Unrivaled players talk about Philly road trip and trying cheesesteaks
Unrivaled basketball is officially in Philadelphia and many of the league’s top players shared their thoughts about the city.
PHILADELPHIA – Mick Cronin is looking to extend his stay in the City of Brotherly Love, and not just because that means his UCLA basketball team beat UCF in the NCAA Tournament’s first round.
Cronin wants to hit as many Philly cheesesteak joints as he can.
“Tried Dalessandro’s today; it was excellent,” Cronin said during his pregame press conference, referring the well-regarded Roxborough neighborhood staple. “Going for Joe’s next.”
Joe’s Steaks and Soda Shop in the Fishtown section of Philly was recommended to Cronin by longtime city hoops scribe Dick Jerardi.
“No worries about cholesterol on this trip,” a reporter asked, referring to a recent comment Cronin made about his health.
“My dog, as you know, is my stress-relief friend,” the coach replied. “We both got to get in shape. I treated him (to good food) all winter, so we got to both lose five (pounds). So definitely no concerns. When in Philly, you don’t eat cheesesteaks, you don’t show up. It would be un-American. Come on.”
What channel is UCF vs UCLA first-round game?
▶No. 7 UCLA vs No. 10 UCF is airing live Friday at 7:25 p.m. ET on TBS (watch live with Sling)
Credit to Cronin for not succumbing to the standard tourist traps – namely, Pat’s and Geno’s – and picking the brains of locals. In that spirit he was given another tip by a reporter, who suggested John’s Roast Pork as his next step. The iconic South Jersey sandwich shack, which is located close to Xfinity Mobile Arena, is regarded by some connoisseurs as the best of the best.
“I hadn’t heard of that,” Cronin said. “I’ll have to check it out.”
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at [email protected].
