. Could led this program on probably the most exceptional runs in latest NCAA event historical past. He stated his gamers will probably be remembered endlessly.
“These guys have created recollections and a legacy for a lifetime,” Could stated. “Individuals will probably be speaking about this group for the following 50 to 100 years.
The Owls play in a fitness center that holds slightly below 3,000 followers. In response to the NCAA, the common attendance at FAU dwelling video games final season was 1,400. The Owls have been picked to complete fifth in Convention USA’s preseason ballot. Now, they seem to be a Ultimate 4 group wanting towards a brilliant future that features a transfer to the American Athletic Convention subsequent season.
“Clearly, we’re very pleased with the trip that we simply went on,” Could stated. “Our gamers, their consistency, their effort, day in and time out, their camaraderie amongst themselves. … They’re particular, particular folks. And their mother and father must be proud. We’re anxious to get higher. That is the way in which we have been from day one. … We’ll hug one another for this season, after which we’ll begin serious about how we are able to enhance individually and collectively.”
At halftime of Saturday’s recreation, the Basketball Corridor of Fame’s newest additions have been honored. That checklist included former NBA star Dwyane Wade. When requested about Florida Atlantic’s run by ESPN, Wade praised Florida Atlantic’s fearless mentality.
“They ain’t terrified of nothing,” Wade advised ESPN. “Nobody believed in them, of their thoughts, within the first place, however this group that they are on, so that they’re enjoying with a lot toughness, a lot focus, a lot confidence.”
When Martin discovered afterward about Wade’s feedback, he paused.
“It feels good to know {that a} legend is giving us some credit score,” he stated. “And it simply feels superb.”
On the finish of the information convention, Boyd rose from his seat and ready to stroll again to the locker room. Then, he stopped and made one other assertion.
“We’re going to be again.”
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