For the first time since 2011, both Georgia's men's and women's basketball teams are stepping onto the big stage of March Madness. It's a thrilling moment for fans and players alike, as the Bulldogs aim to make their mark in the NCAA tournament.
Marcus Millender, a junior guard for the men's team, is gearing up for his first taste of the madness. After transferring from South Alabama and Texas San Antonio, Millender is ready to dive into the action as Georgia, a No. 8 seed, faces off against No. 9 seed Saint Louis in Buffalo, N.Y. "It's a real moment," Millender shared, capturing the excitement of finally reaching this pinnacle.
The women's team, led by sophomore forward Mia Woolfolk, is equally eager to shine. Averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, Woolfolk has been dreaming of this opportunity.
The Lady Bulldogs, ranked No. 24 and seeded seventh, are set to play either Virginia or Arizona State in Iowa City. "It's every kid's dream," Woolfolk expressed, highlighting the significance of this achievement after missing the tournament the past two seasons.
Dani Carnegie, the team's leading scorer at 18.1 points per game, is no stranger to the tournament. After a freshman year at Georgia Tech, Carnegie is determined to make a deeper run this time.
"Last year wasn't great because we were one and done," she reflected. But with a bright future ahead, Carnegie and her teammates are poised for success.
The Georgia men's program is making its 12th NCAA tournament appearance, while the women are returning for the 37th time, a testament to their storied history. The Lady Bulldogs have a familiar path, starting their third straight tournament in Iowa. With past experiences in Ames and Iowa City, they're aiming to advance further this year.
Coach ABE, hailing from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, knows the territory well. Despite the personal connections, her focus remains on the task at hand. "Every trip is a business trip," she emphasized, underscoring her commitment to the team's success.
The men's team, led by head coach Mike White, is riding high after setting a program record with 22 regular-season wins. With the fifth-ranked scoring offense in the nation, they're ready to take on the challenge. "We're playing a dangerous team, and we're pretty dangerous ourselves," White said, capturing the competitive spirit of his squad.
Sophomore guard Jeremiah Wilkinson leads the charge with 17.0 points per game and a knack for steals, while junior guard Blue Cain contributes across the board with points, rebounds, and assists. In the paint, sophomore center Somtochukwu Cyril is a defensive force with 74 blocks this season.
Both teams have proven their mettle with impressive wins over top-ranked opponents. The men's victories over Arkansas and Alabama, along with the women's triumphs against Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt, showcase their readiness for the tournament's challenges.
As Woolfolk put it, "The SEC is the hardest conference in the country," and this experience gives Georgia the confidence to compete with the best. Both teams are ready to dance, and the stage is set for an exciting journey in March Madness.