The Florida Gators are still alive in March Madness, which means Bennett “Buckets” Andersen got an opportunity to redeem himself.
Now to be clear, the Florida walk-on guard didn’t do anything wrong. He just went viral when ESPN reporter Talia Baia came in to the Gators locker room after they punched their ticket to the Elite 8 with a win over No. 4 seed Maryland. She had plenty to ask the team from Gainesville, and one of the clips she posted got a lot of attention online.
Only because it seems like Florida guard Bennett Anderson was mesmerized by her presence:
Caught up with Bennett “Buckets” Anderson after the game on what he looks forward to in the Elite 8!
“Hopefully these guys take care of business so I can play again, hopefully I can get another bucket” pic.twitter.com/bo31tHqabg
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) March 28, 2025
Love at first interview.
That interaction between Andersen and Baia garnered responses from college basketball fans on social media like “the young man fell in love,” “Bro’s speechless,” and one that was particularly on the nose: “He can’t stand up.” If you know, you know.
And because Florida has continued to win games in the chalky March Madness (all the teams that are supposed to win have been winning), the Gators player had another shot at an interview with Talia Baia. Ahead of Florida’s Final Four SEC matchup with the Auburn Tigers, the Gators walk-on once again crossed paths with the University of Florida reporter.
As a walk-on basketball player typically does, Bennett Andersen didn’t waste his opportunity. He provided yet another viral moment – this time intentionally – and said this to Talia’s question about how he feels being in the spotlight:
“Pretty weird. I’m standing up this time so I can beat the allegations. It’s been pretty funny. I’ve just got to enjoy it for what it is. Only get to be famous for like a week, so I’ll take it.”
Caught up with my favorite today! Bennett “Buckets” Andersen
“I’m standing up this time so I can beat the allegations” pic.twitter.com/52ULH9UqM4
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) April 4, 2025
“Standing up to beat the allegations” is such a great line.
Not only did Bennett “Buckets” Andersen go viral in the last week, he was also awarded $10,000 through the Walk On’s Scholarship Program. I’d have to think his interview had to have helped that in some way, and as he told Talia, that kind of money will go a long way for a player like himself who isn’t benefiting in the NIL era as much as his teammates:
“Just saving it. I could use the money honestly, as a walk on. Don’t quite have as much money as some of my teammates so I’ll take it.”
Bennett was rewarded a $10,000 scholarship by Walk-On’s Scholarship Program the other day. I asked what he plans on doing with it
“Just saving it. I could use the money
honestly as a walk on. Don’t quite have as much money as some of my teammates so I’ll take it” pic.twitter.com/o6FjfGuJQB— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) April 4, 2025
Dude is literally living the dream (getting all the attention – and some money – but not having the pressure to perform in big games).
All in all, I’m happy for Bennett Andersen. I hope Florida keeps winning so he and the team can continue to stay in the spotlight. As for Talia Baia… I’ve got a couple of questions. The most important being what in the world was she doing standing so close to Auburn Tigers star Johni Broome?
Johni Broome called his 18-point performance against Florida in February a bad game and says he’s aiming to bring a different kind of momentum tomorrow pic.twitter.com/mOMC28wQNE
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) April 4, 2025
What the hell are they teaching students at the University of Florida’s journalism school? The SNC (Stand Near Crotch) interview method?
Anyways, I’m looking forward to the Final Four and the National Championship game this weekend. I’m still waiting for the March Madness to actually start, and with only No. 1 seeds remaining in Auburn, Florida, Houston and Duke, we’re due for some good games…
