RALEIGH, N.C. – Norfolk State coach Robert Jones enters his team's first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 1 seed Florida with a palpable chip on his shoulder. With the 16th-seeded Spartans dubbed a 28 1/2-point underdog against the Southeastern Conference champion Gators, Jones feels an urgent need to demonstrate that his team is more than the public perception suggests.
Reflecting on the point spread, Jones expressed his frustration during a recent press interaction. “I know Florida’s really, really good, and they run a great program, got great players, but are we that bad that the point spread is like that?” he asked. With a tone of determination, he added, “I’m a little angry, and like I said, I’m a little bit more focused and play better when I’m angry.” He believes this anger can drive performance, not just for him but also for his players. “I think the players play better when they’re angry,” he mentioned, reinforcing a contention that energy and focus can shift the dynamics of the game.
The Spartans, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), have been consistent contenders, achieving at least 20 wins in each of the past four seasons. This upcoming tournament marks their third NCAA appearance in five years, showcasing a competitive spirit that they wish to validate once again. In previous tournaments, Norfolk State has authored a notable upset history, like their thrilling victory over third-seeded Missouri back in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Ironically, that year they faced Florida in the next round and fell 84-50, a loss that Jones hopes to see reversed this time around.
As the Spartans gear up for their encounter with the Gators, Jones is intent on conveying that there is far more to their capabilities than what stereotypes about HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) might suggest. In his own words, “We’re trying to show that it’s more than just the MEAC, it’s more than the HBCUs, whatever it is. We’re trying to show that we’re truly one of the best teams in the country. So I think there’s a different level of focus and intensity that we bring.” This sentiment reflects not only a personal narrative for Jones but also resonates with a broader desire to elevate the profile of HBCU basketball.
Jonas made it clear that there are no fears in his locker room about taking on Florida. “No one in that locker room is scared,” he asserted emphatically. He encapsulates a vigorous New York City grit, a passion that seems to flow through his team as they approach this monumental game. “There’s doubters in the world because people think that, oh, he’s just doing it in the MEAC or he’s just doing it in the HBCU, and that’s a damn lie,” he explained, dismissing the notion that their success is largely based on their affiliation within a lower-profile conference.
Jones kept reminding everyone of the truth lurked behind the numbers: despite the poor historical record of 16th seeds battling against 1st seeds—sitting at just 2-154 all-time—victories happen. He cited the stunning upset of Virginia by UMBC in 2018 and Farleigh Dickinson's unexpected triumph over Purdue in 2023 as prime examples of how anything is possible during March Madness.
As the countdown continues to their face-off against the Gators, the Spartans are ready to challenge the odds and rewrite their story. With Jones's steadfast resolve and the backing of a motivated team, they aim to seize this opportunity to prove their worth not only to the world but also to themselves. The upcoming game represents a pivotal moment for the Norfolk State basketball program, a chance to break through the conventional wisdom and show that they truly belong on the national stage.
The game takes place on March 21, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the anticipation surrounding it is palpable. With Jones leading the charge, the Spartans will take the court driven by a mix of anger, frustration, and desire for validation. As they embark on this journey filled with pressure and opportunity, fans and critics alike will surely be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds in the NCAA tournament.
