I think I jumped the gun on North Carolina fans (maybe I was unlucky to run into the one loser of the bunch on the plane). When the Cougars were introduced at today's practice in Charlotte everyone, including Tar Heels fans gave them a round of applause...I didn't hear one boo. They did the same thing as WSU left the court.

I don't take back that fact that these people take basketball VERY seriously. The entire lower bowl was full of Carolina fans for practice (more of a glorified shoot around). They cheered with every made shot like it was a game. I expect it to be a rowdy pro-Carolina crowd tomorrow (even more than I originally thought).

The Cougars ran through some short five-on-five stuff at practice (I'm sure very basic), but they were definitely focused on not allowing any open shots. "Get to the shooter!" was a common phrase out of assistant Matt Woodley.

Despite stomping on new ground (in the Sweet 16 for the first time ever), the Cougars still seem very relaxed to me. Aron Baynes, Caleb Forrest, and some of the other bigs were laughing at each other's stories (one involved a girl back in Australia...I don't even want to know). Chris Henry was trying to rattle Taylor Rochestie while he was shooting free throws, etc. There was even a funny moment during the interview session that Rochestie, with his little hand held camera, took video of Kyle Weaver and Derrick Low being interviewed by hoards of media (there are fewer teams here, but more cameras and microphones).

You don't need me to tell you that the Cougars are underdogs. You don't even need to tell them. Washington State definitely knows that they are against the ropes. North Carolina is the top seed. They are playing in Charlotte. They've only lost twice all year. The question is...how will Wazzu respond? They say they don't mind the underdog role, because everyone has always doubted them. Daven Harmeling told me today that he wanted this match up and wouldn't want it any other way.

I think these guys truly believe they can win...

The game is set to start at 4:27 (PT) and can only be seen on KREM 2.

Check out tonight's special starting at 6:30 if you have time...it should be pretty cool. Have any questions about the WSU/North Carolina match up? We'll have all the answers right there.

I have to run outside to do some live shots.

Farewell until tomorrow...GO COUGS!

P.S. Connie...I went to Wazzu and I am single.

P.S.S. Cougar80...I promise I'm not a Tar Heel in disguise. I'm just really surprised anyone else has even heard of August Rush.

6 Comments

Jonathan Myers said:

Lewis....good work in Charlotte...man I wish I could be there right now. Glad to hear the cougs are loose. They can't forget they have nothing to lose. Also...make sure Connie sends some face shots for you...or else I would be leary.

March 26, 2008 6:10 PM

Elizabeth said:

Tim,

Thanks for all the great updates. This ride sure has been fun and I will be cheering loudly in front of the T.V. tomorrow at 4:27. I know the Bennett train will be full steam ahead by then and it should be a great game. Love the nickname Pride of Pullman!! Cougar Nation is ready and enjoying every bit of it!!
Look forward to more updates.

Elizabeth

March 26, 2008 6:59 PM

Tim Lewis said:

I'm glad everyone appreciates the updates.

I know that if I had friends at a major event I would call them every second for the inside scoop. This way I get my friends off my back and I can help everyone else out who couldn't make it.

If anyone has any questions for me (including if I'm single) feel free to ask. If I don't have the answer I'll try to find it for you.

Example: Did Tyler Hansbrough seem full of himself? Yes, he did.

P.S. Jonathan...I'm taking the high road here. If Connie is a Cougar fan...that's good enough for me!

March 26, 2008 7:52 PM

Brian Melhart said:

Yo Tim,

Just wanted to join the others in saying thanks. It's nice to get updates from someone who is in the middle of the action. The special on TV was excellent (better than Q6's for sure!!). Cougar nation will be watching!

Brian

March 26, 2008 11:14 PM

Ryan Camp said:

Tim,

This morning when I woke up it felt like Christmas morning at the age of five. Tonight's game being the train set I asked Santa Claus to bring. Holy smokes the cougs are really in the sweet 16 for the first time ever! So, Hansbrough is full of himself. What about Roy Williams? Saw him on PTI yesterday and he seems humble. What is your take? Go Cougs! Choooo Chooooooooo Chooooooo! All aboard the Bennett Train!

March 27, 2008 10:09 AM

kim said:

Tim;
You're hilarious...great blog(Hansbrough full of himself). If anyone wants to see how into basketball their fans are, check out the CarolinaBlue message boards...unbelieveable. They've broken down all our games, players, every stat they have when we win vs. lose. They know their stuff. The only thing to fault them on is they spell Wazzu incorrectly (WAZOU-they must think we're Missouri).

March 27, 2008 10:48 AM

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