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Furman gets national attention while fans celebrate SoCon win and NCAA appearance
Furman men’s basketball player Charlie Johnston enters Timmons Arena during an Selection Show watch party. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
After Selection Sunday, Furman University’s Men’s Basketball Team has been in the spotlight for their upcoming match Friday against UConn in Philadelphia.
On the CBS March Madness Selection Show, hosts praised Furman’s offense and remarked on how tall the team is overall. First-year guard Alex Wilkins ’29 earned a highlight on CBS Sports, where analyst and former player Clark Kellogg called him “the best supporting actor in a year when there are bright, bright neon newbies everywhere.” Sports Illustrated called it the “Alex Wilkins Factor,” and said the Huskies should be reading up on him before the game. On ESPN’s SportsCenter, one commentator said forward Cooper Bowser ’27 has what it takes to put pressure on the rim against UConn.
The Furman men’s basketball team reacts to the news of their No. 15 seed placement in the NCAA Tournament during a Selection Sunday watch party at Timmons Arena. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
Local news outlets joined the festivities on campus as Furman fans gathered at Timmons Arena for Selection Sunday to celebrate the No. 15 seed draw. Fox Carolina, WYFF4 and Greenville News touted Furman’s upcoming date with UConn in Philadelphia the night it was announced.
But as the Paladins prepare for their March Madness match-up, the team wants to enjoy its successes alongside the fans. As SoCon Champions after their win against East Tennessee State, Vander Wal said he wanted his fellow Paladins to take it all in. He had the chance to travel with the team as a first-year player when they made the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
“Getting to do it twice at the same place, in the current era of college sports, is rare and something I am grateful for and will not take for granted,” he said. “We will represent you all and this university to the best of our abilities, and we are so thankful for the support.”
Furman faces off against UConn at 10 p.m. Friday. To buy tickets, click here. To watch live, click here.