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====== Collegian's 1996 NCAA Tournament previews ======
===== March 11 =====
**UMass prepares for NCAAs**\\
By Justin C. Smith & Chris Stamm, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, March 11, 1996
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n683/mode/1up -->

Selection Sunday has always made the world of college basketball wait and hope for post season votes. The prayers were doubled yesterday on the campus of the University of Massachusetts as the women's team looked for a first ever invitation to the NCAA Tournament and the men's team looked for their first ever top seed.

Both teams got what they wanted. 

Last evening, the Minutewomen received an at-large bid into the tournament with a No. 8 seed in the Mid-East Region.  They will face No. 9 [[wp>Michigan State Spartans women's basketball|Michigan State]] on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the [[wp>Harry A. Gampel Pavilion|Gampel Pavilion]] in Storrs, Conn.  This is the first time in school history that a women's basketball team has been honored with a berth into [[wp>NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament|the national tournament]].

Amassing a record-breaking 20-9 mark, including a home win over [[wp>Stanford Cardinal women's basketball|Stanford]], who received the No. 1 seed in the West, and a competitive loss against [[wp>Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters basketball|Louisiana Tech]], the No. 1 seed in the Midwest, was enough to get the Minutewomen into the field of 64. 

Last season, the Minutewomen competed in their first postseason berth in 14 years competing in the [[wp>Women's National Invitation Tournament|National Women's Invitational Tournament]]. Head Coach Joanie O'Brien has clearly turned around a program that was winless during the 1990-91 season, the year before she took the reigns.

The entrance into the tournament is the highlight of O'Brien's first recruiting class of seniors Melissa Gurile, Octavia Thomas, Tricia Hopson and Nicole Carter. These four players were the first crop of players to help revitalize the UMass program. 

"One of the best parts of this whole thing is to see them go from little high school girls to nice young ladies. They really make my job easy." 

Meanwhile the Minutemen won their fifth straight conference title and were rewarded with their first ever No. 1 seed. They will [[game19960314_central_florida|play on Thursday]] in Providence against only the eighth team in the history of the NCAA men's Tournament to enter the field of 64 with a losing record. 

[[opponent_central_florida|Central Florida]], winner of the [[wp>Atlantic Sun Conference|Trans America Conference]] tournament with a mark of 11-18. will be the No. 16 seed in the East and oppose the Minutemen.

[[calipari_john|John Calipari's]] squad broke the program's record of wins in a single season with their 31st coming against [[game19960309_temple|Temple in the A-10 Tournament]]. 

Recent NCAA Tourney history shows a No. 1 seed has been a fairly good sign of things to come for teams with it. Since 1979, eight of the 18 National Champions have been top seeded teams.


**Massachusetts claims No. 1 seed in East Region**\\
By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, March 11, 1996
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n688/mode/1up -->

With a 31-1 record, the Massachusetts men’s basketball team earned its first ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.  The Minutemen will be the top team in the East and [[game19960314_central_florida|play Thursday in Providence against the No. 16 seed Central Florida (11-18)]].

[[opponent_central_florida|The Golden Knights]] became the eighth team to make the Big Dance with a losing record by virtue of winning the [[wp>Atlantic Sun Conference|Trans America Athletic Conference]] tournament, thus receiving an automatic bid.  [[wp>San Jose State Spartans men's basketball|San Jose State]] (13-16) became the ninth by winning the [[wp>Big West Conference|Big West]] Tournament yesterday.

While UCF doesn’t look to pose an imminent threat to the Minutemen’s aspirations of a trip to [[wp>Meadowlands Sports Complex|the Meadowlands]] for the last weekend in March, several other teams in the Eastern region have the potential to derail the UMass express to the Final Four.

The second round game for the Minutemen could be a rematch of last year’s second round game.  No. 9 [[opponent_stanford|Stanford]] (19-8), who lost to UMass 75-53 in the round of 32 faces No. 8 [[opponent_bradley|Bradley]] with the winner drawing the East’s top seed.

The Cardinal backcourt of Dion Cross (14.7 points per game) and [[wp>Brevin Knight]] (14.4 ppg) will pose a formidable threat to Anthony Parker and the Braves (22-7) who received an at-large bid from the [[wp>Missouri Valley Conference]].

If the Minutemen are successful in winning in those first two round games, they will then travel to the [[wp>Georgia Dome]] in Atlanta to compete in the Regionals where arguably the hottest team in the country may be waiting for them, No. 4 [[opponent_marquette|Marquette]].

The Golden Eagles (22-7) have wreaked havoc in [[wp>Conference USA]] beating tournament teams [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]] at [[wp>Freedom Hall]], [[opponent_cincinnati|Cincinnati]] at the [[wp>Fifth Third Arena|Shoemaker Center]] and [[opponent_memphis|Memphis]] in the Conference Tournament, which the Tigers hosted.  Guards Aaron Hutchins (13.7 ppg) and Anthony Pieper (11.6 ppg) anchor a deep Marquette backcourt.

If No. 5 [[opponent_penn_state|Penn State]] starts getting hot from long range, especially Pete Lisicky (13.2 ppg) who has 84 treys on the year, they can beat any team on any given night.

The most daunting task that may cross the Minutemen’s path is the No. 2 seed, [[opponent_georgetown|Georgetown]].  [[wp>John Thompson (basketball)|John Thompson’s]] Hoyas (26-7) has a very physical ball club down low with [[wp>Othella Harrington]], [[wp>Boubacar Aw]], and Cheikh Jai-Jai Dia and will pose a problem on the glass for [[calipari_john|John Calipari’s]] troops.

In the backcourt is the athletic twosome of [[wp>Allen Iverson]] and [[wp>Victor Page]].  Iverson, runner up for [[wp>Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East]] Player of the Year, has been averaging over 30 points a game down the stretch for the Hoyas.

Page broke the [[wp>Big East Men's Basketball Tournament|Big East Tournament]] single game scoring record with 34 in the semifinals against [[opponent_villanova|Villanova]].  He averaged 23 points a game during the conference tourney and was named Most Outstanding Player in the tournament.

