Colorado State Rams Surge Into NCAA Tournament With Ten-Game Streak

In an astonishing turnaround, the Colorado State Rams' men's basketball team is heading to the NCAA tournament after starting the season projected to finish seventh in the Mountain West Conference.

Now, boasting a remarkable ten-game win streak, the Rams have swept three teams that were initially ranked above them, showcasing their resilience and determination. Coach Niko Medved reflected on the team's journey, stating, "To go to the NCAA tournament three of the last four years, and making the NIT semifinals the year before, shows a real consistency. It's raising the bar of our program and that's what you want to do when you come here." His comments underscore how drastically views on the program have changed over the past seven years.

The warm embrace of a win streak heading into March is something sophomore transfer Jaylen Crocker-Johnson appreciates. He shared, "I like coming into the tournament on a win streak. Any win streak is the best way to go. We already have the confidence going. All our guys have energy and positive vibes going into the tournament. And we know we can put in the work." With their first NCAA tournament clash set for March 20 in Seattle against Memphis, anticipation runs high.

Facing the fifth-se seeded Memphis Tigers, who arrive with a robust 29-5 record and their own eight-game streak, the Rams acknowledge the challenge ahead. As Coach Medved aptly noted, "(The team) does a great job of knowing that all the teams are going to be really hard. They're playing a really great team that is well-coached. That's why they're in the NCAA tournament. Our guys know that it's going to be a really hard game, but we have the confidence to do what we're supposed to do." This duality of confidence and caution embodies their approach.

Graduate student Bowen Born, who is experiencing his first NCAA tournament, reflects on the weight of this moment: "The tournament itself, you're kind of running on fumes and adrenaline. It's exciting to experience that. I had never played in a championship game up until last week, so to win that, I'm super grateful. Then, to be able to go through Selection Sunday, now in the anticipation of playing in the tournament – it's such a dream come true." His personal milestone intertwines with the team’s success, magnifying the stakes with every game played.

The nerves that naturally arise during such crucial matches add to the allure. Coach Medved acknowledges, "You have butterflies, and the butterflies are good. I really want the guys to have fun, enjoy the moment and soak it in while also understanding that it's still a basketball game. It's the next game. And once the ball is tipped, you have to do the same things within a game just like in the Mountain West tournament or on the road, even at home. It's threading the needle between both of those things." This balance encapsulates the essence of tournament play.

As the team reflects on their journey, they acknowledge that turning points aren’t singular events. "I don't think there was necessarily one specific moment," notes Bowen Born. Instead, he cites a collective of learning experiences, both wins and losses, that have molded their competitive spirit. "We lost some games in there that helped provide us with some value where we learned what you can't do in games. I think winning is part of it, but we've just been focused on playing our best basketball each and every game." This mindset has forged a team ready for the trials of tournament play.

Athlete leadership on the roster speaks volumes as Crocker-Johnson adds, "I'll continue to use my voice. I feel like I make a big impact on this team. Keeping guys' heads up when stuff is not going right. Fighting through adversity and helping the team at tough times." This notion of shared responsibility and upliftment is pivotal as they ready for the contest ahead.

Coach Medved's pride in this group is palpable. He concluded by stating, "No matter what happens, this has been one of the most rewarding years I've ever had in coaching. I want them to keep going but they don't have to prove anything to anybody. It's been so incredibly rewarding to watch this team grow, connect and have fun. I'm so proud of the success they already have but I believe we're not done." With challenges looming, the journey continues, and the team is eager to embrace every moment of it.