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Jayson Tatum talks Duke’s chances of winning March Madness
“It's a brotherhood.”
More in the NCAA Tournament
On Wednesday, Jayson Tatum joined former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on their podcast “New Heights,” where the trio discussed March Madness and Tatum’s own college experience.
Jason Kelce asked Tatum if he filled out a bracket, to which Tatum replied, “Yeah, it was pretty easy for me,” implying his selection that Duke, his alma mater, will win the tournament.
The power forward played for the Blue Devils during the 2016-17 season before being selected third overall by the Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft.
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Tatum said that he has the same bracket every year but “this is the best I’ve felt about my bracket in a very, very long time.”
Part of this confidence is due to Duke’s star Cooper Flagg. Flagg was a member at Tatum’s “J.T. Elite Camp” and played against him a little bit in Team USA practices.
Tatum praised Flagg, saying his first impression of the freshman forward was his toughness.
“Just how hard he played, how he competed,” said Tatum. “You know, in high school it’s rare to see a guy that wants to guard the other best player, trying to block every shot, rebounding, and he just plays the right way. He has a great feel for the game. He knows how to set a screen, he knows when to cut, he likes to get his teammates involved and you know it’s been on full display all season, and a big reason why you know they have a chance to win a championship.”
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Tatum emphasized the community within the basketball program at Duke, citing his love for the team and each player within it.
“It’s a brotherhood…everybody who ever played for the program, whether they’re 10 years older than me or 10 years younger, whenever we see each other, it’s always love. I always go back and work out with the team and play pickup with them and stuff like that because that’s what happened when I was there. Jabari Parker came back, Jalil Okafor, all these guys, so it’s just a part of the program. It’s the pride that comes with it and you just want to help push it forward. I’m always rooting for them and you know I hope they cut the nets down this year.”
Jason Kelce added, “Not only is it a brotherhood, it is also a sisterhood,” referencing Tatum’s donation of shoes to the women’s and men’s teams.
Tatum talked about his relation to the school’s women’s team head coach, Kara Lawson, who used to be an assistant coach for the Celtics during Tatum’s third year on the team.
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“Unbelievable person, unbelievable coach. Love her to death. So anytime that I can support them and help that program out, I try.”
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