Big Red and the Media

Head coach Steve Donahue leads the Big Red in an open practice at Taco Bell Arena, March 19.

Ryan Wittman fields questions during Cornell's press conference.

Louis Dale laughs with teammates just before entering a press conference at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, March 19.

Media hoopla no match for a determined Big Red

BOISE, Idaho -- During NCAA tournament time, the day before game day can be as mad a rush as the game itself.

On Thursday, the 14th-seeded Cornell men's basketball team enjoyed the spotlight of television crews, microphones and bright lights in their faces. They patiently answered questions on Ivy League academic standards, the Cornell gear-touting character Andy on "The Office" and -- oh yes -- how they can possibly match up with the University of Missouri.

"I don't think we go into the game worrying we are the underdog," said starting forward Ryan Wittman during the team's official press conference. "We just have to go out there and execute our style of play."

Execute they must, if they hope to compete against No. 3 seed Missouri. "The fastest 40 minutes in basketball is Mizzou," boasts the Big 12 Conference champions' media guide. Their up-tempo pace is a signature of coach Mike Anderson -- who once tried to recruit Louis Dale, Cornell's starting guard.

But the Big Red men aren't letting the hype around Missouri, nor the public spectacle of the Round of 64, detract from their determination. It certainly helps that this is their second NCAA tournament appearance in as many years. Most of the starters played last year in Anaheim, Calif., where they lost to Stanford University, 77-53.

The memory of that game is a motivating factor this year, said head coach Steve Donahue.

"We were very disappointed in our performance," Donahue said. "I think for our team's sake and our fans' sake and our alumni's sake and our league's sake, we want to prove that there is good basketball in the Ivy League level."

To get them ready for Missouri's full-court press, Donahue has been running drills with a sixth man on the floor. The only way to simulate Missouri's agility and length, Donahue said, is "to add bodies."

Questions at the press conference deviated some from basketball. There was the usual fascination with athletes who also excel in the classroom. A questioner recounted how one Missouri freshman put it -- that in four years, the Missouri players would probably be working for the Cornell athletes.

"Coming from an Ivy League school, we have the label of being nerdy kids or smart kids," Dale said. "I'm sure lots of people think that or say those types of things."

In between public appearances and practices, the Big Red managed to squeeze in some down time, including a visit to Boise State University's famous blue football field.

They capped the day with a practice at Timberline High School.