The lowdown on Kansas, UCLA, Pitt and S. Illinois

In anticipation of this Sweet 16 weekend's games, SIOC is checking in with students from all 16 schools to gage the reaction on campus.

KANSAS

	Not only is Julian Wright a stud on the hardwood, he's also an avid bowler and can often be seen at the campus alley. John Biever/SI
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Conference: Big 12
Location: Lawrence, Kans.
Enrollment: 29,272
Last time in Sweet 16: 2004 (lost to Georgia Tech in Elite Eight)

Big Man on Campus: Sophomore forward Julian Wright dazzled a hometown crowd in Chicago with his signature thunderdunks. His long arms also help him in another sport: bowling. He can often be spotted at the campus alley. Wright is projected as a top-five draft pick, but get this: When he says he likes it at Kansas, he actually means it. Don't bet on him making an early exit.

This is the best thing to happen to my school since: Danny Manning and the Miracles won the NCAA title in 1988. The legendary Manning did what Kevin Durant couldn't and led the No. 6 seed Jayhawks to the title. All future teams will be measured in Manning's shadow, which is convenient, because he sits on the bench as an assistant coach.

Buzz on campus: People get a little too friendly in March, which is why coach Bill Self tells the players to turn their cell phones off for the month. Freshman guard Sherron Collins gave his ticket allotment to his uncle, and told him to distribute them however he wanted, so he wouldn't be bothered.

Place to be for the games: Massachusetts Street in Lawrence was built with these games in mind. Aside from the usual sports bars, even upscale eateries bring in projection televisions that play to standing-room only crowds. If Kansas makes the Final Four, expect to arrive early in the morning if you want to watch the game on Mass Street.

What it means to school to be in Sweet 16: Well, we do this a lot at Kansas. In fact, there's only one coach with a losing record in KU history: Dr. James Naismith. But we'll let him off the hook, seeing as how he invented the game.
--Michael Phillips

UCLA

Conference: Pac-10
Location: Los Angeles
Enrollment: 35,625
Last time in Sweet 16: 2006 (lost to Florida in national title game)

Big Man on Campus: After racking up conference player of the year honors, Arron Afflalo has led the Bruins back to the Sweet 16 in search of their 12th basketball national championship. The first-team All-America is not only known around campus for his clutch performances (4 for 4 from the free-throw line in the final minute vs. Indiana) but also as one of the toughest defenders in the game.

This is the best thing to happen to my school since: Beating USC 13-9 at the Rose Bowl to knock the Trojans out of championship contention this past fall. Although making the Sweet 16 does not compare to the riot-inducing, party-in-the-streets impact from the football win, students are looking for another excuse to burn couches come April 2.

Buzz on campus: At UCLA, Ben Howland is god and against his former school and disciple, students expect him and the Bruins to take care of business. Students here are already looking ahead to a possible matchup against the talent-laden Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday but reassuringly know that the Bruins will be taking it one game at a time.

Place to be for the games: Maloney's on Campus or Westwood Brew Co., both short walks away. Although it is finals week some students also commandeer social lounges for the big screen TV's, despite the protests of those studying during gametime.

What it means to school to be in Sweet 16: Although making the Sweet 16 is an accomplishment, students have expected this dating back to last season. Needless to say, the bar has been set high. Only championship banners hang inside Pauley Pavilion, and falling in the Sweet 16 would be a major disappointment.
--Jason Feder

PITT

Conference: Big East
Location: Pittsburgh
Enrollment: 28,000
Last time in Sweet 16: 2004 (lost to Oklahoma State)

Big Man on Campus: Aaron Gray. Literally. He's 7 feet tall. There's nobody bigger.

This is the best thing to happen to my school since: The Steelers won the Super Bowl last year. If Pittsburgh isn't a pro town, then raccoons don't like garbage.

Buzz on campus: Pitt being in the Sweet 16 doesn't change the fact that the weather's been more depressing than Schindler's List. Students may be wearing their Oakland Zoo T-shirts, but they're hidden beneath a few layers of heavy outerwear.

Place to be for the games: Your friend's house. Pitt doesn't really have an on-campus sports bar and most students don't feel like making the trip to Pittsburgh's South Side to get to one. So, um...we're watching the game at your place, right?

What it means to the school to be in Sweet 16: It means Pitt has another shot to get past the Sweet 16. Although the team's been to the tournament six years in a row, Pitt is 0-3 in Sweet 16 appearances during that stretch. An Elite Eight appearance, not to mention a win over former coach Ben Howland, would mean a lot more.
--Pat Mitsch

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

Conference: Missouri Valley
Location: Carbondale, Ill.
Enrollment: 21,000
Last time in Sweet 16: 2002 (lost to UConn)

Big Man on Campus: At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds -- with some of the most recognizable dread locks in southern Illinois -- Randal Falker is a force to be reckoned with, though many argue that he's undersized for the post. If Winston the Bagel Man operated on campus, he'd definitely give Falker a run for his money.

This is the best thing to happen to my school since: SIU alum Joan E. Higginbotham blasted into space in December aboard Discovery, piloted by Commander William Oefelein, the object of affection in the infamous "Astronaut Love Triangle."

Buzz on campus: Everyday, it's a sea of Saluki maroon on campus and in town. The excitement knows no bounds. Just take the usually conservative and quiet financial aid accountant whose screams were the loudest among hundreds of fans at a recent post-game celebration.

Place to be for the games: Pinch Penny Pub on Grand Avenue. It's the place to be when SIU is poised to make history.

What it means to school to be in Sweet 16: It's time to get the job done. SIU has been to the Sweet 16 three times in the school's history and has never cracked the Elite Eight since it switched to Division 1 in the '60s. Back then, Walt Frazier of New York Knicks fame rocked the nets as a Saluki.
--Brandon Weisenberger