Florida Gulf Coast University would pull some sh*t like this. Look at the name: long, obscure, a mouthful (pause). Exactly the kind of school that becomes media darlings after putting together some of the best underdog-basketball we’ve ever seen.
First it was Georgetown Friday night, as the Eagles sent the Hoyas home early in an embarrassing manner. San Diego State then fell victim to the blue-and-green, losing 81-71 Sunday night, and now we’re looking at the first 15 seed to advance to the Sweet 16 in tournament history. Athleticism is this team’s biggest weapon; a highlight-reel-in-waiting, Eagles boast multiple players capable of flying through the roof.
The star of FGCU – as is usually the case with such underdogs – is its boisterous, fiery head coach, Andy Enfield*. His confidence in his players permeates every interview he gives, which empowers said players to the point where videos like “Dunk City” happen. Win, lose or draw, the coach is married to supermodel Amanda Marcum, so he wins either way.
Up next for the Eagles? A date with the University of Florida Gators. Something tells me that that game will get a lot of publicity.