Even though it is "one more game" for every team, that is still 64 more games total. Aside from that, think of how much the competition will be diluted. Yes more bubble teams will be able to make it, but there is no way in hell there are 64 quality bubble teams. You can basically include all the teams from every major conference with that type of tournament. Plus, mid-major teams did have a great tournament, but that doesn't mean the system has to be changed. These were the best teams their conferences had to offer, anyone else would just be an embarrasment. Would there be an occasional upset, maybe, but not enough to make a positive impact. Also, for no other reason, for those people who have trouble with fine print, filling out a NCAA bracket is going to be a bitch.
Also, for no other reason, for those people who have trouble with fine print, filling out a NCAA bracket is going to be a bitch. That's exactly what I was going to say. They can barely fit the damn bracket into the newspapers as it is... And the "bracketology" guys on ESPN will need to double their timeslot just to cover all the new teams...
I like Boeheim's idea of adding a few extra teams and having them play against one another on the first day. It would increase the chances of bubble teams who could make a run like George Mason getting a bid without any serious logistical problems.
I know there is quite a fuss about 65 teams and how some teams do not get in to the tournament and some do not. Case in point, Michigan this year but 128 teams is way too much! But that's the beauty and suspense of March Madness. Putting 128 teams in the tournament takes away any suspense.
The NCAA will have to start the season a week earlier or else face the rath of the big conference schools as the add'l week poses a threat to the conference tournaments. The conference tourneys are 8 - 11 total games with no revenue shared with the NCAA while the expanded "April" madness tournament gives only one add'l game to the big conference schools participating. I think only once has a 16 seed defeated a #1. What kind of competition will a #128 vs a #1 bring?
I've often expounded the idea of expanding to 80 teams with the following format. 1.) Seed your top 48 teams 2.) Select 32 "Play-In" teams similiar to what is being done with that IDIOTIC 65th team. ==============================
== Whar your looking at is adding maybe one more week and you'd likely pick up the half-dozen to dozen shools who have a legitimate complaint at being left out every year. ============================== In regards to the NIT, there would still be plenty of second tier leftovers OR... The tournament selection could wait until later, absorb the 16 1st round (or additional second round) losing teams to satisfy those who think the NIT is still viable. Don't forget, in the past schools did play in both tournaments.
After reading about a certain group of coaches who want to expand the basketball tournament it reminded me of some of the same things that are happening in other sports and that is it's OK to reward mediocrity.
