After his Missouri Tigers fell to No. 15 Princeton on Saturday, Mizzou coach Dennis Gates explained that it might be time for expansion when it comes to the NCAA Tournament.
Saying of the idea:
The NCAA Tournament has always expanded, if you look at the history of it. … I truly believe a lot of good teams have been left out. If you look at the NIT, if you look at even those teams that’s in Ivy League. We were fortunate enough to play Penn, who was a pre-season favorite. We were fortunate enough to watch as much Princeton as we could. I’ve seen several good teams in that conference that could very well be in the NCAA Tournament.
Missouri coach Dennis Gates credits Princeton, calls for #MarchMadness expansion after upset:https://t.co/OTewIVy4M5 pic.twitter.com/2nlrIRGnDi
— 247Sports (@247Sports) March 19, 2023
Adding:
All I’m saying is the big picture, it’s probably time for expansion. There has been talks about it. That’s a good program that we played. Several teams, even Vanderbilt from our conference, were left out. You have to understand several teams in other conferences have done the same. When it comes to parity, I think when you look at expansion, it’s probably time to.
Back in October, Gates said that he would even like to see March Madness’ field of 68 double. Telling The Athletic, “There are some great coaches left out of the tournament and some great players we don’t get to see.”