Vincennes University’s Men’s  basketball team?

It’s kind of a big deal and not just here but nationally; making it to the NJCAA Tournament isn’t just some happy accident, it’s what’s expected.

Coach Todd Franklin put it pretty straight: “it’s what we do it’s hard but we set a standard it’s great to do it with a new team.”

For VU going to nationals isn’t just hype, it’s routine. They have  built a culture where every season they have a chance to be great. That starts way before the first game with recruiting, workouts and film. They don’t underestimate anyone, especially now. Franklin is  all about treating every game like it’s the biggest because “teams wanna beat us.”

Everyone’s bringing their A-game, so VU has to bring theirs as well, he said.

Experience is a major plus, especially with Franklin making his 17th trip to the tourney. But the game plan is simple: play tough D, grab those rebounds and nail those shots. That mix of solid defense and sharp offense is what’s made them successful over the years. But the national tournament is a whole different level of intensity.

Franklin’s been drilling into his players the importance of staying focused and mentally prepared. He tells them, “You’re the show, so prove you’re the champ.” They’re not just happy to be there; they want to win it all. Another national championship is the ultimate goal. They know they can compete with anyone and are ready to give it their all in their first matchup of the tournament against northwest Florida State College on March 24.