Of all the things wrong with the NCAA, one would be inclined to think they would fix a problem like the BCS or USC player payroll before creating another, arguably bigger, problem. In the last month, more and more whispers are coming out of ESPN, CBS, Sports Illustrated and other credible sources who have in one way or another confirmed that the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will expand from 65 to 96 teams as soon as next season.
Though the logistics have yet to be worked out or just haven’t been released yet, this format makes no sense. I understand that the NCAA is a business and that this will draw in billions more in TV and sponsorship revenue, but think about the kids. With this expansion comes at least one, maybe two more meaningless games for future NBA superstars to get injured in.
Expanding the tournament would accomplish about as much as the NFL preseason does. Actually, it would accomplish less, because these college players still aren’t getting paid, but their coaches, Athletic Directors, and the NCAA are rolling in the dough.
Duke’s head coach Mike Krzyzewski (better known as Coach K) was heard on the Dan Patrick radio show on March 5 where he said he liked the idea because, “there are more good teams out there now.”
No, there isn’t! The good teams simply don’t pile up in the power conferences anymore. The days of the Big East Conference receiving nine automatic bids are over. Modern college basketball needs to understand that the Butlers, Western Kentucky’s, and St. Mary’s of the world are here to stay, even if that means that an underachieving Connecticut or North Carolina gets left out of The Dance.
I will admit that there is a slightly selfish reason behind my hatred of this idea. The thought of filling out a 96 team bracket sounds like it is as much fun as being the clean-up man in the elephant keep at the San Diego Zoo.
In retrospect, I’m not sure why I ever assumed the NCAA wouldn’t eventually expand the tournament. It’s one of the most illogical, misguided organizations in the land. Of course we should expect them to make the wrong decision.
On a side note, I challenge you, students, faculty, staff, all of you! I have created a Yahoo! Sports Tournament Pick ‘Em challenge for you to join. The group number is 19651 and the password is VanguardLions (no space, that’s important!). All my readers are welcome and encouraged to play. The overall winner will receive a $10 gift card to Chipotle and bragging rights for a year! Please be sure to make your team name your actual name so when it’s all said and done I can give the winner their prize!
