Ray Watts, who was absent during the Blazers' run to a Conference USA title last week at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, was on hand to witness the No. 14 Blazers' 60-59 upset of third-seeded Iowa State in the second round of NCAA tournament in Louisville, Ky. today.

Watts, now infamous for announcing the shutting down of the schools' football, bowling and rifle programs this past December, answered questions outside the Blazers' locker room at the KFC Yum! Center.

Here's a sample of what he had to say.

On "Fire Ray Watts' chants throughout the season: "What I've told everyone is this is all about our team. It's all about what's great for UAB. It's not about me or any other person. So, I couldn't be happier or more excited and I believe that our fans will continue to get behind our team and support them as well as possible."

On football possibly coming back: "Well, this is a day of excitement for all of UAB and for our team and the focus needs to be there. We want to go to this next round of 32 and win and go on and go on and go as far as this great team can. I think that's the real focus for everyone."

Watch the entire interview in the clip above.