Rams Continue to Raise the Bar

Just because many believed it was impossible doesn't mean it wouldn't happen.

Starting the season, Colorado State was projected seventh in the Mountain West. Now – continuing its postseason run – the Rams have swept three of the teams initially ranked above them.

"To go to the NCAA tournament three of the last four years, and making the NIT semifinals the year before, shows a real consistency," coach Niko Medved said. "It's raising the bar of our program and that's what you want to do when you come here. And so, I think people look at our program different than they did seven years ago."

Against all odds, their success carries them further, with their 10-game win streak and grit propelling them all the way to The Big Dance.

As a sophomore transfer, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson has never made his way there but knows going in on a streak has its benefits.

"I like coming into the tournament on a win streak," Crocker-Johnson said. "Any win streak is the best way to go. We already have the confidence going. All our guys have energy and positive vibes going into the tournament. And we know we can put in the work."

Putting in the work will take them to Seattle where they will play Memphis on Friday.

The fifth-seeded team is a formidable opponent, boasting a 29-5 record and its own eight-game win streak. Players like PJ Haggerty pose a challenge for the Rams' defense, but playing tough teams is what they've signed up for.

"(The team) does a great job of knowing that all the teams are going to be really hard," Medved said. "They're playing a really great team that is well-coached, that's why they're in the NCAA tournament. Our guys know that it's going to be a really hard game, but we have the confidence to do what we're supposed to do."

Confidence in what's been working so far is the Rams' key to success. Their strategy has taken them this far, and they know straying from it could risk their momentum. They continue to approach each game with the same mindset: every contest is its own obstacle.

For graduate student Bowen Born, who is experiencing his first NCAA tournament at the tail end of his career, the experience is both a long-awaited milestone and an opportunity to embrace the madness of March.

"The tournament itself, you're kind of running on fumes and adrenaline," Born said. "It's exciting to experience that. I had never played in a championship game up until last week, so to win that, I'm super grateful. Then, to be able to go through Selection Sunday, now in the anticipation of playing in the tournament. It's such a dream come true."

The dream is powered by adrenaline, anticipation and an unwavering drive to continue pushing forward.

For Medved, the rush is part of the equation. The nerves, the excitement, the butterflies – they're all part of what makes this journey so special.

"You have butterflies, and the butterflies are good," Medved said. "And I think it's a combination of two things. I really want the guys to have fun, enjoy the moment and soak it in while also understanding that it's still a basketball game. It's the next game. And, once the ball is tipped, you have to do the same things within a game just like in the Mountain West tournament or on the road, even at home. It's threading the needle between both of those things."

Many mark the turning point for this team in December.

A holiday break before truly diving deep into conference play bolstering the team toward the cohesive unit they are now.

But looking back, Born believes the team's growth can't be pinned to a single moment. Instead, it's been a series of experiences – both wins and losses – which have shaped them into the tournament-ready team they are right now.

"I don't think there was necessarily one specific moment," Born said. "I think there were a lot of moments that all cultivated and added up together. I knew we were really improving and getting better each game, whether it was a win or a loss. We lost some games in there that helped provide us with some value where we learned what you can't do in games. I think winning is part of it, but we've just been focused on playing our best basketball each and every game."

It's adversity.

Because knowing what it's like to lose makes the win even sweeter. And the mentality is shared across the roster.

"I'll continue to use my voice" Crocker-Johnson said. "I feel like I make a big impact on this team. Keeping guys' heads up when stuff is not going right. Fighting through adversity and helping the team at tough times."

With their eyes set on the Emerald City, CSU continues to embrace the highs and lows of their journey.

The hard times have made the triumphs all the more meaningful, and Medved couldn't be prouder of how far it's gone.

"No matter what happens, this has been one of the most rewarding years I've ever had in coaching," Medved said. "I want them to keep going but they don't have to prove anything to anybody. It's been so incredibly rewarding to watch this team grow, connect and have fun. I'm so proud of the success they already have but I believe we're not done."

They know the road ahead is tough, but that's what makes it worth it.

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