Also in Georgetown’s half of the bracket lies No. 3 [[opponent_texas_tech|Texas Tech]] (28-1), only one of three teams along with UMass and [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]] to finish the regular season with one loss, [[wp>Dean Smith|Dean Smith’s]] No. 6 [[opponent_north_carolina|Tar Heels]] (20-10) which are always tournament tough and a highly underrated [[opponent_new_mexico|New Mexico]] (27-4) team, seeded seventh, that knocked off [[opponent_utah|Utah]] in its Conference tournament final.

===== March 12 =====
**Hoop teams honored for efforts**\\
By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, March 12, 1996
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n693/mode/1up -->

There once again was a “Rage in [[curry_hicks_cage|the Cage]]” last night as over 1,000 students and members of the community turned out to pay tribute to the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they head into the NCAA Tournament this weekend.

The Minutemen (31-1) head to Providence as the No. 1 seed and [[game19960314_central_florida|face Central Florida (13-18) Thursday]] in the first round of the East Regionals.

The eighth-seeded Minutewomen (20-9) play [[wp>Michigan State Spartans women's basketball|Michigan State]] (17-10) Saturday in Storrs, Conn.

Many members of each squad, including both coaches [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] and Joanie O’Brien, spoke to the fans in attendance, thanking them for their loyal support of their teams.

“This has been a fabulous ride and we hope that you all have enjoyed it,” Calipari said.  “I hope you appreciate the way your team plays the game, the class they have on the court and the way they represent your University.”

“I’d like to thank you for all the support you’ve given us,” O’Brien said about the fans of her women’s squad.  “We didn’t lose a game at home this year and I think a lot of it is because of you.”

Graduating players also had kind words for the fans who have been supporting them over their four years at the University.

They hope to reward their faithful with wins in the post-season.

“You all have been great fans over my four years here,” senior co-captain [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] said.  “And hopefully I can leave with a National Championship.”

“Thanks for coming out here tonight,” senior Melissa Gurile said as she spoke to the crowd.  “We’re very excited about going to the tournament.

“I’m very happy [to be playing in [[wp>NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament|the Tournament]]] but we are going down there to do some damage.”

The event was sponsored by STARS, the STudent Alumni Relations Society, and along with the various players and coaches talking to their fans, there were raffles for gift certificates and performances by the UMass Dance Team and the UMass cheerleading squad.

Senior [[nunez_rigoberto|Rigoberto Nunez]] got the biggest cheer of the evening, getting all the cheerleaders together at center court to do the Minutemen’s bounce which the team does before the beginning of every game.

Overall, the people who put the night tonight were pleased with the event which they have put on for the last three years.

“I was happy to have as many people come out as we did tonight,” Derek Cheeseboro-Weaver, representative for STARS said of last night’s turnout.

“I’m glad to see coach O’Brien here and get the recognition they deserve for their first ever tournament berth.  The attitude of the crowd was great.”

===== March 13 - Special issue =====
==== East Region look ====
**The road to the Final Four bumpy in the East**\\
By Casey Kane, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n703/mode/1up -->

[{{ ::1996_collegian_ncaa_tournament_special_edition_cover.jpg?direct&400|Cover page of The Collegian's special edition.  Photo shows [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] getting a rebound in front of [[opponent_wake_forest|Wake Forest's]] [[wp>Tim Duncan]], in the [[game19951206_wake_forest|game on December 6, 1995]].}}]
Will they be in Providence? Who will they play? Will they have the No. 1 seed? In the East or West? 

Finally, the questions are answered. The wondering has ceased. The speculation about bubble teams and automatic bids is over. There are now 64 teams still playing Division I men’s college basketball. 

When the Massachusetts men's basketball team watched the [[wp>1996 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament|NCAA Tournament]] Selection show, there were no questions as to whether or not the Minutemen would be in the tourney. Rather, what remained to be seen was whom they would play and where.

UMass wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the East bracket, sending the team to Providence for the first round. There the Minutemen will face 16th seeded [[opponent_central_florida|Central Florida]], which will compete by virtue of winning the [[wp>Atlantic Sun Conference|Trans-America Conference]] tournament. 

The UMass squad is coming off impressive wins over Atlantic 10 rivals [[opponent_george_washington|George Washington]] and [[opponent_temple|Temple]], in the semi-finals and finals, respectively, of the A-10 tournament. 

A potential second-round matchup for the Minutemen would be the winner of [[opponent_stanford|Stanford]]-[[opponent_bradley|Bradley]]. Stanford boasts a strong backcourt, but Bradley is undaunted by the [[wp>Pac-12 Conference|Pac-10]] foe. 

[[wp>Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East]] power [[opponent_georgetown|Georgetown]] lost in a close conference tournament final but still secured the No. 2 seed in the region, and will face [[wp>Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils basketball|Mississippi Valley State]], out of the [[wp>Southwestern Athletic Conference]]. 

The winner of that game will face the winner of [[opponent_new_mexico|New Mexico]]-[[wp>Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball|Kansas State]]. The Lobos boast the [[wp>WAC]] Coach of the Year in [[wp>Dave Bliss]] and will be a tough test for the [[wp>Big Eight Conference|Big Eight]] Wildcats. 

The surprising [[opponent_texas_tech|Texas Tech Red Raiders]], led by [[wp>Jason Sasser]], garnered the No. 5 seed in the East, and will face the automatic bid from the [[Midwestern Collegiate Conference]], [[opponent_northern_illinois|Northern Illinois]]. Texas Tech made a run through the Associated Press Top 25 poll, hitting as high as seventh at one time.

[[opponent_north_carolina|North Carolina]] dropped to the sixth seed in the region, after finishing third in the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] behind [[opponent_georgia_tech|Georgia Tech]] (Southeast No. 3) and [[opponent_wake_forest|Wake Forest]] (Midwest No. 2). Freshman [[wp>Antawn Jamison]] will have to stay composed in his first trip to the NCAAs in order for the Tar Heels to do any damage. The Heels first-round matchup will pit them against [[wp>Sun Belt Conference|Sun Belt]] champion [[opponent_new_orleans|New Orleans]], a team which surprised [[wp>Wimp Sanderson|Wimp Sanderson’s]] [[opponent_arkansas_little_rock|Arkansas-Little Rock]] team in the conference tourney. 

