College Reporter Responds After Going Viral With March Madness Interview
University of Florida student Talia Baia is beside herself with all the attention she's getting after a short interview with Gators basketball player Bennett Andersen. But she vows to strike while the iron's hot.
Baia, a student reporter with ESPN Gainesville's WRUF, was simply doing her job last week covering the Gators' Sweet 16 win over Maryland in the NCAA Tournament. Andersen was the coveted interview, given his incredible rise -- from serving as the team's manager for three seasons before making the roster as a walk-on this season. He got a taste for March Madness last week in the waning seconds against Maryland, but he made the most of it with a putback to record his first bucket in NCAA Tournament play.
After the game, Baia interviewed Andersen, who was sitting in front of his locker with a seemingly doting look in his eyes while staring up at the student reporter. The interview captured the nature, with many chiming in on Baia's interview.
Caught up with Bennett “Buckets” Anderson after the game on what he looks forward to in the Elite 8!
— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) March 28, 2025
“Hopefully these guys take care of business so I can play again, hopefully I can get another bucket” pic.twitter.com/bo31tHqabg
"This man is in love lol," one person tweeted. Another added, "Bro better than me, I would've folded."
After the interview went viral, Baia reacted by tweeting a collage of headlines her interview made. She also tweeted, "This is absolute madness," along with a laughing emoji.
With her interview still all the rage, it appears Baia is looking to capitalize on her newfound fame. After Florida beat Texas Tech over the weekend to advance to the Final Four, Baia took to Instagram to hawk a T-shirt featuring a cartoon drawing of the viral interview. The cartoon features Andersen with hearts over his eyes.
"Go check out the new shirt Bennett and I dropped!" Baia wrote on her Instagram Story. "Don't be shy, show some love."
Baia and Andersen, who is nicknamed "Buckets," purportedly partnered up to benefit from T-shirt sales.
"Celebrate the viral moment with our latest tee featuring Bennett Andersen and Talia Baia! This fun shirt showcases the iconic 'GatorsBoys Stay Hot' phrase, making it a must-have for fans and followers alike," a description of the T-shirt reads. "Crafted with high-quality materials, this tee combines comfort with style, perfect for showcasing your Gator pride. Whether you're heading to a game, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying some casual wear, this shirt is sure to spark conversation. Get yours today and join the fun!"
The T-shirt will run you $35.