Men’s Selection Sunday updates: Stay informed with the latest news
In a recent interview with ESPN, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey sparked speculation about the future of the NCAA Tournament. However, he clarified his statements and assured fans that he does not envision a tournament that includes only teams from power conferences. Sankey pointed out the impressive runs made by UCLA and Syracuse in recent years, demonstrating the potential of power-conference teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
Sankey emphasized the competitiveness within the top 50 teams and acknowledged the pressure on automatic qualifiers from smaller leagues. With the expansion of conferences like the SEC and Big 12, Sankey believes that the conversation about including highly competitive teams should be part of the review process. He highlighted the success of Ole Miss baseball, which won a national championship despite being the last team to qualify, as an example of the potential justification for including more teams.
While Sankey does not make the final decision on tournament expansion, his position as the commissioner of one of the most powerful leagues in college athletics gives him a significant voice in the process. He also co-chaired the NCAA transformation committee that recommended expanding the tournament last January. However, Sankey’s interest in a larger field does not necessarily mean he wants more mid-major teams included. Some fear that any play-in games in the future would only involve smaller schools vying for spots in the traditional 64-team format.
As discussions about tournament expansion continue, it is important to stay informed about the latest updates and developments. The future of the NCAA Tournament could have significant implications for college basketball and the dynamics between power-conference teams and mid-major programs.