[[opponent_penn_state|Penn State]], coached by National Coach of the Year candidate [[wp>Jerry Dunn (basketball)|Jerry Dunn]], grabbed the region's fifth seed and will play the [[opponent_arkansas|Razorbacks of Arkansas]]. The season was disappointing for the national runner-ups this year, and without the marquee talent they will not be so lucky this tournament. 

Giant-killers [[opponent_marquette|Marquette]] will match up with [[opponent_monmouth|Monmouth]] in its opening round game. Marquette finished off its regular season with big wins over [[opponent_memphis|Memphis]] and [[opponent_louisville|Louisville]], and lost the Conference USA tournament to [[opponent_cincinnati|Cincinnati]] by one. 

The East Regional first and second round games will be played in Providence, R.I. and Richmond, Va. The regional final will be played in Atlanta with the winner advancing to the Final Four at the [[wp>Meadowlands Sports Complex|Meadowlands]]. 

* * *

Other [[Atlantic 10]] teams making the cut for the tournament include: [[opponent_temple|Temple]], [[opponent_virginia_tech|Virginia Tech]], and [[opponent_george_washington|George Washington]]. Temple, the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament runner-up and No. 7 seed in the Southeast, will play the [[opponent_oklahoma|Oklahoma Sooners]] in the first round. 

Virginia Tech, which was ranked as high as No. 10 in the AP poll during the season, received the No. 9 seed in the Midwest, and will travel to Dallas to face [[opponent_wisconsin_green_bay|Wisconsin-Green Bay]]. 

The only team to beat UMass, George Washington, was seeded No. 11 in the West, will tangle with a Big 10 tested [[wp>1995–96 Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team|Iowa]] team, led by Jess Settles.

==== Camby profile ====
**Marcus Camby looks to carry team to title**\\
National Player of the Year candidate Camby provides prowess in the paint and leadership on the court for Minutemen\\
By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n704/mode/1up -->

At the commencement of the 1995-96 college basketball campaign, [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] was selected as a first team All-American selection, putting him in a select class with fellow center [[wp>Tim Duncan]], guards [[wp>Ray Allen]], [[wp>Kerry Kittles]] and forward [[wp>Ryan Minor]]. 

His first game of his junior year made him an instant front-runner for National Player of Year honors. Thirty-two points, nine rebounds and five blocks in his own little party to kick off the new year by [[game19951128_kentucky|dismantling pre-season number one, Kentucky]]. 

It didn’t stop there. A 19-point [[game19951202_maryland|comeback against Maryland]] to win on his defensive block in the closing minute, holding Duncan to 4-for-18 shooting from the floor in a [[game19951206_wake_forest|nationally televised hype fest]] for the two big men. And less than 24 hours after injuring his leg in the [[game19951229_usc|semifinals of the Rainbow Classic]], Camby came off the bench in the finals to record his first double-double of the season, (20 points, 11 rebounds in just 24 minutes) in [[game19951230_syracuse|the championship game]]. 

On Jan. 14, his team was 14-0 and seemed unbeatable, and then two things have happened that no one has yet to understand. 

First his inexplicable [[camby_collapse_1996-01|collapse in Olean]], NY just seven minutes before tip-off [[game19960114_st_bonaventure|against St. Bonaventure]]. To this day doctors cannot explain what happened to make the 6-foot-11 Hartford native lay motionless for 10 minutes in the runway of the [[wp>Reilly Center]]. 

"Every test possible test has been administered to Marcus," Massachusetts coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] said upon his superstar’s return to the lineup. "We know what it's not. He feels comfortable to play, so I saw no reason not to start him." 

His return to the basketball court would leave many around him to wonder how he would play after the unexplained ailment. 

The [[game19960127_st_bonaventure|rematch with the Bonnies]] came just 13 days after his collapse and would be his first game back in the Minutemen lineup. He started that game and tied the school record for blocks in a game with nine to go along with 19 points and seven rebounds. The second thing that no one could fathom: he not only hadn't missed a beat, he had gotten better. 

"I just wanted to go out and prove that I was still the player I was before all this happened," Camby said two weeks after his return. "Coach told me to concentrate on defense and let my offense come over time so that's what I'm doing." 

In his 11 games since the collapse Camby has averaged 22.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.2 blocks a game, up from his 19.6 ppg, seven rebounds and three blocks before the incident. Statistics alone cannot show what his leadership has meant to this team. 

"There are certain players who go out and get their numbers every night," Calipari said, "But special players not only do that, they make everybody around them better. Marcus Camby is that kind of player." 

His coach isn't the only one to notice his skills. 

"I coached in the [[wp>Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]] for nine years and went up against some of the greatest players," [[opponent_virginia_tech|Virginia Tech]] coach [[wp>Bill Foster (basketball, born 1936)|Bill Foster]] said. "I don't know if I've ever seen a college player that does all of the things that Marcus Camby does. He is a point guard in a 6-foot-11 body." 

His defense makes the opposition take bad shots with his intimidation factor. In [[game19960201_temple|the Temple game at McGonigle Hall]], the Owls averaged 21 percent shooting from the floor on the game, including several easy baskets. 

"Derek Battie missed three dunks tonight," Temple coach [[wp>John Chaney (basketball, born 1932)|John Chaney]] said after the Feb. 1st meeting against Camby and UMass. "He was blocking shots that he wasn't even near because they thought he would get there. That's being a dominant factor." 

Temple was only one of many key games in which Camby made impacts that will not show up in the final score. During [[game19960104_memphis|the Memphis game]] he dove into a fans lap and got drenched with a fans beer going for a loose ball 30 seconds into the contest. 

Blocking [[wp>Samaki Walker]] twice at crucial points of the [[game19960302_louisville|Minutemen's regular season finale]]. The first on his first attempt and last coining on [[opponent_louisville|Louisville's]] last run to tie the game in the closing minute. Making the extra pass to open forwards [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] and [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] for easy lay-ups during the UMass comeback [[game19951209_boston_college|against Boston College]]. He can do it all and his players appreciate it. 

"Marcus is a tremendous player and we all follow his lead," senior [[nunez_rigoberto|Rigoberto Nunez]] said. "Everyone does their job around him, as he helps everyone on the team be better players."

