Indiana State will not be playing in the NCAA Tournament. The Sycamores were snubbed by the selection committee on Sunday, landing on the wrong side of history with their omission.
ISU was the highest rated team, in terms of the NET rankings, to be left out of a March Madness field.
That’s a shame for college basketball viewers.The Sycamores posted a 28-6 overall record, going 17-3 in Missouri Valley Conference play to win the regular season crown. Unfortunately, they blew a shot at an automatic NCAA Tournament bid by losing in the league championship game to two-seed Drake, 84-80.
Despite the close defeat, many believed they deserved a shot at redeeming themselves in the Big Dance.
A No. 29 ranking in the NET was a key factor in that argument.
That wouldn’t matter in the eyes of the committee, with the Sycamores making unfortunate history.
Indiana State is highest ranked NET team to ever be left out of the field.
29th.
— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness)
No Indiana State means no Cream Abdul-Jabbar.
The viral big man took college basketball by storm this season with his unique look and undeniable talents on the court. Donning goggles while effortlessly posting 17.5 points per night, he earned the ‘Cream Abdul-Jabbar’ moniker while being officially introduced to the national sports spotlight.
Indiana State got screwed… I’m sick of it.
WE DESERVED CREAM ABDUL JABAAR IN THE DANCE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
Robbie Avila, a sophomore with the Sycamores, is now likely destined for the NIT with the Indiana State omission.
That’s an incredible let down for viewers, who were hoping to see the eyewear-sporting center on the sport’s grandest stage. We’ve been robbed of that opportunity.
Given roster turnover in this new era of NIL, this might just be the last time most of us see Avila in an Indiana State uniform – which is a shame!
The Indiana State snub also brought more attention to a growing college basketball issue – NET rankings.
The NET has proven itself “fraudulent” to many, including Rick Pitino – whose Red Storm team was also left out of the field despite a No. 32 ranking.
Others around the country echoed that sentiment on Selection Sunday.
Will the sport slowly move away from the NET rankings as concerns continue to grow? Time will tell.
One thing is for sure – we deserved better as viewers in 2024.
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