High Point University’s NCAA Tournament Success

High Point University’s surprising journey in the NCAA Tournament has captivated college basketball enthusiasts, extending beyond just the players on the field.

Jimmy Roselli, 20, and Griffin Wright, 22, the student radio commentators, are once again drawing attention after their enthusiastic commentary during Thursday’s thrilling 83-82 win against No. 5 Wisconsin went viral online.

As Owen Aquino made a crucial block on Nick Boyd’s layup in the final seconds, maintaining High Point’s narrow lead, the duo was nearly beside themselves with excitement.

“Blocked! There you are! There you are! Put on the glass slipper! It’s the Cinderella story of Portland, Oregon!” Roselli exclaimed, while Wright shouted “Blocked!” in disbelief.

“Those closing moments are what you dream about at night,” Roselli, from Huntington, shared in a phone interview. “I mean, we were certainly dreaming. While it wasn’t a buzzer-beater, it was still an incredibly close game and that’s really what makes March special.”

Wright, a senior, mentioned how the crowd reacted after Chase Johnston put High Point ahead.

“As a person of color, I usually hesitate to interrupt Jimmy. I don’t want to step on his words, but this time, I didn’t mind at all,” joked Wright, who hails from Richmond, Virginia. “I love that team, and experiencing that moment live was an emotional high. If I’d been at home on the couch, I think my reaction would’ve been similar.”

Their names and distinctive voices might sound familiar, as this broadcasting pair gained fame during last year’s March Madness when their call of the Panthers’ victory in the Big South Conference tournament went viral, earning mentions in major outlets like ESPN and Barstool Sports, and even making an appearance on “Good Morning America.”

Despite this, High Point faced an early exit against Purdue in the first round last year, making their 2025 NCAA Tournament experience brief.

Now, Roselli has the chance to create a moment that could be historic for the men’s basketball program.

The Long Island native mentioned that while he scripts some portions of their commentary, he prioritizes letting the raw emotion influence the broadcast.

“I want the passion to be genuine, so I thought about saying, ‘Let’s put on the glass slipper, this is a Cinderella story,’ but I didn’t know how it would turn out,” he noted. “I was uncertain if I’d say something before or after the moment. When crafting an important message, it needs to resonate with people.”

The two broadcasters have been inundated with messages from fans, with Roselli stating they are “still catching up.” Wright noted that even a high school acquaintance and a former teacher reached out to him.

“It’s always wonderful to see who’s watching and how many truly care about us,” Wright reflected.

Having won, the Panthers are now set to challenge Arkansas in the second round, striving for a place in March Madness history.

When asked about High Point’s prospects for the next round, Wright simply replied, “March.”

“I think we can pull off another win and make history again,” he added. “It’s going to be tough and a lot of work. But this team has experienced a lot, and I genuinely believe in them.”