Arkansas players react to being overlooked in Sweet 16 showdown vs Gonzaga
Arkansas players believe they’ve been overlooked entering the Sweet 16 in San Francisco. Going up against the No. 1 overall seed Gonzaga, experts and fans alike aren’t giving them a puncher’s chance. However, star forward Jaylin Williams described how the Razorbacks handling their feelings entering the showdown.
“I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for the whole team when I say this, we’ve been going against this the whole year,” stated Williams. “We started off the season not great, and we kind of just fought back throughout the whole year. We played against the No. 1 ranked team in the country and played against great teams all year, and we’ve kind of been that team that kept fighting and kept proving people wrong.
“So I feel like we’re at the same stage and we’re going to do the same thing, and we’re just going to keep fighting regardless.”
Evidently, Williams does in-fact speak for the entire Razorbacks squad, as star guard J.D. Notae agreed whole-heartedly with his statement.
“He kind of summed it up,” stated Notae.
Arkansas will carry their chip on their shoulder into their highly-anticipated contest against Gonzaga. If the Razorbacks can upset the Bulldogs, a chance at the Final Four is on the horizon.
Arkansas players react to playing inside the Golden State Warriors’ arena
Moreover, the Chase Center — the home of the Golden State Warriors — is the site where the Arkansas Razorbacks will attempt to continue their NCAA Tournament run on Thursday. In the building former Arkansas star Moses Moody now calls home, the Razorbacks take on Gonzaga, looking to upset the No. 1 seed on their way to the Elite Eight.
Prior to tip-off, Arkansas stars J.D. Notae and Jaylin Williams detailed what it’ll be like to play on the same court the Warriors defend 41 times a year.
“It felt amazing, honestly. I watch a lot of the Warriors games, so just seeing the arena on TV, it looks crazy,” stated Notae. “So, just being in there — it feels amazing.”
Like Warriors star Stephen Curry, Notae will look to put his scoring ability on display on Thursday. Additionally, Williams echoed his teammates sentiment about the arena.
“It’s really cool,” answered Williams. “I’m actually going to text Moses after this to talk to him, but it is cool being in the arena. Me and J.D. were talking and laughing like we were ten feet behind the three-point line, and we were like, Curry be pulling up from here. We’re talking and laughing about stuff like that, but it’s really awesome to be in this arena.”
As you can see, Arkansas is soaking up the chance to play at the Chase Center. Now, the only thing that could be better is leaving the arena with a chance to go to the Final Four.