2022 March Madness: Patriots let Providence Friars use team plane to take family, friends, staff to Sweet 16
It's the first time in over two decades that the Friars have made the Sweet 16
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The Providence Friars men's basketball team fans arrived in style to the Sweet 16 thanks to the New England Patriots. The Patriots loaned their team plane to the fellow New England team "to help transport support staff members and some fans" to Chicago for Providence's game against No. 1 seeded Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, ESPN reported.
Providence's players and coaches took their own charter flight to Chicago earlier in the week. Friars head coach Ed Cooley, a Patriots fan, spoke with owner Robert Kraft on Wednesday night and thank the Pats for "looking out" for the Friars.
Here's more of what Cooley said, via ESPN:
"It's New England teams supporting New England teams. Our families are able to come, our donors are able to come, our supporters are able to come. I really appreciate him looking out for us. Given how many planes are being used for the NIT, for the NCAA tournament, it just was limited."
Cooley knows his Friars are in for their biggest challenge challenge yet against the No. 1 seeded Jayhawks, but is excited for the opportunity.
"An opportunity to play against a No. 1 seed is just something, just stuff that you dream about," Cooley said said. "And we're living that dream and hopefully continue to dream it big."
This is the first time since 1997 the Friars have advanced to the Sweet 16.