==== Dingle profile ====
**Hard-working Dingle gets job done quietly**\\
UMass’ strong silent forward feels actions speak louder than words, Dingle gets the job done leading with actions and not words\\
By Candice Flemming, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Staff, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n705/mode/1up -->

Unnoticed. Overlooked. Forgotten.
 
In describing Massachusetts senior forward [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]], the above words are most often used.
 
When people think about the Massachusetts men's basketball team, [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] comes to the mind first and then most likely [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]], [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] — then maybe Dingle.
 
Throughout the season, Dingle has averaged in double figures in points and led the team in rebounding for much of the season, before Camby took over the team lead after the Minutemen’s game against [[game19960220_rhode_island|Rhode Island on Feb. 20]].
 
But perhaps the mark that the 6-foot-7 forward is close to reaching will give the Bronx native the respect that he so greatly deserves. The number that Dingle is striving for is 134 — UMass’ all-time record for games played in a career, held by [[roe_lou|Lou Roe]].
 
Dingle has played in every single game during his career for a total of 129 as of March 5. If the Minutemen reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament without a blemish, he will tie Roe. If the Minutemen make it to the Sweet Sixteen, Dingle will own the record — a record that is one of the most difficult in all of sports to attain.
 
Few athletes are able to accomplish such an impressive feat. With all the nagging injuries that can occur on the basketball court, Dingle’s achievement would be amazing.
 
And in this, his final season as a Minuteman, Dingle has performed other remarkable feats.
 
Need a quick basket? Dingle can drive the lane for the deuce through two defenders. Need something to get the crowd going? Dingle will slam home a thunderous dunk for two much like he did against [[game19941210_maryland|Maryland last season]].
 
Need a big defensive stop? Dingle will get the job done as he usually draws the toughest defensive assignment.
 
"When called upon to do something out there, whether it be defense, offense, rebound, all-around aspects of the game," Dingle said. "When called upon, I will get it done."
 
Whether its covering a guard or a forward, Dingle indeed gets it done, much like he did against [[opponent_virginia_tech|Virginia Tech's]] leading scorer [[wp>Ace Custis]] on [[game19960217_virginia_tech|Feb. 17]]. Custis came into the game averaging 14.2 points but finished with just seven on 3-for-13 shooting — mainly because of Dingle's outstanding defense all game.
 
"I think I probably frustrated him most by not letting him catch the ball in the post, where he likes it, easily," Dingle said. "I just fought around him and made him work and work and work until he was tired."
 
"We challenged him going into [the Virginia Tech] game," UMass coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] said. "Ace is about as good a forward as we've played so we told Dana this would see how good he was, and he did well."
 
Although he is most noted for his defense, Dingle has shown a knack for scoring at times as well.
 
"Everybody knows I can rebound and play defense, but a lot of people don't know if I can score," Dingle said.
 
Against [[game19960120_duquesne|Duquesne (Jan. 20)]] he helped pick up some of the scoring slack left by the absence of Camby, who was sitting out because of his collapse, by scoring a career-high 24 points. He also pulled down eight boards in the 93-89 victory. [[game19960114_st_bonaventure|Six days earlier]], he scored 17 points and grabbed seven boards in helping to lead the Minutemen to victory after [[camby_collapse_1996-01|Camby collapsed]]. In the [[game19951128_kentucky|season opener against preseason No. 1 Kentucky]], Dingle scored 19 points second only to Camby who had a game-high 32.
 
On four different occasions, the quiet leader has come away with double-doubles — [[game19951209_boston_college|against Boston College]] (10 points, 11 boards), [[game19960110_saint_josephs|St. Joseph’s]] (10, 10), [[game19960215_la_salle|La Salle]] (10, 10) and [[game19960302_louisville|Louisville]] (11, 15).
 
As of March 5, Dingle had 955 career points and if he was able to score the 1,000th point of his career, he would join teammates Camby and Bright who have already joined the [[statistics_history|1,000-point club]] this season. If Dingle reaches it, it would be only the second time in school history that three players went over the 1,000 mark in the same year.
 
"I try to lead by example. Some of the other players might be a little more emotional, but I try to do the things that the coach asks and what is right," Dingle said. "The younger players can follow me by doing what is right."
 
If the younger players do indeed follow Dingle's lead, then his soon-to-be record could be broken. But for now, it is Dingle's to break, and if he is able to set the record at some point during the NCAA tournament, an amazing feat will be reached.
 
==== Bright profile ====
**Donta to shine Bright in NCAAs**\\
Senior co-captain Donta Bright, perhaps the best finisher in college hoops, has been a crucial offensive compliment to Marcus Camby\\
By Casey Kane, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n706/mode/1up -->

The time has come for [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]].

When the [[season_1995-96|1995-96 college basketball season]] began, there was an abundance of questions as to whether or not Bright would step up and become the kind of player he was supposed to be when he first came to Massachusetts.

And now, as the Minutemen head into the NCAA Tournament, and with the spotlight upon him, Bright has finally become the player everyone thought he could be. 

As a recruit, Bright was a nationally known blue-chipper, a first-team [[wp>McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's]], Parade Magazine, [[wp>USA Today All-USA high school basketball team|USA Today]], and [[wp>Basketball Times]] All-American. He led his [[wp>Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Baltimore, Maryland)|Dunbar (Baltimore, Md.)]] team to a perfect 29-0 record and a No. 1 ranking from USA Today. 

As a freshman Bright faced setbacks as a [[wp>Proposition 48 (NCAA)|Prop 48]] casualty. As a sophomore he began to emerge as the player many thought him to be. He earned the first start of his collegiate career in only his fifth game. And in the 11-game stretch which closed out his [[season_1993-94|sophomore season]], Bright tallied double figure scoring marks in all but one of the games. 

As a [[season_1994-95|junior]], Bright was named to the third team All-Atlantic 10, after recording averages of 9.2 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game. As the first man off the bench, Bright combined his size, speed, and shooting ability to score in double digits in 19 games.

And now the senior forward, described by some as "the best finisher in the nation," will help carry his team on a march for the National Championship. He has the chance to close out his collegiate career with the ultimate prize — a title. 

