US EditionNCAA Newcomer Queens Plans to Bring 'Street Dog' Mentality Against No. 2 Seed Purdue
Queens University uses Buddy the Street Dog figurine to inspire grit and hustle as 300 fans support the Royals in their NCAA Tournament debut as 25.5-point underdogs.
- As the Royals prepared for the opener, Coach Grant Leonard said they will bring Buddy the Street Dog to St. Louis for the NCAA game against Purdue.
- Originating last summer, Grant Leonard said the idea began after overhearing players calling themselves dogs, then buying Buddy and giving him a social media presence.
- Described as the team's spirit animal, Buddy is a 2-foot ceramic golden shepherd that Leonard says is meant to calm nerves and encourage hustle plays.
- As a 25 1/2-point underdog, Queens reached the Big Dance last week after defeating Central Arkansas 98-93, and will fly on a private jet with about 300 fans expected at their team hotel.
- Most Royals lack NCAA-stage minutes, and Grant Leonard expects nerves facing Purdue while planning to remind players about Buddy and focus on hustle over hero shots.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Kalshi traders are backing Purdue to win big over Queens University for Friday’s First Round showdown
The No. 2-seed Purdue Boilermakers tip off their tournament run with a showdown against No. 15-seed Queens. Fresh off of winning the Big Ten Conference Tournament, the Boilermakers will hope to keep their momentum going, while the Royals have other ideas.
Associated Press News
NCAA newcomer Queens plans to bring 'street dog' mentality against No. 2 seed Purdue
Queens University takes its “street dog” mindset to the NCAA Tournament, and it even brings a ceramic mascot named Buddy. Coach Grant Leonard and his players fly to St.
Queens Head Coach Grant Leonard Talks Historic NCAA Bid, Purdue Matchup, and Team Spirit
Source: Queens Head Coach Grant Leonard Talks Historic NCAA Bid, Purdue Matchup, and Team Spirit Queens head coach Grant Leonard recently joined The Fan Morning Show in Indianapolis to discuss his team’s historic NCAA tournament appearance, their journey to Division I, and their upcoming matchup against Purdue. Leonard reflected on the significance of Queens’ first year of tournament eligibility, calling it a proud moment for the program, player…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
