Jalen Brunson Shares Secrets to March Madness Success

Two-time NCAA champion reflects on what it takes to win big in the tournament

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:50pm

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New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, a two-time NCAA champion with Villanova, shares his insights on what it takes to excel in the high-pressure environment of March Madness. Brunson emphasizes the importance of sticking to one's routine, treating each game like any other, and staying focused amidst the intense atmosphere and heightened emotions of the tournament.

Why it matters

Brunson's perspective is invaluable as players across the country prepare to compete in the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments. As an experienced champion, his advice can help guide current student-athletes on how to manage the unique challenges of March Madness and maximize their chances of success.

The details

Brunson, who won NCAA titles with Villanova in 2016 and 2018, told Fox News Digital that the key is to "prepare and treat it like another game." He stressed the importance of not deviating from one's normal routine, saying "if anything, treat it like your last, because it could be." Brunson and his Villanova teammates, which include fellow Knicks players Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, tried to ignore the noise and pressure of the tournament and approach each game the same way they would any other.

  • The 68-team bracket has been filled out, as the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments are set to begin this week.

The players

Jalen Brunson

A New York Knicks point guard who won two NCAA championships with Villanova in 2016 and 2018.

Josh Hart

A Villanova teammate of Brunson's who also plays for the New York Knicks.

Mikal Bridges

Another Villanova teammate of Brunson's who now plays for the New York Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah. I mean, it was one of the most intense times in my life. Whenever you get into the playoffs in anything – high school, college, and now at the professional level – everything gets turned up a little bit. Even though everyone says, 'Just keep it another game. Try to keep that mindset,' there's just something different about it.”

— Jalen Brunson

“Those times back in college and those championships, those were some of my favorite times.”

— Jalen Brunson

“I think most importantly, even though it's not, you have to prepare and treat it like another game. If anything, treat it like your last, because it could be. I think, most importantly, don't deviate from your routine. Yes, it might not be just another game, but your preparation and everything going into it is very similar.”

— Jalen Brunson

What’s next

As the tournament begins with the First Four on Tuesday night, Brunson knows talk in the locker room will start to heat up about the tournament. While he and his Villanova teammates don't bring up their championships much, they're always ready to remind others of their success.

The takeaway

Brunson's advice for March Madness success - sticking to one's routine, treating each game like any other, and staying focused amidst the intense atmosphere - provides valuable insight for current student-athletes looking to make their own tournament runs. His experience as a two-time champion underscores the importance of mental preparation and discipline in high-pressure situations.