It was a smart move to talk about her class today and her presentation in her interview after dancing. Her comments after the tournament did not present a very good picture of ND's commitment to education first. Alike couldn't remember what class she had the next day and offered that she hadn't been to class in two weeks. For her fellow students in what is a very tough major, and a very selective one to boot, it wasn't a good listen. I would bet someone was smart enough to prime her before this appearance to come across differently. ND is very good at prepping its athletes to put their best foot forward. Actually, the dance competition is time consuming and, hopefully, won't impact her academics in a major that other athletes have found time consuming.
Which part? Her initial comments did not go over well. that's a fact. And athletes at ND have classes on what to say and, when needed, given talking points. After the academics first mantra of ND took a hit, I would bet Arike got some help with her remarks for this go around. the not going to class remark that was echoed by Jewell Loyd is not the look ND wants.
If somebody thought that, they're way too sensitive. They're also people I don't want to associate with, which is probably why I've heard absolutely nobody say they got that impression from Arike's comments.
Good to end this here. What the outside world thinks and what the student world thinks can be two different things, especially when ti comes to the women's program. Ariike shots were amazing. They did a world of good for women's basketball, period. Lets leave it at that.
That's why they have tutors and study halls while on the road
It's not like North Carolina where the class doesn't actually exist
That'x true. There are study halls on the road available. Hopefully, Arike took advantage of them. However, there are cautionary tales in ND sports now and in the recent past who have had trouble taking advantage of what was offered them. Business is a very tough major. Many "normal" students can't get in. There have been other athletes who have gotten into Mendoza and did not give great effort to their studies. Hopefully, Arike will do her best.
She's really not a fluid dancer, but you have to admire her guts getting out there. Go girl!
Even Tanya Harding at 47 and out of shape understands dance moves much more than bball players, snowboarder, and base/softball players. . Arike is in at 6 but the two male athletes who went 2 & 4, Norman and Mazder,, were just going shirtless grinding with their hot female dancers. Arike's dance moves certainly didn't embarrass the university. We will see what she has to do to stay in this whether it's high heels or whatever.
...he's the better dancer, she's better at basketball.