‘We put FAU on the map’: Owls proud in defeat
HOUSTON– Minutes after a buzzer-beating jump shot by San Diego State’s Lamont Butler sent his group home in a 72-71 loss in the Last Four on Saturday, Florida Atlantic guard Nick Boyd didn’t pout.Although he said he was “in shock” when Butler made the winner, Boyd spoke favorably about his team’s experience and journey, that included the program’s very first NCAA competition win and a trip to the Final 4.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said Boyd, who finished with 12 points. “I’m not house on it much. I’m all set to get back to work. I’m happy for our group. I suggest, we put FAU on the map. That’s most important to me. When I concerned this school and I dedicated here, I stated this is what we’re going to do. And we took it to a new height. All I can do is smile and appreciate of the run we went on.Most losing teams arrive at the postgame news conference in tears after a tough Last Four game. However the Owls were not the typical heartbroken team. Dissatisfied? Yes. But they were likewise proud of what they achieved.Editor’s Picks
1 Related They expect that buzz to continue. The crucial players from the squad are all anticipated to return for the 2023-24 season. Plus, head coach Dusty May just recently signed a lengthy extension.
“It feels good because we actually took this university from the bottom to the top,” said Alijah Martin, who scored a game-high 26 points. “And to know what we did to get here, it just feels remarkable. Just got to keep our heads down and keep going at it.”
After the game, May said his team will review the loss however not at the expense of concentrating on the future. May led this program on one of the most exceptional runs in recent NCAA tournament history. He said his players will be remembered permanently.
“These guys have produced memories and a legacy for a lifetime,” May stated. “Individuals will be discussing this group for the next 50 to 100 years.The Owls play in
a gym that holds just under 3,000 fans. According to the NCAA, the average presence at FAU home games last season was 1,400. The Owls were picked to complete fifth in Conference U.S.A.’s preseason survey. Now, they’re a Final 4 group looking toward a bright future that consists of a relocate to the American Athletic Conference next season.
“Clearly, we’re really pleased with the trip that we simply went on,” May stated. “Our players, their consistency, their effort, day in and day out, their friendship among themselves. … They’re unique, unique individuals. And their moms and dads should be happy. We’re nervous to get better. That’s the method we’ve been from day one. … We’re going to hug each other for this season, and then we’ll begin thinking about how we can enhance separately and collectively.”
At halftime of Saturday’s game, the Basketball Hall of Popularity’s most current additions were honored. That list consisted of previous NBA star Dwyane Wade. When asked about Florida Atlantic’s run by ESPN, Wade applauded Florida Atlantic’s fearless mentality.
“They ain’t terrified of absolutely nothing,” Wade informed ESPN. “Nobody believed in them, in their mind, in the very first location, however this team that they’re on, so they’re playing with a lot strength, so much focus, a lot confidence.”
When Martin found out afterward about Wade’s comments, he stopped briefly.
“It feels great to understand that a legend is giving us some credit,” he said. “And it just feels remarkable.”
At the end of the press conference, Boyd rose from his seat and prepared to stroll back to the locker space. Then, he stopped and made another statement.
“We are going to be back.”