March 31, 2003
Each March, the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments become the focus of the entire nation. Siena has been represented in the NCAA Tournament each of the last two years (men - 2002, women - 2001) bringing enormous excitement to the Siena community.
To get a true grasp on what the NCAA Tournament experience means to the players and teams, men's basketball senior Michael Buhrman and women's basketball senior Mary McKissack sat down to give us the insider's feel for the "Big Dance".
What makes the NCAA Tournament so special?
MB-The NCAA Tournament is a great sporting event. It's nationally televised and it is one of the greatest times of the year for avid basketball fans. There are so many things happening in conjunction with the event, not to mention all of the fan fare that is associated with the Tournament. It's like nothing I have ever experienced.
MM-The NCAA Tournament is special because it's something not everyone gets to go to. Only a select number of teams can take a part in it and it's a real honor. As a player, reaching the tournament is what your striving for each and every time you step on the court.
What is the most memorable moment from your NCAA Tournament experience?
MB- Playing eventual National Champions Maryland, in the 2002 Tournament, was a moment I will never forget. Not many people can say they played the National Champions in the NCAA Tournament. And on top of that, we gave them a good game. Being there on that stage, with all our fans behind us was quite special.
MM-Being the first women's basketball team to represent Siena in the Tournament. We made history by winning the League and getting in. Being part of a team like that is something I am very proud of. Our program has come so far, as has all of women's basketball. Making "The Dance" was Siena putting its mark on women's basketball, letting everyone know we have arrived.
What is the feeling like to see your team announced on Selection Night?
MB-The feeling is unreal! Watching the Selection Show as a kid, it's amazing to actually be a part of it. The anticipation as to where the committee places you gets you so pumped up, at that moment you don't care where they put you. It's great watching all the teams placed in their region and then to see Siena go up. It's like a dream come true.
MM-It was a great feeling seeing Siena announced on selection night. Seeing other teams announced like Tennessee, UConn and then us, at that point you are just so happy. It is the first time everything is set in and you realize that you really are going to the Tournament.
What do you think the NCAA Tournament will be like in Albany this year?
MB-I think the NCAA Tournament will be great in Albany this year. Albany has a great basketball atmosphere and it will be a good host. Compared to other arenas the Pepsi Arena is one of the smaller ones. Albany has great basketball fans.
MM-The NCAA tournament in Albany this year will be great for the area. This is a big basketball area and the people will enjoy seeing the high quality of players what will come to the Pepsi Arena. It will be a really good event for the community.
When speaking to both players, it was clear by their enthusiasm that the experience of participating in the NCAA Tournament was truly a magical moment in their lives.
