Sophie Cunningham Shares Key Insight on March Madness Success

And this wasn’t really a “flex”. The Indiana Fever star emphasised that someone “would think that it would be cool to go to a new state, new city, new region”, but that’s hardly the case. In a tough, physical program like the SEC, “the only thing that really helps is when you’ve been there.”

It’s the experience that decides whether a player can outcue the opponent’s IQ, match their physicality, and put up a strong game. Moreover, Soph had also shared some insights on how the game is actually won.

How Is March Madness Truly Won?

In any team sport, momentum and coordination are as important as game IQ. But the IQ alone doesn’t build the coordination; it’s the trust in your peer and the ability to jell in together. And noting that, Cunningham shared her thoughts.

“The film sessions and the shootarounds are important, but it’s when 2-3 players are gathered in their room, not even talking about basketball”, she explained. “And someone cracks a joke, and the whole mood shifts. You walk onto the court the next day loose, connected, trusting each other.”

As a single-elimination game, March Madness brings out the best in players. As per Wilson, “that pressure either breaks you or reveals something in you.” And games are won when trust bridges the players, not when one steps on the hardwood.

“You kind of get to see every team’s bread and butter’ and it is the reason why Cunningham loves it, where experience and trust meet to bring out some of the most magical performances.