Santa Clara Broncos heading to NCAA Tournament 30 years since last appearance in 1996

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- The Santa Clara Broncos men's basketball team is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three decades, departing Wednesday for St. Louis ahead of their Friday matchup against the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

The team's last tournament appearance was in 1996, when future Hall of Famer Steve Nash was on the roster.

Fans and members of the Santa Clara University community gathered on campus to give the Broncos an enthusiastic send-off.

"We're really excited about the opportunity to be part of this historic event," Broncos head coach Herb Sendek said.

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"It's incredibly competitive to get here, and our guys have done a tremendous job and deserve the opportunity."

Guard Christian Hammond said the team's chemistry has been a key factor in their success this season. "We definitely have a very new team," Hammond said.

"I definitely think we did a good job, just like, mowing together this year over the summer... you kind of build those bonds and connection with each other."

This marks the Broncos' 12th NCAA Tournament appearance.

Sendek said the team's approach will remain steady despite the historic nature of the moment. "Just stick to the process," he said. "Our messaging is very consistent. Our preparation and approach is the same. Now's not the time to have any outer body experiences or to reinvent the wheel."

The Broncos will compete in the South Region, with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds scheduled next weekend in San Jose.