"When I first came here it was a lot harder than what I expected," Bright said. "I just tried to learn from the other players and tried to contribute to the team the best way I can." 

This year the co-captain was named a pre-season All-Atlantic 10 second team selection. All season long he has backed up those early-season expectations with definite numbers, and it resulted with membership on the All-Atlantic 10 first team. 

Bright has brought his game up a notch to compliment All-America candidate [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] and fellow floor-leader [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]]. He is averaging 14.8 points per game, the second highest average on the Minuteman roster. He has been the top shooter on the team hitting .500 from the floor and .789 from the line, lending credibility to the belief that he is indeed the best finisher in the game.

"I'm not worried about that [being labeled the best finisher]," Bright said. "I just want to do anything to help the team win.”

But point totals aren't the only area where Bright has improved his game. He is currently third in rebounding on the UMass squad, pulling down 5.8 boards per game. 

Bright measures up against A-10 opponents as well. He currently ranks third in the conference in free throw percentage and fifth in field goal percentage. He also is eighth in the conference in scoring. 

Bright has been a key factor in several games this season, often overshadowed by the highlight reel that is Camby. Early in the season, he bolstered the team with his performances against [[game19951128_kentucky|Kentucky]], [[game19951202_maryland|Maryland]], [[game19951206_wake_forest|Wake Forest]], [[game19951209_boston_college|Boston College]], and [[game19951222_georgia_tech|Georgia Tech]]. 

Against all five teams Bright logged double figure scoring marks. He led the team with 22 points against the Demon Deacons and 24 against BC. He tallied a double-double against Maryland notching 14 points and 10 boards. 

Bright was a major factor in pulling out the [[game19960104_memphis|victory against Memphis]], chipping in six straight buckets down the stretch to seal the win. 

In a game pitting the Minutemen [[game19960117_rhode_island|against Rhode Island]], he scored a career high 32 points. [[game19960217_virginia_tech|At Virginia Tech]], the senior scored 19 points and handed out 3 assists. In Freedom Hall [[game19960302_louisville|against Louisville]], Bright contributed with 12 points. 

On [[game19960228_saint_josephs|Senior Night against St. Joseph's]], Bright hit a huge jumper to send the game into overtime, capping his collegiate career in the [[mullins_center|William D. Mullins Center]] with 15 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. 

And now as he is facing his collegiate curtain call, Bright wants one encore. 

"Our main goal is to win the national championship, so basically I'm going to go out and give it 100 percent every time I go out on the court," Bright said. 

While his basketball future is not solidified yet, Bright has not set his sights too far ahead. 

"We just try to take it one practice at a time, one game at a time," he said. 

When asked what he wanted to be his greatest basketball memory when he reminisced about his college years, Bright did not hesitate with his answer. 

"The National Championship. That would be the greatest win."

==== Padilla & Travieso profile ====
**Role of Padilla and Travieso magnified in tournament**\\
Consistent guard play by Padilla and Travieso contribute to successful season\\
By Candice Flemming, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n708/mode/1up -->

Respect. 

Ever since the start of [[season_1995-96|the 1995-96 season]], Massachusetts guards [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] have been looking for it. Entering the year, Padilla and Travieso weren't seen as one of the top backcourts in the country. They were seen as average players — one of the main question marks heading into the season. 

Padilla was seen as a point guard who made too many mistakes while Travieso never got enough playing time in his first two years to make any kind of an impact. 

That all started to change after the Minutemen [[game19951128_kentucky|beat Kentucky in their season opener]]. The two juniors played all but the last minute of the contest and were outstanding. Padilla was solid all-around scoring 14 points, grabbing seven boards and dishing out six assists while Travieso dropped in 10 points and pulled down six boards. 

Following their impressive start against the preseason No. 1 Wildcats, Padilla and Travieso continued 
to perform to the highest level throughout the season helping the Minutemen to their 28-1 regular season record. 

"Everybody's been counting [Carmelo and Edgar] out, [but] they’ve played real good,” [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] said. "They're one of the top backcourts [in the country] right now. 

"The whole reason for our success has been the play of our guards. They've been great." 

"I believe they are the best [backcourt] in the country," [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] said. "I enjoy playing with these two guys more than anybody else in my career." 

Against [[game19951206_wake_forest|Wake Forest (Dec. 6)]] Padilla had nine points and a career high eight boards while Travieso chipped in seven points. 

"I don't know if they're the best or most talented [backcourt]," Wake Forest coach [[wp>Dave Odom]] said after his team's loss to UMass. "But if you ask me who understands what their coach wants them to do, and is able to execute that better than any other pair I've seen this year, I think they do that. They bother opponents on every trip because they are feisty." 

Six days later the tandem was at it again, as the two put a [[game19951212_unc_wilmington|hurting on UNC-Wilmington]] to lead UMass to its sixth straight win at the time. Padilla had 17 points, five boards and six assists and Travieso finished with 14 points and six boards.

"They work really hard," UNC-Wilmington coach [[wp>Jerry Wainwright]] said. "I am just absolutely amazed at Carmelo's and Edgar's ability to dog and defend kids for 37-plus minutes a game. It is a true tribute to the character of those young men." 

Perhaps Padilla and Travieso's importance to the team was finally noted when [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] went down with a knee injury early-on in the Minutemen’s game [[game19951229_usc|against Southern Cal in the Rainbow Classic]]. Padilla led the way scoring a team-high 19 points and Travieso notched 16. 

"Obviously, [UMass is] not just [Marcus] Camby. I think their guards are terrific. They play so hard and are fun to watch," [[opponent_la_salle|La Salle]] coach [[wp>Speedy Morris]] said. "Their guard tandem is the best in the conference."

Both guards have had their share of record setting performances as well. 

In the Minutemen’s game [[game19960228_saint_josephs|against St. Joseph's (Feb. 28)]] Padilla became UMass’ all-time leader in steals passing [[williams_mike|Mike Williams]] (145). The Toa Alta, Puerto Rico native notched six steals on the night to bring his total to 150 at the time. [[game19960302_louisville|Against Louisville]], he increased his total to 155 after his five steal performance against the Cardinals. He also set the record for most steals in a single season with 79. The previous record was held by Cary Herer (74 in [[season_1989-90|1989-90]]).

