The last time Howard University stepped onto the NCAA Tournament stage, the Bison made history in a First Four win over UMBC.
On Thursday, Howard will try to accomplish the almost unthinkable: become only the third No. 16 seed to take down a No. 1 when they matchup against Michigan in Buffalo, New York.
Head coach Kenny Blakeney made it clear that his players don’t need history lessons on Cinderella stories. While forward Bryce Harris mentioned UMBC’s stunning win over Virginia and guard Ose Okojie cited Saint Peter’s unexpected run as a 15-seed, their coach said his focus has been squarely on the next 40 minutes.
“Honestly, I woke up this morning and immediately started watching Michigan,” Blakeney told the media on Wednesday. “Our guys came in for breakfast, we rode over here, and we haven’t even had the chance to sit down and talk about any of those upsets. The big thing is that we have to trust our work, and we have to be us.”
For Howard, “us” means leaning on connection and confidence more than hype. Blakeney — who learned from Blue Devils legend Mike Krzyzewski as a Duke player — reminded his players that March Madness doesn’t just reward talent, it rewards teams that play with “spirit, joy, and passion.”
“There’s a magic that March has,” he said. “If you’re connected and play with that energy, you put yourself in a position to experience it.”
Howard does not fear the Big Ten goliath
Harris, a senior who has been through all the college basketball wars, said experience and composure will be key.
“We talk about the lights kind of being a distraction,” Harris said. “Yeah, it’s the NCAA Tournament, but it’s still basketball. You embrace it, you understand you’re prepared for the moment.”
Okojie echoed that sentiment, grounding his mindset in faith and team unity.
View this post on Instagram
“Fear isn’t from the Lord,” Okojie said. “I go out there with my whole heart, knowing I have 15 brothers who’ve got my back.”
Cedric Taylor III added that the Bison have made a point to appreciate the moment, regardless of the magnitude.
“Coach has been preaching staying in the present,” Taylor said. “A lot of people don’t get to do this. We are the minority. So we take it in — but we also play to our standard.”
Kenny Blakeney has already “scouted” Michigan
Blakeney has seen Michigan up close, attending their game against Duke earlier this season in D.C.
“I went as a fan that night — couple cigars, couple tequilas — just enjoying the game like a Cameron Crazy,” he said with a smile. “But I remember thinking how big and fast they were. They’re extremely well-coached and their length can really bother teams. For us, it’s going to be a challenge, but I think we’ll have fun figuring out the puzzle.”
Howard’s puzzle isn’t about pulling off someone else’s miracle. It’s about writing their own story — with a mix of belief, preparation, and that elusive March spirit Blakeney keeps talking about.
