College Basketball Analysts Are Blasting The NCAA As Tournament Expansion Decision Looms

A basketball with the NCAA Tournament logo rests at midcourt.

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College basketball analysts are posting their reactions to the NCAA as a decision on potential tournament expansion looms. The NCAA Transformation Committee recently recommended that the field expand to 25%, which could mean a 90-team event in future March Madness competitions.

That idea has been met heavily with criticism from those that follow the sport most closely. Many in the media are taking the moment to voice their opinions against opening up the field even further.

The idea of this expansion was originally floated last October, much to the ire of fans, as college basketball insider Jon Rothstein broke the rumors. He’s since responded to the possible widening of the bracket on social media.

Many others shared that same sentiment, and they took to Twitter to post their dismay this week.

Jeff Goodman of Stadium sports said, “NO THANKS TO EXPANSION OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT, GREG SANKEY. 68 IS GOOD. 64 WAS PERFECT.” 

Eamonn Brennan, a writer at The Athletic, echoed that line of thought by saying, “These guys are going to destroy the NCAA Tournament and tell you it’s about the student-athletes”

Gary Parrish of CBS wrote, “Basing an argument in favor of NCAA Tournament expansion on the idea that you need to include 25% of 363 teams is super-lame — especially when around a third of those 363 teams (and maybe more) don’t matter. Hopefully the smart people with power understand as much.”

Maybe the most notable college basketball analyst to weigh in on the proposal was Dick Vitale. Vitale has been a staple in the basketball world for decades, and while NCAA leaders claim that this would be more inclusive for student-athletes, he believes the NCAA has strictly monetary motives.

“Why in the world would an NCAA group want to change what has been fantastic? Their idea for expansion is ALL $$$ related. March Madness is super – fix the many other problems that exist with the NCAA.”

The GOAT has spoken.

A decision wouldn’t likely be made until January of 2024 with implementation for the ’24-’25 season. The proposal would be considered for many NCAA championships, not just basketball.

In the case of March Madness, the NCAA needs to take a step back and realize that the tournament is perfect just the way it is.