Sweet 16 matchup draws Jones, Wade attention

ORLANDO — Last year it was Dwyane Wade versus Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller.

This time, Wade is up against James Jones.

For the second consecutive year, Wade's collegiate team will face the alma mater of a teammate in the NCAA Tournament. It happens when Marquette plays the University of Miami on Thursday in the Sweet 16.

"Me and James are going to have a lot of dialogue over the next couple days, I can tell you that," Wade said. "It's great. First of all, for Miami I'm very excited for Coach (Jim) Larranaga and that program and what he was able to accomplish. That's a very good team over there."

With that said, Wade is banking on the Golden Eagles collecting a victory. Last year they fell to the University of Florida, where Haslem and Miller played.

"I'm excited for Marquette to be back in the Sweet 16 again," Wade said. "I don't want my team to be satisfied with that. I feel like we've been there the past three years. We haven't done anything. I look for good basketball. Obviously, I want Marquette to win but good luck to Coach Larranaga and 'The U.' It's special. Whichever teams wins, deserves it."

Jones sounded the more confident of the two. In the past, the Heat players have made friendly side bets during the tournament.

Jones said there is no need.

"Either way, it goes we're both excited that both teams will be there," Jones said. "But a victory for me is the only thing that matters. There is no side bet. I don't even think it's fair because I think my team is going to win anyway. Knowing this going in, it wouldn't be right for me to bet him anything."


(sun-sentinel.com)