Florida Gators guard Bennett Andersen has not received much media attention this season, having scored only four points. However, during the Sweet 16, he went viral, not just for scoring his second field goal in a victory against Maryland, but for an engaging interview with student reporter Talia Baia afterward.
In the locker room, Andersen appeared somewhat distracted while talking to Baia, who is studying journalism and communications at Florida and reports for ESPN Gainesville. Baia started the interview on a positive note, saying, “First of all, congrats on your bucket, that was huge. I just want to know how was the trip here, and how was the energy going into that game?” Andersen replied, “Trip’s been awesome, energy was good.” Although Baia asked solid questions and Andersen’s answers were adequate, social media quickly picked up on one notable detail—his continuous smile directed at Baia.
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
Fans expressed their thoughts on Andersen’s demeanor during the interview, with one user suggesting, “I think a young man fell in love.” Another commented, “He was looking at her like she was the moon and stars 🤣,” while someone else remarked he resembled “the kid in high school trying to talk to the hottest, most popular chick in school… Great moments.” Others agreed that the interview held more significance than just the points scored, with one noting, “He won’t sleep for a month after that interview.”
#BennieBuckets pic.twitter.com/6ULcWeNg8V
— Johnny Hammersticks (@BlueEchoStream) March 28, 2025
Despite his limited playing time, Andersen has made quite an impact off the court. Before joining the Gators as a walk-on, he led his intramural basketball team to three campus championships while serving as Florida’s team manager. His teammates went wild when he scored on Thursday, showing their support for a player affectionately nicknamed “Buckets.”
Bennett Andersen led his intramural basketball team to three campus championships while serving as Florida’s team manager. Then, he made the Gators’ roster as a walk-on. In UF’s Sweet 16 win, Andersen subbed in and hit his second shot of the season.pic.twitter.com/m27g4ZNSuA
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 28, 2025
Andersen now just needs to focus on staying composed during interviews.
