The Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for another NCAA Tournament, and Greg Gard's message was to not take it for granted, to cherish every moment, and focus on making a deep run. John Blackwell also took the microphone and had a very confident approach to this NCAA Tournament. While noting that the team needs to stay locked in, if the Badgers do, they can go far.
"I think we're ready to play any team. Obviously, we played [and beat] Michigan. They're one of the best teams in the country. We [beat] Illinois, also one of the best teams in the country." John Blackwell said in the press conference on Sunday. "We're battle-tested for any team. I think we're mentally focused for any team we play. We [now] have to prove it and show it."
John Blackwell knows this team is capable of beating any team but the Badgers need to prove it
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This isn't Blackwell's way of taking a team for granted; if anything, the Badgers know what that looks like. Whether it was No. 12 James Madison a couple of seasons ago or even the Oregon Ducks this season. They realize that when they aren't locked in and committed to both the plan and each other, they can lose.
However, that fire gets them going. The Badgers' plan is to come out swinging this Thursday against the High Point Panthers. There's no desire to play down to an opponent or think High Point is easy simply because there's a No. 12 next to their name. Gard said, "We need to erase the numbers. All the bad teams are on spring break."
The Badgers don't have an easy road to go deep this season. And there's a great desire from the team and the Badger faithful to see at least a Sweet 16 or further run. However, Wisconsin will have to take on High Point and then, most likely, No. 4 Arkansas, a John Calipari-coached team that just won the SEC Tournament. Followed by a potential Arizona Wildcats matchup. That's rough, but Wisconsin has done its best work this season against tough opponents.
Wisconsin takes on High Point on Thursday at 12:50pm CT on TBS for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.