There has been a lot of discourse around the NCAA tournament expansion. Over the course of history there have been multiple times that NCAA have increased the number of teams that will participate in the NCAA tournament. That number is now set to become 76 from previous 68.
A lot of high profile coaches, analysts gave their opinion on the decision and Rick Pitino was one of them. While a lot of analysts talked about how this could be the worst decision and this is not where college basketball should go, some coaches went the other way.
St. John’s head coach could not understand why a lot of people had a problem with the expansion. Despite being a college basketball coach since 1974, he has often showed that he is someone who isn’t afraid of the change. Pitino has embraced changes and hardships with a commendable demeanor. He had a positive attitude about the NCAA’s expansion.
“When I hear people are upset the NCAA expanded to 76 teams, I think “why and who cares?”. The best teams advance and more teams get to experience the greatest tournament on earth,” Rick Pitino took to his X and said.
The jury’s is still out about whether the decision of expansion will be a success or not. True test will only be when the new format is in regulation.
Fans react to Rick Pitino’s comment on NCAA Expansion
Fans did not agree with Rick Pitino when he favored the expansion.
“Coach, the NCAA Tournament shouldn’t be the reward for Mediocre play during the regular season. Nobody wants to see more mediocrity added to the Tournament,” one fan said.
“Let them all in then. Let’s go 360,” another said sarcastically.
“Because spots will go to P4’s who should not have gotten in and not to qualified mid majors. It’s just the rich getting richer,” one fan explained.
“Takes away from the exclusive experience of making the tournament, watching mid majors on the television etc. I get that we will still have some of that, but if every decision is based on money then we will lose allure in the long run. It’s perfect, leave it alone,” another stated.
“Big fan of yours, slick Rick. We care because it devalues the regular season. Also, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Using your logic, why not allow everyone to make it?” Another fan added.
“Because it dilutes the tournament,” another commented.
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