“Kids Out There in Sleeping Bags”: As March Madness Becomes Official, Paul Pierce Reminisces Dominant Home Record With Alma Mater

Even ex-NBA stars can’t seem to contain their excitement around March Madness. As the bracket was finally confirmed, ex-NBA players have started revisited their memories of college basketball. This time it was Paul Pierce who recollected his days with the Kansas Jayhawks during an episode of ‘The Truth Lounge’ podcast.

Pierce played 3 seasons of college basketball with the Jayhawks. Decades later, he recalled reaching Allen Fieldhouse ahead of his first game. “I’m going to practice. It’s kids out there in sleeping bags. It’s kids out there with tents. And I’m like, damn, the game ain’t till Friday. It’s Monday,” Pierce expressed. He knows very well the effect that home court advantage can bring. After all, ‘The Truth’ had an unbeaten home record during his time with the University of Kansas.

Stating his excitement about the upcoming March Madness tournament, he also recollected the Kansas Jayhawks’ chant “Rock, Chalk, Jayhawks. KU” and how the players used to go crazy with the energy. During the 90s it led the Jayhawks to a school record of 60 consecutive home wins across 4 seasons. The memories associated with Kansas Jayhawks are enough to indicate that Paul Pierce will surely be rooting for his former team. It is worth mentioning that Jayhawks will be among the 68 teams participating in the March Madness this year.

A closer look into what lies ahead for Kansas Jayhawks at the March Madness

The Jayhawks are at the number 4 seed and will face number 13 seed Samford Bulldogs at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, March 21. Kansas will need to defeat the Bulldogs in order to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. However, Samford has seems be stronger when it comes to their respective conferences. While the Bulldogs stand at the top of the Southern Conference standings, Kansas is at no. 6 in the Big 12 Conference standings.

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Even in the terms of team stats, Bulldogs have an edge over the Jayhawks. Bulldogs, as a team, have averaged 86.0 points per game, along with 17.5 assists and 32.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Jayhawks have averaged 75.3 points per game, along with 18.8 assists and 32.7 rebounds per game. Notably, the Jayhawks have slightly higher assists and rebounds per game.

All-in-all, even though Bulldogs have a statistical advantage, Jayhawks still have a fair chance at the game. Who do you think is most likely to emerge victorious in their face off on March 21? Let us know your favorite to win in the comments.

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