Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL on CBS color commentator Tony Romo recently addressed the Duke men’s college basketball team following their stunning upset victory over No. 1-seeded Houston in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
Romo, who excelled as a basketball player at Burlington High School in Burlington, Wisconsin, alongside his football career, shared his Duke fandom with the players. He humorously reminisced about his basketball exploits, jokingly claiming to have taught head coach Jon Scheyer how to play the game when the current players were in diapers.
In his address, Romo lauded the team’s defensive tenacity, expressing confidence that they would continue their winning streak into the Elite Eight matchup against No. 11 NC State. He emphasized the importance of maintaining their high level of intensity to secure victory.
S/O @tonyromo 👿 pic.twitter.com/z0p2G1iRb2
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 30, 2024
The Blue Devils had entered the NCAA tournament after a somewhat disappointing end to their regular season, including losses to North Carolina and NC State in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. However, they found their stride in the postseason, defeating Vermont and James Madison convincingly before toppling Houston in a hard-fought contest.
The Sweet 16 clash was marked by defensive prowess on both sides, with neither team able to establish a dominant offensive rhythm. Despite Houston losing guard Jamal Shead to a sprained ankle, Duke’s superiority beyond the arc proved decisive, with their six three-pointers significantly outscoring Houston’s two.
Center Kyle Filipowski emerged as a key performer for Duke, leading all scorers with 16 points and contributing crucial rebounds. Shead’s injury undoubtedly hampered Houston’s efforts, but even before that, he struggled against Duke’s stout defense.
Looking ahead, Duke faces NC State, a team riding high on momentum after their unexpected ACC tournament triumph. Despite being the favored team, Duke recognizes the challenge posed by NC State’s recent success.
Nevertheless, Romo’s encouragement underscores Duke’s potential, particularly in their defensive capabilities. If they maintain their elite defensive standards, the Blue Devils stand poised to continue their impressive tournament run.
