BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — We’re really going to do this, huh? During an appearance on SEC Network from the league’s basketball media day Wednesday, commissioner Greg Sankey again said he’s open to the idea of expanding the NCAA Tournament field beyond its current 68-team format. That thinking “was informed by the fact that I think (Texas) A&M was playing as well as anyone in men’s basketball last March and didn’t have access,” Sankey said. “Then you look at baseball, where Ole Miss was recognized as the last team in and … wins the national championship. It opens your mind.”
While it’s true that the Aggies looked great winning seven straight games in late February and early March, including three in as many days to reach the SEC championship game, it’s not quite right to say they didn’t have access to the NCAA Tournament. Sankey is big on that word, saying Wednesday, “I think there’s ways for us to think about creating access points that bring more people into the game, which I always think can be healthy if done the right way.” But A&M could’ve gained access by simply not losing eight straight and 9 of 10 league games in the span of a month. Or, by playing a better nonconference schedule than the 308th-strongest. Or winning the conference tournament. This is an access point for all national teams.
Buzz Williams had every right to rant (in epic fashion) against his team’s exclusion, but bubble-watching and post-selection debate are part of what makes the event so compelling. By the way, just because the Aggies won four more in a row to reach the NIT championship game, it doesn’t mean Williams was right.