Padilla's solid and steady play throughout this unforgettable season by the Minutemen has impressed his coach. 

"He's really done the things that he has needed to do and knows where the ball needs to go," UMass coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] said. "In my opinion, he's the best point guard I've ever coached — and he's only a junior." 

Travieso has been setting records of the long distance nature. Although Padilla is a solid three-point threat in his own right, it is Travieso who is the go-to-guy when UMass needs a trey. 

“When I’m beyond the three-point line, wherever I get the ball I feel comfortable – anywhere on the court,” Travieso said. "It's just a matter of letting the ball go. Coach believes I'm the best shooter on the floor wherever we go. Everybody on the team thinks I'm the best shooter and I just feed off of that. So my confidence is pretty high." 

On three different occasions during the year, the Boston native has been in the "zone" from behind the arc, sinking seven treys twice (against [[game19960123_pittsburgh|Pittsburgh]] and [[game19960120_duquesne|Duquesne]]) and eight once [[game19960211_temple|against Temple]]. The eight treys against the Owls tied a UMass record. He also became only the second player in UMass history to make over 70 treys in a season, [[Lorenzo Sutton]] being the other. 

"He's shot the ball well all year," Calipari said. 

The two have done it on the defensive end too as both players have made game-saving steals. [[game19960204_xavier|Against Xavier Feb. 4]], after nailing a trey with time running out to tie the ballgame, Padilla came up with a steal on the defensive end to thwart any chances of Xavier attempting a last-second shot. Then almost two weeks later [[game19960220_rhode_island|against Rhode Island]] it was Travieso who saved the day with a last second steal to preserve the victory for UMass. 

"[Travieso and Padilla] play well together. They play hard, they pressure the ball well," Calipari said. "I've got the two best guards in the country." 

If the Minutemen are to achieve their goal of going to the Final Four and winning the National Championship, they are going to need consistent play from Padilla and Travieso as in the last couple of games where the Minutemen have struggled, the two guards have struggled as well. 

Bui if Padilla and Travieso play as they did for the majority of the season, NCAA tournament teams must watch out for Massachusetts.

==== Weeks profile ====
**Consistent Weeks brings power to the paint for UM**\\
By Chris Stamm, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n708/mode/1up -->

At the start of the [[season_1995-96|1995-96 season]], junior forward [[weeks_tyrone|Tyrone Weeks]] took an optimistic view of the upcoming season. 

"This team can go as far as it wants to go," he said. “If we want to lose in the first round of the NCAAs, we can. If we want to make the Final Four, we can do that too. It's up to us." 

Now the time has come to see at which end of this prophecy Weeks and the Minutemen will conclude their season, as speculation ends and the NCAA Tournament begins. 

Weeks brings 260 pounds of power and muscle to the Massachusetts line-up. His size enables him to bang the boards with the biggest power forwards in the NCAA, averaging 5.2 rebounds per game. However, even with such a hulking frame, Weeks has shown a nice touch close to the basket. 

With numbers like this, it's no surprise that Weeks logs more minutes than any other reserve (17.9 minutes per game). 

From the first tip-off of the season. Weeks has had some tough shoes to fill. With [[roe_lou|Lou Roe's]] graduation to the NBA, there was a large gap to be filled inside the paint of the [[mullins_center|William D. Mullins Center]]. 

"I've tried to fill the shoes that Lou Roe had, but it was hard with the injuries I had," Weeks said. "But I'm doing my best and working real hard to do what I can." 

As the sixth man off the bench, the Minutemen needed some big minutes from their big man and got them. 

"My role on the team got a little more serious towards the end," Weeks said. "They used me to score and rebound more than they did in the beginning of the year. Every team needs some strength off the bench, and I guess that's what I am right now." 

A perfect example of what Weeks can contribute to UMass was the Minutemen's final home game in the Mullins Center [[game19960228_saint_josephs|against St. Joseph's]]. In this game, which saw UMass, pull off the overtime victory (68-66), Weeks earned his second double-double of the season earning 12 points while pulling down 11 boards. What’s more, Weeks went 8-for-9 from the foul line, proving that he can produce when it comes down to the wire. 

Yet this wasn't the first time this season that he proved to be an offensive leader in close games. On Feb. 20 in another game that was decided in the final minutes [[game19960220_rhode_island|against Rhode Island]], Weeks scored a career-high 16 points, grabbed nine boards and hit a solid 6-of-9 from the foul line. 

Rewind a few weeks before that, one saw Weeks playing 31 minutes and earning a career-high 13 rebounds in UMass' [[game19960204_xavier|78-74 overtime win against Xavier]].

Weeks' most impressive performance of the season came at a time when the Minutemen needed him the most. When [[camby_collapse_1996-01|Marcus Camby collapsed in Olean. N.Y. on Jan. 14]] just minutes before a game [[game19960114_st_bonaventure|against St. Bonaventure]], Weeks needed to set up shop in the paint to insure a win. In response, he earned his first double-double of the season with 15 points, 12 rebounds and one block. 

As a veteran of post-season play, the team will look to Weeks to bring the poise and experience he displays on the court into the locker room. In addition to seniors [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] and [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]], Weeks will be a sense of emotional support for the team during tournament time. 

"Last year, Lou and [[kellogg_derek|Derek [Kellogg]]] talked to me before the tournament and told me not to be anxious when I go out there and play, and to continue to play the way I was," Weeks said. "This year, I'm going to talk to [[clarke_charlton|Chariton [Clarke]]] and the other young guys, [and tell them] not to be anxious and to play the way they have been playing— not to go out there and try to do more." 

As for personal goals, Weeks says he only has one in mind, but it is one that is shared by the whole squad. 

"I don't have any personal goals. I just have a team goal," he said, "and that's to win the National Championship.”

==== Family affair ====
**UM’s success a family affair**\\
The UMass squad has an off-court bond which gives its game on-court chemistry\\
By Justin C. Smith, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n710/mode/1up -->

On a dimly lit basketball court, two guys are imitating different college players they have seen play.  Two of their friends sit on a bench watching them attempt to make impossible shots as they all laugh about the events as they happen.

