NORFOLK, Va. — It can be quite intimidating. Talking about, and dreaming of, an appearance in the NCAA Tournament is one thing. Actually arriving at College Basketball's most prestigious event is another situation entirely.
If ODU was at all overwhelmed by the stage, however, you wouldn't have known it on Day 1. Sounding confident during media access, and looking loose in practice under the lights, this ODU team had all the signs of a veteran group ready for the spotlight.
The Monarchs consistently sounded like a group that expects an extended stay in Hartford.
But just as dreaming of the tournament is a far cry from arriving, tipping off is that much different from practice and interviews. Whether or not the Monarchs can maintain their steely demeanor throughout a match up with 3rd seeded Purdue remains to be seen.
Tune in Thursday night to find out.