In new century, NCAA switches up format–and opinions are split
A hundred years later, change is coming to the NCAA, proving that nothing in the world is permanent.
For NCAA Season 101, the men’s basketball tournament will ditch tradition in favor of a format that’s a familiar fixture in international tournaments.
Instead of the age-old two-phase format, the men’s basketball tournament will see the 10-member teams split into two groups and go through three phases to determine the new kings of the hardwood.
And as expected, the change has drawn a line dividing those who see it as a much-needed dose of freshness and those who wonder why something that wasn’t broke needed fixing.
“I feel like it’s a nice touch of innovation to the new century [of the tournament],” Escamis told the Inquirer late Friday evening. “That’s also good for schools who are rebuilding so they have a fair chance to compete with other schools.”
“I feel like more people will tune in more to the games on a consistent basis because all teams have a chance to go to the quarterfinals, even though you’re bottom-seeded. And I’m a big fan of that because it boosts school spirit all season round.”
Unlike the previous seasons, teams won’t play their opponents twice in the elimination round.
The five teams in each group will play each other twice and battle the squads of the other group once. The format shortens the elimination round from the usual 18 games. This time, teams will play just 13 games each in the preliminaries.
The top three teams in each group qualify outright to the quarterfinals, while the last two teams compete in a play-in to determine the fourth quarterfinalist of each group.
The top two teams in each group will have twice-to-beat protection in the quarterfinals, with the winners advancing to the semifinals.
The Final Four and the Finals will both be best-of-three affairs.
But while the new format provides intrigue and anticipation for the coming season, not everyone is excited about it.
“I was informed by our man com rep about it so no surprise but to be honest, not a big fan of it,” said College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu in a text message to the Inquirer.
“I prefer the traditional one. I wanted to play more games for my players. [We] basically told them (Blazers) we have no choice. We just have to make do with the hand that’s dealt with us,” he added.
