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Santa Clara Guard Pulls Obscure NCAA Tournament Name To Troll Kentucky When Probed On Favorite Players

#March Madness
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The Santa Clara basketball team will face Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Junior guard Jake Ensminger is knowledgeable when it comes to mid-major success in the postseason.

He was asked to name his favorite March Madness legend of all time during a recent interview session. His response might’ve ruffled the Wildcats‘ feathers.

Ensminger comes from a college basketball family. His dad, Chris, left Valparaiso as the school’s all-time leading rebounder in 1996.

The Beacons went to the Big Dance in Chris Ensminger’s final season. Now, his son is following in his footsteps.

Santa Clara looks to shock the basketball world.

They’ll face Kentucky in the opening round after winning 26 games this year. That included a run to the WCC Tournament Championship where the Broncos narrowly fell to Gonzaga.

Ensminger has made notable contributions. He’s averaged 6.3 points per night while being the team’s second-leading rebounder. He also paces the squad in assists.

The 6-9 guard has chipped in in a variety of ways. He’ll now look to do so in the NCAA Tournament against a blue blood opponent.

Kentucky went 21-13 this season to earn a 7-seed in the field. It is expected to take care of business in the Round of 64 as it pursues another national title.

The Wildcats are often a top championship contender. That does not shield them from upsets. Ensminger remembers one of those setbacks vividly.

Ahead of his matchup with the ‘Cats, the guard was asked about his favorite March Madness performances. One name immediate came to mind – Jack Gohlke.

Jack Gohlke ended Kentucky’s 2024 season.

The senior guard spent one season at Oakland University in Michigan. He made a lasting impression.

In his first ever NCAA Tournament game, the veteran came off the bench to sink 10 three-pointers in a win over the Wildcats. It was one of the best, and most unexpected NCAA Tournament performances ever.

Oakland defeated Kentucky, 80-76. Gohlke scored 32 points in the upset. It was John Calipari’s final game at the helm.

Jake Ensminger hopes to see a similar result against the Wildcats on Friday. If Santa Clara can pick up the win, it will move onto face the winner of Iowa State and Tennessee State.