Troy head coach Scott Cross made waves ahead of his team’s NCAA Tournament matchup against Kentucky, reflecting on his previous experiences with Big Blue Nation and earning national attention for his comments about Waffle House. As Troy prepares for its first tournament appearance under his leadership, Cross is focused on toughness and offensive rebounding as the keys to competing against the Wildcats.
Respect for Kentucky, But No Fear
Speaking in a press conference before Troy’s open practice at Fiserv Forum, Cross acknowledged Kentucky’s offensive firepower.
“They’re one of the best offensive teams in the country,”Cross said. “The way they pass and shoot the ball makes them very difficult to defend. We’re going to be as aggressive as we can and take some things away, but it won’t be easy.”
Despite Kentucky’s recent early tournament exits, Cross didn’t dwell on the Wildcats’ past struggles. Instead, he showed his team highlights of 14-seed upsets from the past decade, including last year’s Kentucky-Oakland game, as motivation.
“It doesn’t happen a lot—maybe 13 percent of the time—but knowing that it can be done gives our guys confidence,” he said. “We believe in ourselves.”
Troy’s Strategy: Grit and Offensive Rebounding
Kentucky’s size presents a significant challenge for Troy, but Cross believes his team’s grit and rebounding fundamentals will be their equalizer. He pointed out that Troy ranks among the top teams in the nation in offensive rebounding, despite not having towering post players.
“The only way to do that is by being tough,”Cross explained. “We’re not the biggest, but we’re physical, gritty, and relentless on the boards.”
A major part of that toughness comes from Cross’s grueling preseason boot camp, which includes early-morning defensive drills without a basketball for up to 90 minutes. He believes that experience has hardened his players mentally and physically for high-pressure games like this one.
“Our guys are mentally trained,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to get rattled, no matter what the circumstances are.”
A Gritty Underdog Ready for the Challenge
Troy enters the matchup as the underdog , but Cross is embracing the moment. He knows the Wildcats have the talent and history, but his team has the heart and toughness to make things interesting.
“This is what you dream about,” he said. “Our guys are ready for the challenge.”
With determination and a strong rebounding game, the Trojans hope to shock the tournament and prove they belong on this stage.