They poke fun at each other and show how the player from Popcorn St. actually shoots his fall-away three-pointer.  They act like brothers as they all range in age from 18 to 23.  They care about each other like they are family and that may be the No. 1 reason for their success.

They are the 28-1 Massachusetts men’s basketball team.

Freshman [[clarke_charlton|Charlton Clarke]] has been doing an interview with a reporter for about five minutes, which he does with his wide eyes and bright smile.  Senior [[nunez_rigoberto|Rigoberto Nunez]] walks behind him, stops the interview for a moment and tells the reporter, “You don’t need to ask anymore questions, because he is the best.”

Everyone laughs and continues on with their on or off-court activities.  Later on the father walks into the room… coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]], and gets everyone together for a family meeting - practice.

This unit which was ranked No. 1 in the country for nine consecutive weeks earlier this season, now comes together with one goal - to become National Champions.  The hopes and dreams of this group of young men are a reality because of the bond that they all share and they know where they all stand in the family.

“Everybody on this team accepts their roles,” [[camby_marcus|Marcus Camby]] said about his teammates.  “Guys know that they have to lean on each other a little bit to get the job done collectively.  There are no egos or anyone getting jealous about when I get a lot of publicity.  We play hard and we play together.”

Camby would probably be considered the big brother as his teammates seem to look to him in the clutch.  When the chips are down, he wants to take control.

In [[game19951128_kentucky|the first game of the season]], the Minutemen were in a back-and-forth battle against top-ranked Kentucky.  As a second half 10-point lead began to slip away, his coach and the father of this team began to get a case of the parental nerves. His eldest son came up to him and assured him that they would not lose. UMass prevailed, 92-82. 

Like most families, it pulls together in times of tragedy. On [[game19960114_st_bonaventure|Jan. 14 shortly before tip-off against St. Bonaventure]], [[camby_collapse_1996-01|the big brother had fallen]] under circumstances that may never be understood. But nonetheless they had to press on as Dad took big brother to the hospital. Calipari is all of their fathers and would have taken any of his children to be taken care of. 

While Camby, the leading National Player of the Year Candidate, was down, his siblings picked up the slack. [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] increased his concentration as he had a 30-point game [[game19960117_rhode_island|versus Rhode Island]] and broke the [[Atlantic 10]] record for consecutive free-throws made at 41. [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] also came up big from behind three-point land on two occasions hilling seven treys in a game. And when Camby returned it was just like he never left, as the team continued to roll along. 

When there are many children in a generation, they usually have a special talent that they use as their tool to get noticed. One of those role players is Nunez and his specialty is defense, and he almost single-handedly sent one game into overtime. 

[[game19960228_saint_josephs|Against St. Joseph’s]], Nunez was inserted into the lineup to deny the ball. In filling his role, he frustrated Terrell Myers into an intentional foul, getting two shots and possession, enabling UMass to send the game into an extra session where the Minutemen prevailed. 

Every family has its quiet child, and in this family that distinction can be given to [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]]. There is very little, if any, flash to the Bronx native's game. Averaging a quiet 11 points and eight rebounds per game, he simply does his chores around the court.  Dingle is also a co-captain and his leading by example is just another reason for the Minuteman's success. 

"In this family we have group leaders and everyone is beneath them, and they accept their role," said Nunez, one of those role players. "As long as we don't get jealous of whoever is getting all the attention, we get closer and that's why we are special this year."

==== Clarke profile ====
**Clarke steps up to give UM guards a break**\\
As freshman guard Charlton Clarke gives relief to Padilla and Travieso the Minutemen look to bounce their way to the Final Four\\
By Chris Stamm, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n711/mode/1up -->

In the beginning of the season, depth was a major question for the Massachusetts men's basketball team. Once the season began, questions remained as to how far the starting lineup could go with limited numbers on the bench. 

No problem. 

After 28 games, both senior forwards [[bright_donta|Donta Bright]] and [[dingle_dana|Dana Dingle]] have started every game, while the two junior guards [[padilla_edgar|Edgar Padilla]] and [[travieso_carmelo|Carmelo Travieso]] have started every game except for [[game19960228_saint_josephs|Senior Night]]. That averages out to at least 30 minutes per game for each of the five starters. Combined, they have logged 80.5 percent of the team's total minutes while tallying 86.9 percent of its points. 

• As the season progressed, the bench that had many fans swaying in the breeze, soon had them standing on their feet. The first example that comes to mind is [[nunez_rigoberto|Rigoberto Nunez's]] key performance which sent a [[game19960228_saint_josephs|near loss to St. Joseph's into OT for the win]]. 

After taking a hard foul by Hawks guard Terrell Myers, Nunez sank one of two foul shots to bring the Minutemen to within two points setting up the deuce by Bright to tie the game. In tourney play, look for Nunez to step off the bench to pressure the inbounds pass if games come down to the wire. 

• Not only is the number of minutes the starters have been logging impressive, but the teams they have been logging them against is even more impressive. In recent years, coach [[calipari_john|John Calipari]] has crafted some rigorous schedules for the Minutemen and this year was no exception. 

During the season UMass defeated eight nationally ranked teams including: [[game19951128_kentucky|No. 1 Kentucky]], [[game19960104_memphis|No. 3 Memphis]], [[game19960217_virginia_tech|No. 10 Virginia Tech]], [[game19951206_wake_forest|No. 10 Wake Forest]], [[game19951230_syracuse|No. 15 Syracuse]], [[game19951202_maryland|No. 19 Maryland]], [[game19960302_louisville|No. 21 Louisville]] and [[game19951222_georgia_tech|No. 21 Georgia Tech]]. 

• After missing the first 14 games due to a broken bone in his foot, freshman guard [[clarke_charlton|Charlton Clarke]] emerged as a key cog in the UMass game plan. A bold player who isn't afraid to take big shots or drive the lane, Clarke has adapted well to the style of NCAA play. Coaches and players have confidence in the young guard, and his ability to sub in and provide Padilla and Travieso with rest as needed. 

"Right now I'm doing what I have to do to help this team win, doing what the coach wants me to do," Clarke said. "I take my time and try to take what's an open shot for me, just playing within the system." 

