For the first time in school history, the Texas Tech men’s basketball team traveled to compete in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. After defeating Gonzaga in the Elite Eight, the Red Raiders prepared to meet Michigan State on the court in Minneapolis.
So far this has been an incredible experience getting to meet local and national photographers from around the country. Many of them have been covering the tournament for multiple decades.
While all four remaining teams practiced and had interviews today, I focused my attention on Texas Tech while they were in the building.
Interviews
Before practice began, the athletes and coaching were available for interviews with the media. The day before we arrived, Chris Beard was named the AP National Coach of the Year.
Practice
One storyline for the games at this level is a player’s ability to make shots in a stadium holding four to six times as many people as their home court.
Post Practice
At the end of practice, assistants will have one-on-one matchups against each other. Additionally, they will throw t-shirts to fans in the stands. And autograph memorabilia for fans as well.
Final Four Artwork
All around the stadium, there is artwork displaying the logos and artwork of the Final Four, brackets, trophies and schools. Particularly, the main logo vaguely resembled the shape of the state of Minneapolis.
Also, go check out the slideshow of photos from practice over at the A-J.