March Madness 2023 is just around the corner, and the excitement is building up among basketball fans nationwide. This annual event is one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events in the United States, and for a good reason. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, is a month-long spectacle that features the best college basketball teams competing for the national championship. It’s a time when fans and players alike come together to celebrate the sport, and it’s also a time when some of the most memorable quotes are made.
March Madness Quotes History
Quotes have a way of capturing the essence of a moment, and the history of March Madness is no exception. From legendary coaches to star players, some genuinely unforgettable quotes have been uttered during this tournament over the years.
Here are some of the most memorable March Madness quotes to inspire and motivate basketball fans as we gear up for March Madness 2023:
- “Survive and advance.” – Jim Valvano
This quote is perhaps the most famous March Madness quote of all time. Jim Valvano uttered it, the head coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack after his team won the 1983 NCAA Championship. Valvano’s words capture the essence of the tournament: teams must win to advance, and every game is a battle for survival.
- “The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” – Coach K
Mike Krzyzewski, also known as Coach K, is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history. This quote from Coach K speaks to the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success, not only in basketball but in all aspects of life.
- “I’ve never been a fan of the word ‘pressure.’ The pressure is what you make of it.” – Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan, the former head coach of the Florida Gators, knows a thing or two about pressure. His teams won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007. This quote from Donovan reminds us that anxiety is subjective and that we can choose how we respond to it.
- “The road to the Final Four is one of the most exciting and challenging journeys in sports.” – Jim Nantz
Jim Nantz is the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports’ coverage of the NCAA Tournament. His words remind us that the journey to the Final Four is as important as the destination. The ups and downs of the tournament are what makes it so exciting, and every team must face challenges along the way.
- “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” – Mark Twain
This quote from the famous author Mark Twain applies not only to basketball but to life in general. It reminds us that success is not determined by physical size or strength, but rather by the determination and grit that one brings to the game.
- “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I’m not going to try to win.” – John Calipari
John Calipari is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, and he’s known for his competitive spirit. This quote was made during a press conference before a game in the 2015 tournament, and it perfectly captures Calipari’s mindset.
- “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” – Jim McKay
This quote by Jim McKay may not be specific to March Madness, but it certainly captures the essence of the tournament. For every team that wins a game, there’s another team that suffers a heartbreaking defeat. March Madness is a rollercoaster of emotions, and this quote sums it up perfectly.
- “I don’t believe in Cinderella. I believe in the guys who go out and work their tails off” – Jim Boeheim
Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim shared this sentiment in a press conference after his team’s improbable run to the Final Four in 2016. The Orange, as a 10-seed, defeated three higher-seeded teams in the tournament before falling to North Carolina in the national semi finals.
- “March Madness is just that – madness. It’s unpredictable. You just never know what’s going to happen” – Dick Vitale
ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale is a fixture of the NCAA tournament broadcasts, and this quote perfectly sums up the unpredictability and excitement that comes with March Madness.
- “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey” – Jay Wright
Villanova head coach Jay Wright spoke these words after his team won the national championship in 2016. While reaching the pinnacle of college basketball was undoubtedly an incredible achievement, Wright emphasized the importance of enjoying the entire journey along the way.
- “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life” – Daniel Cormier
Although not specifically about basketball, this quote from former UFC champion Daniel Cormier can certainly apply to the ups and downs of the tournament. Teams must navigate a difficult path to reach the Final Four, but the reward of playing for a national championship makes it all worth it.
- “You can’t win unless you learn how to lose” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, spoke these words about the importance of overcoming adversity in sports. Teams that can bounce back from tough losses and use them as motivation can often find success in the tournament.
- “The road to success is always under construction” – Lily Tomlin
Actress and comedian Lily Tomlin may not be a basketball expert, but her quote about the constant process of improvement and growth can certainly apply to the tournament. Even the best teams must continue to work hard and refine their skills in order to succeed.
- “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle” – Christian D. Larson
This quote from writer Christian D. Larson emphasizes the importance of confidence and self-belief in overcoming challenges. Teams that have faith in their abilities and stay focused on their goals can often surprise in the tournament.
- “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today” – Will Rogers
The tournament is a high-pressure environment, and teams must be able to put past mistakes and setbacks behind them quickly. This quote from American actor and comedian Will Rogers emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the present and looking forward.