UC Irvine Anteaters Prepare for NCAA Tournament with Stellar Defense

IRVINE, Calif. — With the Big West Conference tournament set to start, UC Irvine men’s basketball coach Russell Turner is instilling a fierce commitment to defense in his players. As they prepare for the semifinals on Friday, the Anteaters are focusing on their defensive skills, which have propelled them to a top ranking in college basketball.

Turner, in his 15th season with UC Irvine, is known for his no-nonsense approach. His memorable warning echoed through the Bren Events Center: “You don’t do this right, and I’m gonna put you in a pussycat.” The ‘pussycat’ drill keeps players benched on the sideline while pushing a heavy wooden plank across the court in a physically demanding position.

This rigorous training reflects UC Irvine’s defensive mindset, notably marked by their current No. 16 ranking in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency metrics. The Anteaters are poised to continue their defensive dominance as they received a bye into the semifinals of the tournament, set to kick off Wednesday in Henderson, Nevada.

Over the years, UC Irvine has transformed under Turner’s leadership, consistently finishing among the top teams in the Big West. Since Turner arrived in 2010, the team’s defensive strategies have garnered attention, with multiple finishes in the top two of the conference standings and seven regular-season titles.

The Anteaters’ defense has made them a formidable force in mid-major basketball, and if they secure the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, it would be Turner’s third time shepherding the team there. Previous appearances included narrow losses in 2015 against Louisville and an upset victory over Kansas State in 2019, marking a significant moment for the program.

“It’s the part of my game I’ve improved the most,” said Bent Leuchten, UC Irvine’s 7-foot-1 standout averaging 15.4 points and 9.1 rebounds. His commitment to defensive drills has become crucial in their scrimmage preparations as they focus on getting stops rather than points.

With two sixth-year seniors, two fifth-year seniors, and a traditional fourth-year player on the roster, the Anteaters possess a blend of experience and knowledge of the defensive game. Despite the rising trend of player transfers, particularly influenced by NIL deals, this veteran leadership remains steadfast, contributing to UC Irvine’s sustained success and defensive style of play.

“When we impose our will, it takes the life out of the other team,” Justin Hohn, UC Irvine’s sixth-year senior and leading playmaker, shared. His insight highlights how their defensive strategy can frustrate opponents, leading to victories.

Turner does not strictly describe himself as a defensive-first coach, acknowledging his adopted style has become the best fit for UC Irvine. “The secret to winning in college is figuring out how to best fit wherever you are,” he stated. The Anteaters do not rely on flashy techniques but instead force opponents to take uncomfortable shots.

As the NCAA tournament approaches, fans and coaching personnel alike are aware of the Anteaters’ defensive prowess, and opponents know the difficulty of preparing for them. Turner remains optimistic about UC Irvine’s potential impact this season, even animatedly embracing their underdog status.

“We’re always going to be a program that, by necessity, has to do more with less,” Turner added. Through this ethos, UC Irvine continues to defy expectations and solidify its position in college basketball. With consistent dedication to defense, the Anteaters aim to surprise and make a statement on the national stage in March Madness.