Following Florida's 87-71 Sweet 16 victory over No. 4 Maryland, the Gators were celebrating in the locker room, when former team manager/walk-on player Bennett Andersen was interviewed by a reporter.
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Talia Baia, who is a student ESPN reporter, congratulated Bennett on his bucket, and the rest of the interview resulted in the interaction becoming a viral moment.
"First of all congratulations on your bucket, that was huge," Baia said to Bennett, who ended 1-for-1 from the field with two points in one minute of playing time.
The senior responded, "Thank you."
Caught up with Bennett “Buckets” Anderson after the game on what he looks forward to in the Elite 8!
“Hopefully these guys take care of business so I can play again, hopefully I can get another bucket” pic.twitter.com/bo31tHqabg
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) March 28, 2025
To point out, Bennett probably isn't used to being interviewed, as he only has recorded four points all season.
In view of Bennett's play that earned him this interview, he grabbed an offensive rebound in the final minute of the game vs. the Terrapines, and then proceeded to drive to the hoop and make a layup.
"Hopefully these guys take care of business so I can play again, hopefully I can get another bucket," Andersen told Baia.
One fan on social media commented, "That interview meant waaaaay more than the bucket. He won't sleep for a month after that interview."
Certainly, this was a big moment for Bennett "Buckets" Andersen, as he actually led his intramural basketball team to three campus championships, while serving as Florida's team manager, before making the Gators' roster as a walk-on. (per New York Post).
Bennett Andersen led his intramural basketball team to three campus championships while serving as Florida's team manager.
Then, he made the Gators' roster as a walk-on.
In UF's Sweet 16 win, Andersen subbed in and hit his second shot of the season.pic.twitter.com/m27g4ZNSuA
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 28, 2025
When looking at No. 1 Florida's March Madness run, they also defeated No. 3 Texas Tech (84-79) in the Elite 8 round, so this means the team will now compete in the Final Four with the rest of the No.1 seeded teams (Duke, Houston, Auburn).
For their next matchup, Bennett and the Gators will face-off with the Auburn Tigers on April 5 at 6:09 pm ET, with the winner advancing to the March Madness tournament championship.
Related: McNeese State Student Manager Amir Khan's 'Aura' Helps Lift Team To First Upset Win Of March Madness
