Texas Tech University Athletics
A Boston Homecoming: Brandone Francis
March 23, 2018 | Men's Basketball
The junior will get to play in front of friends and family this weekend
Brandone Francis is a kid from the tropics of the Dominican Republic. His family doesn't get to see him play college basketball.
Â
However, he may have the most fans of any east regional player in the TD Garden on Friday.
Â
"Everyone from my dad's side lives in Boston. My grandmother, my stepmother, my dad, cousins, uncles," Francis said.
Â
After the Red Raiders punched their ticket to the Sweet 16, Francis got really excited knowing the team would be headed to Boston.
"The first thing I asked was 'Grandma, are you coming to the game?' because I really wanted her to be here and to experience all of this," Francis said.
Â
Some student-athletes get to play in front of their families throughout their collegiate career, and then there are some who never get the chance. For Francis, this will be the first time he will get to play in front of his grandmother.
Â
"I'm excited. I've never played in front of my grandmother before. I'm not nervous, but I'm really excited to play in front of her."
Â
Not only is it an exciting experience for the junior, it's a moment that Francis takes great pride in.
Â
"It means everything. I wish my mom was here. I think that is the last piece that is missing, but I'm glad to have my family here. I need their support."
Â
Francis' Boston ties extend all the way up to the NBA. Francis is friends with Celtics forward and fellow Dominican Al Horford.
Â
"He's kind of like a big brother," Francis said. "He's one of the reasons why I am in the states and one of the reasons why I chose Florida originally [at the start of my career]."
Â
"The first college basketball game I watched, Horford was in it. That's when my love for college basketball started. He's just a role model to me, someone I have a lot of love and respect for."
Â
Now tonight, the court that hosts Horford and the Celtics for 40+ home games each year will be the site where Francis and the Red Raiders will try to make history.
Â
However, he may have the most fans of any east regional player in the TD Garden on Friday.
Â
"Everyone from my dad's side lives in Boston. My grandmother, my stepmother, my dad, cousins, uncles," Francis said.
Â
After the Red Raiders punched their ticket to the Sweet 16, Francis got really excited knowing the team would be headed to Boston.
ÂBack at it in Boston. #WreckEm #4To1 #MarchMadness
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) March 21, 2018
???? https://t.co/NhFkxqI2dp pic.twitter.com/JkUmlr1m1C
"The first thing I asked was 'Grandma, are you coming to the game?' because I really wanted her to be here and to experience all of this," Francis said.
Â
Some student-athletes get to play in front of their families throughout their collegiate career, and then there are some who never get the chance. For Francis, this will be the first time he will get to play in front of his grandmother.
Â
"I'm excited. I've never played in front of my grandmother before. I'm not nervous, but I'm really excited to play in front of her."
Â
Not only is it an exciting experience for the junior, it's a moment that Francis takes great pride in.
Â
"It means everything. I wish my mom was here. I think that is the last piece that is missing, but I'm glad to have my family here. I need their support."
Â
Francis' Boston ties extend all the way up to the NBA. Francis is friends with Celtics forward and fellow Dominican Al Horford.
Â
"He's kind of like a big brother," Francis said. "He's one of the reasons why I am in the states and one of the reasons why I chose Florida originally [at the start of my career]."
Â
"The first college basketball game I watched, Horford was in it. That's when my love for college basketball started. He's just a role model to me, someone I have a lot of love and respect for."
Â
Now tonight, the court that hosts Horford and the Celtics for 40+ home games each year will be the site where Francis and the Red Raiders will try to make history.
ÂStay lit and stay ready. ??#WreckEm #4To1 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/fp8mIROPGC
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) March 22, 2018
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's BasketballPostgame Press Conference: vs. Alabama (NCAA Tournament Second Round)
Monday, March 23
Press Conference: NCAA Tournament Second Round Preview
Saturday, March 21
Postgame Press Conference: vs. Akron (NCAA Tournament First Round)
Friday, March 20
A Round One Celebration
Friday, March 20