Prairie View A&M head coach Byron Smith knows his team is stepping into the biggest stage in college basketball, and going up against defending national champion Florida only amplifies that.
“It’s a big test, but I always live by the creed, no test, no testimony,” Smith said Thursday. “I think about Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle. He faced George Foreman — the giant, the knockout artist — and still went in fearless. That’s how we’re approaching this. We’re here, we’re confident, and we’re going to have fun.”
Tip-off for the contest is 9:25 p.m. ET Friday on TNT.
Smith wants his players to attack the moment with confidence and freedom, not hesitation. It’s a message that’s resonating throughout the locker room.
“We know we’re going to have our work cut out for us,” senior guard Dontae Horne said. “We’re just going to try to put all the marbles, all the chips on the table and just try to battle with them boys.”
‘Whatever it takes’ to beat Florida
The Panthers are fully aware of the challenge that comes with Florida’s size and depth, but that hasn’t dampened their belief.
“Yes, definitely,” junior forward Cory Wells added. “Just go out there and battle, play our hardest, try to double, whatever we can do to kick it back out on the perimeter. Because they have the size advantage, so just whatever it takes.”
Smith said he doesn’t sense any fear in his group, only excitement and resolve.
“I don’t sense any nervousness,” Smith said. “These guys feel like they belong here. Whether it’s the Gators, the Celtics, or anybody else, we prepare the same way — defend, share the ball, and play harder than our opponent.”
Senior guard Lance Williams said Prairie View’s approach won’t change — they plan to play with intensity from start to finish.
“Like my teammates said, really just going to throw the kitchen sink at them,” Williams said. “All we know how to do is play hard, so we don’t have to question that. And just see where the cards fall.”
Prairie View ready for a 40-minute battle
Smith loves that mindset. He knows his team has nothing to lose, which might be their biggest advantage.
“It’s a street fight to them,” Smith said. “They’re just going to throw as many punches as they can, and hopefully one connects. That’s the fun part — you never know when that one shot lands.”
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Fearless and loose, Prairie View heads into Friday’s NCAA Tournament matchup with defending champion Florida eager to test its heart and hustle against the game’s elite.
