[NU Sports] NCAA Poised to Expand to Field of 96; NIT Slated for Extinction

[Eric West]

Tom Maycock wrote:
> I guess my answer to the questions would be to drop the NCAA tourney back to 32, and give us a competitive NIT for the good teams that didn't make the cut. 
>   

As much as I would disagree with a 96-team playoff, I'd agree with the 
above scenario even less. It would mean either 31 automatic bids and one 
at-large team (which would be legitimate but bizarre), or else several 
conferences would be eliminated from consideration altogether, which 
would make for an illegitimate champion and an unimproved NIT (since all 
the "big guys" would still make the NCAA field). You may as well just 
invite a Final Four based on some BCS-like formula, for all that would 
prove.

I agree with Harry. Right now 65 (or really, 64) is an optimal number; 
it includes (and excludes) enough teams to be interesting while still 
providing legitimacy.


Eric West
e-west at northwestern.edu