Welcome to the jungle.
Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton is coming into March Madness like a lion and desires his Pride to pounce on a storied program within the coming days.
“I’m hoping that we could get somebody like a North Carolina — somebody that has a lot of history,” the previous NBA champ with the Spurs informed The Post.
“We’re not going there just to be happy we’re there … we’re trying to win,” the previous Hofstra participant added.
It’s not unreasonable for Claxton to say the 24-10 Long Island college is not any charity case and as a substitute a workforce demanding respect.
The apex predators put a dent within the ACC this season on their means to a hard-fought CAA championship — scratching the Pittsburgh Panthers 80-73 and pulping the Syracuse Orange 70-69.
“We’re going to be a force to be reckoned with,” Claxton mentioned.
“They lace their shoes up just like we do. They get dressed just like we do. It’s a normal opponent. It’s nothing that we haven’t seen before.”
Lion’s story
Hofstra’s zenith has been a very long time coming: 25 years, a worldwide catastrophe, and three convention finals heartbreaks — two of which Claxton was an assistant coach for beneath Joe Mihalich — to be actual.
The duo lastly had the correct stuff in 2020 and got here out swinging with an 88-78 upset over UCLA, adopted by a CAA title win over Northeastern 70-61 — a revenge sport after falling to the Huskies 82-74 within the last prior.
Their one shining second was clouded by COVID-19, which canceled March Madness 2020 earlier than Hofstra might even take pleasure in Selection Sunday.
“Damn. Every time, it was something,” lamented Claxton, who went dancing as a senior for Hofstra beneath Jay Wright in 2000.
The circumstances had been related in his personal school days, minus a worldwide pandemic, after all.
“Year after year, we kept falling short, and then we just pushed through. It was very special for that team.”
Claxton took over this system in 2021 for his good pal and mentor — he mentioned Mihalich taught him “everything” from operating apply to managing gamers and employees — and had the Pride roar into a brand new day.
The workforce obtained a style of broader consideration by upsetting Rutgers in an additional time barnburner to take Round 1 of the 2023 NIT, 88-86, which was Claxton’s teaching pinnacle.
Before beating Monmouth 75-69 to clinch the match berth final week, that’s.
“I really couldn’t believe that we did what we just did,” mentioned Claxton, who broke into tears on the last buzzer.
“It’s been a long journey.”
Prideful second
Now Claxton needs the world to give his gamers their long-overdue highlight.
“We should receive a standing ovation, because that’s what’s deserved,” mentioned Claxton, who was given a hero’s welcome at one in every of his favourite eating places, Robke’s of Northport, on Thursday.
“It is earned … and now we get some national recognition.”
What means probably the most to Claxton is that his group, God prepared, will lastly expertise the pomp and circumstance that comes with breaking via all obstacles to March Madness.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of them,” mentioned the coach, who continues to be holding his breath till an official tip-off.
“I want these kids to get the full experience, get to watch Selection Sunday, see their name get called, go to the site and have practice, and actually get to play.”
The greatest issue going into the NCAA Tournament is all about managing the “jitters” of the larger-than-life alternative, in accordance to Claxton.
He’s obtained no issues for Hofstra’s cool cats like CAA freshman of the 12 months Preston Edmead, who sank a near-buzzer-beater in additional time in opposition to Towson within the 68-65 semifinals.
“Knowing my guys, they’re gonna be ready for the moment,” Claxton mentioned.
“I’m happy to be able to share that experience with them.”
