As the dust settles on another riveting Selection Sunday, the basketball world finds itself grappling with a slew of unexpected snubs from both the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments. The joy of some teams was countered by the heartbreak of others, who found themselves inexplicably left off the bracket. In this column, we delve into the biggest snubs revealed on Selection Sunday, offering a comprehensive analysis of the teams that fell short and the challenges they faced.
From the men’s side, with notable omissions like St. John’s, Seton Hall, and Oklahoma, to the women’s side, where Miami was left out in the cold and Caitlin Clark’s Albany 2 region was dealt a tough hand, the committee’s decisions have left many scratching their heads. As we dissect the surprising choices, we’ll hear from some of the most influential voices in college basketball, including Rick Pitino and Kim English, who weigh in on these controversial decisions.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the madness that is March, exploring the biggest snubs, the toughest draws, and the surprising surprises that await us in the tournament.
Biggest Snubs Revealed On Selection Sunday
Selection Sunday is always a tumultuous day, filled with joy for some and disappointment for others. This year was no exception, with several high-profile teams finding themselves on the wrong side of the bubble.
On the men’s side, the snubbing of St. John’s, Seton Hall, and Indiana State drew a lot of criticism. Despite having strong seasons, these teams were excluded from the tournament, sparking outrage among their fans and pundits alike. The exclusion of Oklahoma was equally shocking, as the Sooners had a solid season and were expected to make the cut.
The women’s tournament also had its share of snubs, with Miami being the most notable omission. Despite a strong showing this season, they were left out of the bracket, much to the dismay of their players and supporters.
Rick Pitino and Kim English Weigh In
Renowned basketball coaches Rick Pitino and Kim English were not shy about expressing their thoughts on the selections. Pitino, in particular, was vocal about the snubbing of St. John’s, a team he felt had proven their worth throughout the season. “It’s a blow to the gut,” he said, “They’ve shown grit and determination throughout the season, and I believe they deserved a spot.”
Kim English, on the other hand, expressed his disappointment at the omission of Providence, a team he felt had shown great potential.
“I think the analytics are bulls–t,” English told reporters. “I think you could schedule bad teams in your non-league and beat the snot out of them and beat them by 50 and 60. I think coaching for so long has been a gentleman agreement. I mean you have a large lead at the end of the game for health reasons you take guys out, to get some other guys opportunities to play you take guys out.
“But right now might be a change in college basketball. We’re scheduling to beat teams by 40 and 50. [It] might be a thing to do, but when you get into this league, the analytics aren’t going to look very good in league. You’re playing against some really, really good coaches.”
The Women’s NCAA Tournament: Miami and Caitlin Clark
The women’s NCAA tournament has not been without its share of controversy. The biggest shock came when Miami, a team that had put up strong numbers throughout the season, was left out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark and her Albany 2 region were dealt a hard blow by the committee. Despite being one of the top players this season, Clark finds herself in what many consider to be the toughest region in the tournament. It’s a daunting challenge, but if anyone can rise to the occasion, it’s Clark.
The NCAA Tournament: Surprises and Snubs
The tournament is always full of surprises, and this year was no different. The inclusion of Virginia in the men’s bracket was unexpected, given their rocky season. On the other hand, the seeding of Gonzaga and the Mountain West were points of contention for many fans and experts.
On the women’s side, the committee did no favors for Caitlin Clark by placing her in the Albany 2 region, widely considered the most challenging region in the tournament. This decision has sparked debates about fairness and the selection process.
Teams to Watch
Despite the controversy surrounding the selections, there are several teams to watch in this year’s tournament. On the men’s side, the surprise inclusion of Virginia makes them an interesting team to follow. Will they prove the committee right, or will their inclusion be deemed a mistake?
On the women’s side, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and her team as they navigate their way through the tough Albany 2 region. It will be interesting to see how they handle the challenge.
March Madness Schedule
The madness is just getting started, and there’s plenty of basketball left to play. The coming weeks promise to be filled with thrilling games, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride, because March Madness is here, and it promises to be a wild one.
Last Reaction
The fallout from Selection Sunday continues to reverberate across the basketball world. While some teams celebrate their inclusion, others mourn their exclusion. But that’s the beauty of March Madness – it’s unpredictable, it’s exhilarating, and it keeps us on the edge of our seats. So, let the games begin, and may the best teams win.
