With the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments kicking off this week, all 68 team slots have been filled.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, and some can’t help but look back on their own experiences during March Madness. It’s that time of year when emotions rise, and fond memories surface—especially if they’ve had the chance to experience that incredible tournament run that so many dream about.
Jalen Brunson, the point guard for the New York Knicks, is among those players.
“Yeah, it was one of the most intense times of my life,” he shared when asked to reflect on those days. “Every time you reach the playoffs, whether in high school, college, or now in the pros, the intensity ramps up. People often say, ‘Just keep playing one more game, stay in that mindset,’ but there’s definitely something different about the whole vibe.”
He also mentioned that his college championships were among his favorite memories.
It’s hard for Brunson to forget his time with the Villanova Wildcats, where he clinched two NCAA titles in just three seasons before heading to the NBA in 2018.
For players gearing up for a deep tournament run, Brunson is an excellent source for that burning question: “What does it take to excel in March?”
“The key is to prepare and treat it like any other game, even though it’s not,” he noted after some thought. “You should approach it like it’s your last game, because it very well could be. Sticking to your routine is crucial. Yes, this is more than just another game, but the preparation remains similar.”
“If you stray from your normal routine, you might inadvertently change your game,” he added. “So, it’s best to stick with what you know.”
But, of course, following this advice is much easier said than done. The pressure is higher, every possession feels more critical, and the atmosphere can be truly overwhelming. Yet, Brunson and his Villanova teammates, including current Knicks players Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, did their best to tune out the external noise and treat each game just like any other.
As the tournament kicks off with the First Four and includes 64 teams, Brunson anticipates the discussions in the locker room about the tournament will intensify. Given his history, he could easily boast about his “Nova” experience, but that’s not really his style.
“We don’t dwell on Villanova much, but whenever someone mentions their college team, we just exchange a knowing glance and smile,” he chuckled. “It’s like, ‘Okay, you guys can’t hang with this conversation.’ We take a bit of ribbing, but I think it’s clear that we stand out in our achievements.”
