Robert Morris University is getting ready for a showdown in the NCAA Tournament. The Colonials, rocking a 26-8 record, have earned a No. 15 seed. And are set to take on the powerhouse No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide on March 21 in Cleveland. Alabama, sitting at 25-8 all season, making this a battle for RMU. But hey, this is March Madness! And crazy things happen every year.
RMU has fought hard all season, and while Alabama brings size and depth, March Madness is built on underdogs proving people wrong. And speaking of motivation, the Colonials just got a push from Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin. He shared a message on his Instagram stories rooting for the team, “Good luck @rmumbasketball. We are all pulling for you.” This is coming from one of the most respected coaches in football, reminding everyone that the whole Pittsburgh sports community is here backing them.
December 8, 2024, Pittsburgh, Pa, USA: December 8, 2024: Head Coach Mike Tomlin during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh PA. Brook Ward / Apparent Media Group Pittsburgh USA – ZUMAa234 20241208_zsa_a234_137 Copyright: xAMGx
Mike Tomlin is known for his leadership, no-nonsense approach, and ability to get his players to believe in themselves. He’s led the Steelers since 2007, won a Super Bowl, and has built a culture of resilience and toughness. For RMU, hearing encouragement from a guy like him is huge. It’s proof that they belong on this stage and have a shot to shock the world.
Now, let’s talk game plan. RMU needs to embrace its underdog role and play loose. They’ve got to lock in on defense, knock down perimeter shots, and stay composed if Alabama goes on an early run. If they keep the game close and take advantage of scoring chances, they could turn this into a fight.
Win or lose, this is a golden opportunity for RMU. Playing a team like Alabama on the national stage can boost the program’s visibility, help with recruiting, and show the world what Colonial basketball is all about. They’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, exactly the mindset you want in March.
Mike Tomlin’s involvement with the NCAA tournament is more than what it looks like!
The NCAA Tournament, affectionately known as “March Madness,” began in 1939 with a modest eight-team bracket. The University of Oregon claimed the inaugural championship, setting the stage for what would become a storied tradition in college basketball. Over the decades, the tournament expanded, reflecting the growing popularity of college basketball. By the 1980s, it had transformed into a national spectacle, capturing the attention of sports fans across the country.
And today, the 2025 tournament has already delivered its share of surprises and standout performances. Top seeds have faced unexpected challenges, underscoring the tournament’s reputation for unpredictability. RMU’s upcoming game against Alabama is a testament to this dynamic, offering the Colonials a chance to etch their name into March Madness lore.
Not just that, today we also have prominent names like Mike Tomlin stepping up to help young minority men’s and women’s basketball coaches. Myron Medcalf of ESPN earlier reported that the Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin has partnered with North Carolina men’s basketball coach LeVelle Moton for the same. The plan took a long time to make, almost a decade ago, at the Steelers training camp. You see Tomlin and Moton are lifelong friends and the latter attends the camp every year.
While talking to ESPN about the partnership, Tomlin remarked, “It’s not only a moral obligation but a social responsibility to leave the game and our vocation better than we found it.” The two friends will soon hold “The Next Up” conference and identify Black and minority HCs, exhibiting a tremendous growth trajectory. This will help them put these individuals in front of some prominent key decision-makers across the college sports landscape.
This means the odds may be steep, but the potential rewards will be immense, making this moment a pivotal chapter in the sports’ history.
The post Mike Tomlin’s 9-Word Message to Robert Morris Ahead of Alabama Clash in March Madness NCAA Tournament appeared first on EssentiallySports.
