A Q&A with a Die-Hard PC Basketball Fan: The Tale of Ms. DeAngelis
It would not be right if I went without ever getting to interview a PC basketball fan, right? Luckily, I got the chance to talk to a die-hard Friars fan who can give everyone insight and perspective into what it is like to be a fan of that "other team" in Rhode Island.
Q: How did you originally become a PC fan?
A: My dad grew up a PC fan so I guess it runs in the family. When I was younger, we had season tickets and I like going but I was too young to really understand what was going on. Then, my dad stopped getting them because we just didn't have time to go anymore because of after-school sports. My sophomore year of high school is when I started to get interested again so my dad got us season tickets again. Now, college basketball especially PC is the only thing I watch!
Q: Favorite PC player (past and/or present)?
A: My favorite past player would either be Bryce Cotton, LaDontae Henton, or Kris Dunn. My favorite present player, that's a tough one. I'd say Kyron Cartwright but I'm also a big fan of Alpha Diallo and Jalen Lindsey.
Q: How did you enjoy going to PC home games this season in particular?
A: I love the atmosphere of the Dunkin Donuts Center during PC games. There's a lot of spirit, hype, and it's an exciting time. Home games are definitely a fun time.
Q: How did you enjoy going to see PC play against St. John's at Madison Square Garden?
A: The St John's game at MSG was definitely a fun trip. MSG is very different venue from the Dunk. The size is a little overwhelming because it's so big and different but when it comes down to it, you're not there for the arena. You're there to support your team, and I was really proud of PC's performance against them.
Q: Do you miss Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil?
A: Of course. Any true PC fan would miss them. They were a big part of the team but I am very impressed with the performance of everyone this season despite not having them. Kyron, Rodney, and Jalen really stepped as leaders this season.
Q: Considering no one expected PC to do as well as they have done this season, did you expect PC to do as well as they have and make it into the field of 68?
A: At the beginning of the season, everyone kept telling me that they weren't going to do much this year and that they were not playing great. Yes, they had a rough start but if there's one thing PC is known for [it] is their perseverance and determination. So I never doubted them because in the end I had a really good feeling they would succeed.
Q: What was your initial reaction to PC's seed and having to go to the First Four in Dayton, Ohio?
A: I was really proud of them. They overcame a lot and worked so hard this year and to make it as far as they did is quite the accomplishment. I'm trying not to complain, but I don't think they should have a play-in game especially when Marquette was seeded higher than them and they have a worse record and RPI. But I'm happy no matter what happens.
Q: Are there any teams that you think PC should have been seeded higher than?
A: I was really proud of them. They overcame a lot and worked so hard this year and to make it as far as they did is quite the accomplishment. I'm trying not to complain, but I don't think they should have a play-in game especially when Marquette was seeded higher than them and they have a worse record and RPI. But I'm happy no matter what happens.
Q: Are you happy that PC gets a rematch with USC again?
A: It's a game. You play who you have to play. I'm just happy they made the tournament. Yes, it's the same school from last year (USC) but they are playing with two different teams than before. I think it will be a very good game to watch, and I'm excited.
Q: How far do you think that PC can go in the 2017 NCAA tournament? You can give a realistic and delusional response, if you wish.
A: I say this every year and I truly believe that any team can win the tournament. Every team earned their spot and I truly believe it's up to them how far they want to go. If they want it bad enough they will play their hardest and leave it all out on the floor. I have always had a lot of faith in PC and both "realistically and delusionally" believe they can make it all the way. It really depends on how bad they want it.
Q: What is Kyron Cartwright's phone number?
A: Not applicable
"Go Friars!! You're number one fan is always watching!! 😉🎉" - Ms. DeAngelis
My commentary on her answers: First off, I tend to agree with her thought that PC has to go play in the first four even though they won the head-to-head matchup over Marquette. Oh well. Next, I would not be too excited if I was a PC fan right now. To begin, they have to play in Dayton against a USC team that has revenge on their mind and the Trojans played well against the Pac 12's finest. I will not predict a winner here but if it took a last-second shot by Rodney Bullock to win last year, while having Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil on the team; that will be hard to replicate this year. In the case that they beat USC on Wednesday night, PC will then have to play against the best team in the American Athletic Conference, the SMU Mustangs. If the Friars can somehow beat USC and SMU, then their reward is playing Baylor and Duke. Good luck. Also, I find it a bit interesting that she did not reveal PC's star guard, Kyron Cartwright's phone number, considering ... never mind. Let's keep it professional. Finally, I think her answers were well-written because I did not have to edit them too much but that "You're number one fan is always watching" does not have the right use of your/you're. I hope all PC fans know the difference between "your" and "you're".
There's still something about the Providence College mascot that stirs me in a strange direction. I mean, look at him.
