By Whitney Spencer
This week the biggest story of college basketball wasn’t necessarily on the floor, but on paper. The NCAA has proposed an expansion of the current tournament layout, from 65 teams to 68 or 96. As a college basketball fan, you would first imagine how much more basketball you’d get to experience, and the bliss, shock and awe that you would find yourself in. For me, all I could do was shake my head. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
The beauty of March Madness is that it lasts just long enough. A true fan yearns for it all season. From the tipoff of the very first game of the season, through the rivalry games and tough losses, and to Selection Sunday, college basketball fans can’t wait for March Madness to begin. Imagine the time that this expansion would take over?
Would it still be March Madness? Or would the regular season be cut short so the tournament wouldn’t run as long? February Madness? Not quite as catchy. Or would the season run right into the National Basketball Association draft in June, because the tournament would run so long?
Every year the 65 teams are seeded, from one seeds to 16 seeds. The cream of the crop is always at the top, and the mid-major Cinderella stories are usually found closer to the bottom. The likelihood of a 16th-seeded team making it past the first weekend of the tournament isn’t very high. Imagine a team that would be an even lower seed. Just compare the difference in game quality between an eighth seed and a ninth seed, versus that of an eighth seed and a 24th seed. No one really enjoys seeing a blowout night in and night out.
Speaking of Cinderella, who doesn’t love a good one every year. The possibility of a Cinderella would be diminished, as the top eight seeds in each region—yes eight—would have a bye. This would clearly provide an advantage for the top half of the bracket and an almost assured trip home for the lower seeds.
The NCAA tournament is a somewhat sacred event to players, coaches and fans alike. Its magical feel would be severely weakened and the sense of accomplishment would be diminished, as teams with RPIs of 70 or lower would earn a spot.
Let’s face it: This expansion comes down to one thing, and it isn’t opportunities for more athletes to experience the tournament. Money is the motive, as the NCAA is deciding whether or not to opt out of their contract with CBS after this season. A larger field would mean more content, more scheduling opportunities and more revenue for the broadcaster and the NCAA.
At this point, the argument could go either way. The tournament hasn’t had an expansion since 1985, and every expansion prior to the current system came with many detractors. And, well, look at the popularity of what some are calling the perfect system. As for this fan, I’d like to see this 25-year-old system stay intact for another 25 years or so. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
