Explore the NCAA men's basketball tournament and the teams that have yet to experience the thrill of participating in March Madness. Learn about the notable first-time qualifiers and the journey to earning a spot in this iconic event.
The NCAA Tournament: A Quest for March Madness
( Credit to: Ncaa )
The NCAA men's basketball tournament, known as March Madness, has become a revered event in American sports since its inception in 1939. With a field that has grown to include 68 teams, it is a stage where dreams are made and legacies are forged. Let's explore the history and significance of this tournament and the ongoing quest for NCAA tournament glory.
Teams Awaiting Their Moment in March Madness
Out of the 363 Division I basketball teams (352 eligible), there are several programs that have yet to experience the thrill of participating in the NCAA tournament. Despite over 3,000 total spots available throughout the tournament's history, these teams continue to strive for their first March Madness appearance. Let's take a closer look at these teams and their ongoing quest for NCAA tournament glory.
The list includes Army, Bethune-Cookman, Cal Baptist, Central Arkansas, Chicago State, The Citadel, Denver, Elon, Grambling, High Point, Incarnate Word, Kansas City, Maine, Maryland Eastern Shore, Merrimack, New Hampshire, NJIT, North Alabama, Omaha, Presbyterian, Purdue Fort Wayne, Quinnipiac, Sacramento State, Sacred Heart, SIUE, South Dakota, Stetson, UC Riverside, UMass Lowell, USC Upstate, UT Martin, UTRGV, Utah Valley, Western Illinois, William & Mary, and Youngstown State.
Notable First-Time Qualifiers in NCAA Tournament
While some teams are still waiting for their breakthrough moment, others have recently celebrated their first-ever NCAA tournament appearances. In 2021, Grand Canyon and Hartford made their debut in the tournament, followed by Longwood and Bryant in 2022. Kennesaw State recently left this list by securing their first-ever appearance in the 2023 NCAA tournament, thanks to their Big South tournament championship win and automatic bid.
The Journey to March Madness: Earning a Spot in the Tournament
Earning a spot in the NCAA tournament is no easy feat. The tournament's format has evolved over the years, starting with just eight teams in 1939 and gradually expanding to the familiar 64-team format in 1985. Play-in games were introduced in 2001, increasing the total number of teams to 65. Since 2011, the First Four round has been added, making it a 68-team tournament.
Notable Exceptions: Teams Close to Qualifying
While many teams have eventually made their way to the NCAA tournament, there are a few that have come close but have yet to secure a spot. Army, William & Mary, and The Citadel have been eligible for every tournament but have not yet participated. In a surprising turn of events, Army actually qualified for the tournament in 1968 but declined the invitation in favor of the NIT. Unfortunately, they were unable to progress far in the NIT, losing their first game to Notre Dame.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Quest for NCAA Tournament Glory
The NCAA men's basketball tournament, with its rich history and iconic moments, remains an elusive goal for several Division I programs. As the annual event continues to captivate fans nationwide, the teams awaiting their first March Madness appearance will continue to strive for their moment in the spotlight. For these programs, the quest for NCAA tournament glory is an ongoing journey filled with determination and the hope of one day experiencing the thrill of competing in March Madness.