Orange Embracing March Madness

From the last team in to one of the last ones standing, 'Cuse is embracing the spotlight that comes with March Madness.

The emotion the players showed upon their announcement into the field, showed how much the opportunity means to the Orange. Now, they're looking to seize another opportunity against No. 2 seed Duke on Friday night.

That feeling when you're going dancing pic.twitter.com/VaGEPR2qaR
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 11, 2018

After a one-year absence from the big dance and significant changeover on the roster since the 2016 Final Four appearance, Syracuse is thriving once again in the tournament, doing so with tough defense that has worn out higher seeds in the process. When the NCAA Tournament lights have shined on the Orange, the team has responded with its play.

Everything we've gone through, everything we've worked for, has been for March.#MarchMadness ???? pic.twitter.com/QGZjL2tJaL
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 14, 2018

"It's amazing, everything that I've thought of and talked to my friends about," freshman Oshae Brissett said. "It's everything that I've dreamed of. Just being here, with the crowd, the atmosphere and the hype around it. Everyone talks about the NCAA Tournament at this time of year, so it's great to be a part of the conversation."

Brissett has played a massive role for the Orange, averaging a team-high 17.7 points in the three wins over Arizona State, TCU and Michigan State.

Sophomore Tyus Battle grew up watching the NCAA Tournament with his dad and dreamed of the opportunity to be a part of it someday.

"It was all about the heart on this team. We got the opportunity to be here, now we're going to make the most of it." @TyusBattle1 pic.twitter.com/6G2J76NcGY
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 13, 2018

"Growing up, I just wanted to get at least one offer to play on a college basketball team," Battle said. For it to grow into this, being able to play for Syracuse and play in the Sweet 16, is just amazing."

Junior Frank Howard has stepped up into a significant leadership role with the Orange, being the lone player on the roster to contribute during the team's 2016 tournament run. Howard has been, and knows that he must continue, guiding the team on the floor.

"It's a lot of pressure, but good pressure," Howard said. "Something you want to invite to yourself, something you look forward to in your career. We have a lot of great people on this team, talented guys. It's good when they can look up to you for guidance in certain areas. I'm here to help them."

Howard wants the team to make the most of its time in the field but knows that he has a crucial role to fulfill.

Still diggin' in those trenches ??#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/RyI9A1Y5KK
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 17, 2018

"I want them to have their own experience, not like what we had in 2016. I want to help make it special for them. Let them enjoy it, but on the court just be there for them and lead."

Syracuse will look to continue its magical run through the tournament when it faces Duke on Friday, Mar. 23 at approximately 9:37 p.m. on CBS.

Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Tyus Battle

Oshae Brissett

Frank Howard

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