Rams open NCAA Tournament against Memphis in Seattle

The spot was already won, now it's time to plan accordingly.

In a scene mirrored across the country, Colorado State men's basketball gathered for Selection Sunday, surrounded by friends, family, and fans. But unlike last year, there was no anxious tension lingering in the air.

With their automatic bid from winning the Mountain West Tournament, the Rams knew they were in. Now, they knew their destination - Seattle, where they'll face Memphis in the first round.

"They're a great ball team, obviously for a reason," said. "So we just have to be ready, go in there, and try to get better."

The last time CSU met Memphis was in the 2021 NIT semifinals, a game the Rams lost 90-67. While that result wasn't ideal, this team isn't dwelling on the past. Instead, they remain locked in on one game at a time.

The turnaround has been quick - so quick, in fact, that the past 48 hours have been a blur. From cutting down nets at the Thomas & Mack Center, to a quick snack break then celebrating back home at Canvas Stadium, CSU's championship run has been a whirlwind.

"It's pretty surreal," said. "Nobody thought we were going to be in this position except us. It's been really cool to see where we came from at the start of the season to where we are now."

Where they came from, an automatic bid felt like a long shot.

Projected to finish seventh in the Mountain West, the Rams defied expectations, capping off their tournament success with 10 straight wins. Now, they enter the NCAA Tournament with confidence and momentum.

"What this team has done this year and the level of play they've maintained down the stretch, I think they have a lot of confidence," head coach said. "They're also smart enough to realize that the teams we're playing in this tournament are here for a reason.

"Memphis is a five-seed for a reason. They're really well-coached. But I believe in what we do, and I believe we can beat anybody."

This marks CSU's 13th trip to the NCAA Tournament and their third appearance under Medved. But winning the Mountain West Tournament? That was a milestone two decades in the making.

Before their triumph in Las Vegas, the Rams hadn't won the conference tournament since 2003.

"It's a testament to Coach Medved," Clifford said. "How he's able to recruit the right guys, put together the right teams, and his approach to game plans every single day. What he and his staff have been able to accomplish is pretty incredible, and there should be a lot more respect on his name - and on Colorado State in general."

Despite the growing national attention, the Rams remain composed. When they saw their name revealed on the selection show, the moment was met with excitement - but also a collective exhale.

"It was just a sigh of relief," Lake said. "Even though we knew we were in, last year we had to wait so long, and it was crazy. But this time, it's just relief, and I'm truly grateful."

Now, with the spotlight shining brighter than ever, the Rams embrace a new identity - bracket busters.

With the postseason underway, playing their best basketball is paramount.

"It's cool to see people continue to recognize what we're doing and what our players are accomplishing," Medved said. "This season has been an incredible story when you think about where we were in November and December. It's been a wild journey, and we're playing our best at the perfect time."

Now, the real test begins. With momentum on their side and belief in their preparation, the Rams head to Seattle ready to prove they belong.

After a season of surpassing expectations, they know one thing for sure-their journey isn't over yet.