KANSAS CITY, Missouri — As conversations continue about the potential expansion of the NCAA tournament, Baylor’s Scott Drew said Wednesday that the sport needs to go big if it decides to move.
“I’d love to see it go to 128 [teams]Drew told ESPN at the Big 12 Media Day at the T-Mobile Center.but everyone [would have] It’s only 1 extra game to win 7 games. But really, here’s why: I think there’s a great parity, and you look at football: about half the teams make it to the postseason.”
Drew said the 128-team field, which adds a full round to the current format, gives a good chunk of the Division 1 landscape a chance to compete for the national title. Compete in the NCAA Tournament.
Drew’s comments at the Big 12 Media Day extended ongoing dialogue about the future of the NCAA Tournament. Last week, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips told his ESPN’s Jeff Beauzero that it was “time to look” at expanding the sector, and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he will in August. He said: he will support A “fresh look” at the NCAA Tournament.
Big 12 commissioner Brett Yeomark told ESPN on Wednesday that discussions about a potential expansion should include the men’s and women’s tournaments.
“I’m a big fan [NCAA tournament]’ said Yeomark. I think it will capture the imagination of everyone in this country, whether you are a hardcore or casual fan. There’s nothing like March. can’t believe it.That being said, I am aware that there have been many reports of further expansion of the tournament and I am open to it – both for men and women. [basketball], not just for men. It has to go both ways.what you are talking about [College Football Playoff] Extended. Why not extend the basketball tournament in March?”
Months after winning his second national championship in Kansas, Bill Self said he still doesn’t have strong opinions about the future of the NCAA Tournament. But he also added that in the current version he believes the NCAA Tournament is a great product.
“They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Self. [the NCAA tournament] I feel great now. ”
Last year, West Virginia’s Bob Huggins said Power 5 schools should consider creating their own tournaments on their own. On Wednesday, Huggins told ESPN that Division I schools should talk about earnings, not expansions related to the NCAA Tournament.
Huggins said the NCAA, which recently signed an eight-year extension worth $8.8 billion with CBS/Turner Sports for NCAA tournament rights through 2032, shouldn’t keep most of its revenue. The NCAA pays winnings to teams and leagues on the NCAA Tournament Field based on their success. Last year, teams in the NCAA Tournament made approximately $337,000 per win.
“I think we should be more concerned with the distribution of money,” Huggins told ESPN. [should make the money]And obviously you scale it. But they deserve it. …I don’t think you’ll take the NCAA out of the equation entirely, but I don’t think the NCAA should keep all the money. ”
Drew said he understands the opportunities presented to teams that earn a spot on the NCAA tournament field each year. He was a staff assistant to his father Homer Drew at Valparaiso when his older brother Bryce Drew beat Ole Miss with a buzzer beater in the opening round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament. . Then his 23 years later, Drew led Baylor to his first national championship.
“Players work their entire lives to get to the NCAA Tournament,” Drew said. [teams], you get about a third of the time you experience it. …I wish more teams had a chance [there will be] great game. ”
