UCLA head coach Mick Cronin ripped into conference tournament games in a press conference Sunday, describing them as “glorified reality TV.”
Cronin, whose UCLA team was eliminated in their first game of the Big Ten tournament — a quarterfinal matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers — is choosing to focus on the big one: March Madness instead.
Mick Cronin Calls Conference Tournament Games ‘Glorified Reality TV,’ Focused on March Madness
The extra break time between games is crucial for Cronin’s UCLA Bruins, who have had a brutal travel schedule as the team transitions into the Big Ten for the first time.
“I thought we were in a really good place to end the season,” Cronin said. “Then we played the Boston Celtics the other day, who were 7-39 from three today. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
“It’s just a good example for us to learn that you’ve got to come out tight on the gameplan and in adherence to the game plan. You can’t let another team get started to their strengths because you start a snowball rolling downhill, and it picks up steam.”
The Badgers shot 19-32 from beyond the arc against the Bruins before running into troubles beyond the arc against Michigan in the Big Ten tournament final. The loss sent the Bruins home two days earlier than they had hoped.
“We’re healthy,” Cronin said. “I think that’s the biggest key. We have three practices before we play Thursday, but we’re healthy. I do think it helps that we got home and we didn’t play today or Saturday.
“I think if you’ve learned anything from this stuff, the conference tournament, other than the automatic bids and maybe some bubble games, they don’t matter. They’re glorified reality TV for money.”
Cronin has often been critical of conference tournaments, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of the NCAA tournament instead.
“I’m not a big believer in conference tournaments,” Cronin said in a March 8 presser. “My concern is get better and try to get to March healthy and fresh. So, the cumulative effect of the travel is what concerns me.
KEEP READING: March Madness Best Bets: First Round Betting Card
“So, we’ve tried to handle it in a way. It’s why we took two days off this week. We’re gonna take the next two days off. We’ve got to make sure these guys are fresh when the Big Dance starts.
“Because around here, man, they ain’t gonna hang no banner if we win the Big Ten Tournament. Do you think they’re gonna hang a banner if we win the Big Ten Tournament? A little small one in our practice gym. It ain’t going in Pauley [Pavilion]. You don’t win the national championship around here, they don’t hang the banner out there.”
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
