Going into Selection Sunday, both Boise State and Colorado were confident they would be chosen for the NCAA Tournament.
As someone who spent much of the last month fixated on “bubble lists” and “last four” in and outs, the Broncos never made an appearance on any of them. This is unlike Colorado whose eight-game winning streak, followed by a close loss in the Pac-12 championship, was just barely enough to qualify.
In the end, each team was amongst the last four picked in the tournament. The Buffs were relieved, the Broncos were miffed, and both Tad Boyle and Leon Rice were left bewildered at the prospect of playing one another.
“It flashed [on the screen] together. It wasn't like Boise State came up and then Colorado. So obviously my eyes went straight to Colorado. And I was elated and excited because I was nervous,” said Boyle.
“I didn't know with all those upsets in the conference tournament -- North Carolina State beat North Carolina and Oregon beating us; not that it was a big upset, but bid-stealing wins. Then when I saw Boise next to our name, I was like, oh gosh, are you kidding me? I don't want to be playing against Leon. I've watched his team a lot this year….he is one of my best friends in this business, without a doubt. And I have a lot of respect for him and their program.”
Rice and Boyle spent the last two summers together coaching the U17 and U18 USA national teams.
“Tad is a good, good friend of mine. I've watched this team probably more than anyone I have in the country,” said Rice.
“When our names flashed up together, I was like, well, at least I've seen these guys a lot. And they're terrific. They've got three guys that are on the NBA draft board. So we know our work's cut out for us.”
You know there’s a comfort level between the coaches when Tad can just casually stroll into Leon’s locker room.
“What’s up, Taddy?”
That was redshirt freshman, Kade Rice. Like his older brother Max, Boyle has been a part of their lives for for as long as they can remember.
“It will be interesting competing against someone we grew up with and I really look up to as a coach. But it will also be just fun to go out there and compete. I think a lot of people are looking forward to this game. I think when I look back at this, it will be even cooler to look back at after. But right now I'm focused on like what's going on with my team and how we're going to win this game. I think both teams are set for a great game. And I think we match up really well with each other,” said senior, Max Rice.
The winner will head to Indianapolis to face 7th-seeded Florida in the Round of 64. It’s safe to say no matter who prevails tonight, both coaches can count on one another moving forward.
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