Clarke is anxious to make his NCAA Tournament debut. 

"It's more than a thrill right now. It's been a burning desire since I was small," Clarke said. "Last year I was watching the NCAAs on TV. This is a big thing for me." 

• Massachusetts will be looking to sophomore [[norville_inus|Inus Norville]] to play a role similar to Clarke's in the frontcourt. Norville has had a hot-and-cold season thus far. Highlighting the current season was a four-game starting streak following [[camby_collapse_1996-01|Camby's fainting spell]] before [[game19960114_st_bonaventure|facing St. Bonaventure]]. 

"I'm just going to go out there and do what ever coach tells me to do," Norville said. "I'll play 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes — whatever the team needs." 

[{{ https://umasshoops.com/media/pics/1995-96/team_jump_around.jpg?nolink|}}]
• Anyone who may have been taking note of the Minutemen's pre-game rituals have noticed something new this year. After the starting lineups are announced, UMass comes into the huddle in a big bouncing mass seeming to feed off the energy of the crowd. However, when asked which Minuteman was responsible for starting this new tradition, conflict arose. 

The logical source of the pre-game hype would be senior Nunez, who always provides an inspirational spark to the team and fans alike. 

"Well, that was a combination of myself, Marcus and Carmelo," Nunez said. "When we were coming out [for] Kentucky they were getting all the cameras out in front of us. we had to do something, so we bounced." 

However, there appears to be some dissention among the ranks as freshman Clarke feels he had a little something to do with the new-found tradition. 

"I'd like to say I did because I did it in high school,” Clarke said. "It was a tradition I started in high school so when I came here, I wanted to put a little rhythm to it, because we looked so dull out there. When other teams see us jumping up and down, they know we're all fired up, ready to go.“

If the Minutemen continue to play with the intensity they have exhibited season-long, UMass could bounce its way to a National Championship.

==== Media predictions ====
**Media experts give prophecy on UM success**\\
Local print, radio and television celebrities give their views on the Minutemen’s chance at a shot for the NCAA Championship title\\
By Matt Vautour, [[http://www.dailycollegian.com|The Massachusetts Daily Collegian]] Sports, 1996 NCAA Tournament Guide Special Issue (March 1996)
<!-- https://archive.org/details/massachuse19951996univ/page/n712/mode/1up -->

With the Minutemen's chances of going far in the tournament at their highest ever, reporters from Boston to Oakland give their thoughts on how far the 1995-1996 Massachusetts hoop team can go... 

Steve Buckley, [[https://www.bostonherald.com/|Boston Herald]]. WEEI, Former Collegian sports writer — National Champions. "I was worried, but [[game19960302_louisville|the Louisville game]] showed me that they're going to be up for this." 

Mike Ratte, [[wp>WGGB-TV|WGGB]] News 40 — "I think they get to the Final Four and from there we'll see what happens. Just for fun I'll say UMass and [[opponent_connecticut|UConn]] in the National Championship game." 

Gene Lavanchy, [[wp>WHDH (TV)|WHDH]] TV-7 — "It all depends on the bracket, but I think they'll get to the Final Four. I think they're a lock for the round of 16 and probably the round of eight, but I'll stick to what I've said all along that they will get to the Final Four. 

“[[wp>Emerson_College#Athletics|Emerson College]] will get special consideration from the committee and sneak into the tournament and get to the Final Four. It will be a proud day for all of us Emersonians." 

Bob Lobel, [[wp>WBZ-TV|WBZ]] TV 4 — “I don't think they'll leave the East Coast. They'll get a nice tour going from Providence to Atlanta to [[wp>Meadowlands Sports Complex|the Meadowlands]]. I think they'll make the Final Four and what happens after that is anybody's guess." 

Joe Burris, [[https://www.bostonglobe.com/|Boston Globe]] — "If they can stay healthy and keep playing the way they're playing, they can win the National Championship." 

Brian Perillo, [[https://www.umass.edu/wmua/|WMUA]] Sports director — "Final Four. I think that until then no team will even be in UMass' league." 

Rich Tettemer, [[wp>WWLP]] TV-22 — "Final Four. I don't know if they can win it all. I think UMass will play [[opponent_kentucky|Kentucky]] for the National Championship. Kentucky looks awesome, but it's the tournament and you never know..." 

Monte Poole, [[wp>Oakland Tribune]] — "I don't think that UMass can go all the way. Camby is a great player, but I don't think their guard play is strong enough to get them there." 

Josh Jacobs, Host of [[https://www.umass.edu/uvctv19/|UVC-19’s]] Sports Talk — "I think they can go as far as their guard play can take them and I think that is the Final Four." 

Arthur C. Stapleton Jr., [[wp>Courier News|Bridgewater (NJ) Courier News]], Former Collegian Sports Editor — "As far as the shooting of Carmelo and Edgar can take them. UMass can play half court with anybody. I think they're going to go to the Final Four. There are six teams that can win it, and I think UMass is one of them." 

Dave Nathan, [[https://www.telegram.com/|Worcester Telegram and Gazette]] — "Final Eight. I don't think UMass has the depth or the outside shooting to be upset proof." 

Andy Ayers, [[http://www.gazettenet.com|Daily Hampshire Gazette]] — They can go all the way, but there are a lot of buts along the way. It's just about playing consistently well along the way. They have to play like they did [[game19951128_kentucky|against Kentucky]] all the way or [[game19950326_oklahoma_state|an Oklahoma State]] will pop up." 

Marc Vandermeer, [[wp>WHMP]] — "I like the Minutemen to go to the Final Four. I think they have proven that they can beat any team on any floor in America. Once you get there you never know what will happen, but I think they have the talent to get that far." 

Ron Chimelis, [[wp>The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|Springfield Union News]] — "I think they can win it, but at least to the Final Four I think they obviously have to play good defense and get quality minutes off the bench." 

Jim Clark, [[https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/|Fitchburg Sentinel]], Former Collegian Sports Editor — "It's going to depend on the match-ups, but they have a chance of going as far as anybody. I think there are only about five teams good enough to win six straight games. I could definitely see them making the Final Four, if they do what they're capable of doing."

{{tag>"1995-96 season"}}