‘It’s an Advantage’ Says Boise’s Leon Rice Ahead of March Madness

On the heels of a loud fanbase that has had almost nothing but complaints about Boise State's placement in March Madness--head coach Leon Rice is offering a fresh take.

Selection Sunday just took place this past Sunday and when the seeds, rankings, and placements were revealed to the nation for what will be the 2024 March Madness bracket--many in Boise weren't happy.

Boise State has had a pretty solid year on the basketball court. Coached by former assistant at Gonzaga University, Leon Rice has built a program that competes in the Mountain West and beyond--knocking off ranked opponents both on the road and at home this year.

Why were Boise State fans so grumpy online? They thought that the Boise State team deserved to be 'seeded' and placed in a better location.

What many fans seemed to forget was that the program is, for the first time ever, making its third consecutive appearance in the tournament and no matter what: they're dancing.

In a press conference earlier today, head coach Leon Rice offered a hot take.

Rice said that while he hans't been to the tournament every year since coming to Boise--he's been to a total of SIXTEEN and has never seen a bad team--nothing that if you've made it to the 'big dance'--you're simply one of the best.

This year, that includes Boise State.

Rice also noted that being one of the first four to play is actually an advantage. He said that while nobody wants to be the first four to play, going into the round of 68 with a game fresh under your belt is indeed an advantage that offers a lot of momentum.

"Seed doesn't matter, location doesn't matter, brackets don't matter, because you've got to find a way to win" he closed.

Watch the full presser, below: