Why Duke's Stanley Borden Watches From the Sidelines During Their Final Four Run

Stanley Borden was out with his Duke teammates for warm-ups on Saturday evening, dressed in their complete uniforms and prepared to play. However, he changed into a gray hooded sweatshirt and joined the spectators sitting in the front row behind the bench, watching Duke secure victory alongside those seated behind him.

Before each half, the seven-foot-tall player participated in warm-ups and celebrated by cutting down the nets following their victory against Alabama alongside his teammates. However, during critical decisions regarding playing time, Borden found himself being the sole Duke player relegated to the bench. This situation persisted throughout all four games of the NCAA tournament leading up to their match in San Antonio.

When it comes to being seated at the back? It's quite unpleasant, to say it plainly," Borden stated. "This is really regrettable. Over these last four years, one thing I've learned is to focus on what I can influence and attempt not to get too bothered by those aspects beyond my reach. Emotions are inevitable.

During tournaments, the NCAA restricts teams to only 20 seating spots on the bench, a number lower than what most teams usually have in their own arena homes—often ranging from around 20 based on location and custom. For squads fielding 18 athletes alongside three or four additional coaching staff members, this still allows numerous spaces open for other individuals. Note that these numbers do not include starters within the overall tally.

But not in March.

For squads featuring numerous walk-on athletes, additional auxiliary personnel, or multiple management members—all consistently present throughout the entire season—the NCAA mandates a reduction process. This limits each team to having only 15 active players dressed for games along with just nine designated spots immediately behind the bench reserved exclusively for supporting staff granted entry onto the court prior to tip-offs and at halftime breaks. These restricted areas frequently accommodate extra equipment handlers, conditioning trainers, dietary experts, data analysts, and managerial roles.

In addition to Borden, who has seen seven minutes of playtime this season.

If I had the power to change it, I would. But I don't," Borden stated. "So we simply keep our heads down and focus on our tasks. Now we find ourselves in the Final Four.

The Duke senior — born in New York and brought up in Istanbul, who represents the Portuguese national team — has experienced this situation previously. Last year, he found himself benched during the NCAA tournament, sharing this fate with his teammates Jaden Schutt and Christian Reeves. Similar to sitting at the far end of the bench where playing time is scarce, these players often have limited roles, particularly in postseason matches. However, standing out as the sole player left off the roster, especially considering his height of 7 feet, sets him apart both socially and visually. This isolation can be quite noticeable amid the crowd.

This situation turns Borden into little more than an observer when it matters most, despite being such an integral part of Duke’s bench and squad throughout the season—assisting hurt teammates off the floor, cleaning up in overwhelming victories, shouting out plays, and offering emotional encouragement. Even though he makes efforts to maintain that influence, he remains near enough to the sideline to stay involved; similar to the managers beside him, his voice carries through, connecting with the game even when distanced from his fellow players.

It’s one of those situations where you aim to make a difference in the game however possible and support your team’s victory," Borden stated. "For me, this has turned into an intriguing lesson in putting others first.

Previous squads have faced similar situations. Back when UNC’s walk-on players became internet sensations—remember Blue Steel?—they used to integrate one of their own into the limited bench spots during March Madness. WhenUNC clinched the NCAA championship in 2009, Jack Wooten had dressed for games in his playing attire beneath regular clothing, ready to join in celebrations should victory be theirs—and indeed was among the first climbers up the ladder holding the trophy scissors.

Borden is completely dressed in his uniform, which isn’t a problem for him at all. He has already sliced through two nets this season—one during the game in Charlotte and another in Newark. However, he has also acted as nothing more than an engaged spectator, being part of the squad in virtually every way except for those crucial two-and-a-half-hour periods.

There's a lot more to it," Borden stated. "Enjoying the journey is what matters most. You need to concentrate on that.

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