It’s clear to everyone that March Madness is one of the most exciting basketball events of the year, and it’s produced memorable players and incredible moments that fans fondly look back on even after years that it’s been done.
Due to the nature of the tournament, it’s difficult for fans to accept any proposed changes to how the biggest amateur basketball tournament in the country is run. One of the most controversial topics being discussed is the possibility of expanding the bracket for the sake of more profits.
One ESPN analyst gave his take on the matter, but he was immediately met with resistance from vocal college hoops fans.
Jay Williams thinks March Madness expansion will make the tournament better and gets trolled by fans
It was reported that the NCAA is considering expanding the number of March Madness participants from 68 to 72 or 78 universities. It’s become a hotly contested topic as plenty of fans feel that the NCAA shouldn’t even touch something that is already working.
However, Jay Williams is a huge advocate for more schools joining the big dance. In fact, he even suggested an even wilder proposition.
Williams advocated to let more teams go dancing. During Monday’s First Take, the former Duke star pitched a 112-team tournament.
He’d give the top 16 teams a first-round bye, creating 46 games in the opening round before the round of 64.
“What is this about? This is about generating revenue,” Williams said. What also is it about? Give players rev share. So yeah, increase the tournament.”
He was immediately met with ridicule from fans:
“I think my guy @RealJayWilliams started drinking early this morning with this atrocious take!” college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman said.
“We’re really gonna try and totally ruin one of the only great things the NCAA has?” a fan asked.
“I hope this is sarcasm,” another fan wrote.
While Williams mean well with his suggestion, inviting 112 teams to the tournament makes the chase for impressive seasons all the more meaningless. This would allow almost every team in the NCAA to participate in the competition.
While many still believe that March Madness shouldn’t even be modified, any expansion must be made with the tournament’s competitive integrity in mind.
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