Figured I might as well get a board created for this since we are getting close, and I have a question that might be a good place to start:

With NPI making all the decisions about who is in and who is out, once the final games are done this weekend, is seeding and hosting the only thing to debate and anticipate from the tournament selection show? 

I think that's it, which will (for me at least) kill a bit of the excitement of waiting to see who made it, and the fabulous debating of "why did the committee pick them".

You are correct, yes. Seeding/placement in the bracket/hosting is what we'll get from the selection show at 1 p.m. ET on Monday (2:30 p.m. for women).

Quote from: Pat Coleman on February 27, 2025, 08:58:03 AMYou are correct, yes. Seeding/placement in the bracket/hosting is what we'll get from the selection show at 1 p.m. ET on Monday (2:30 p.m. for women).

That is interesting.   I checked NCAA.com this morning, and it says that the DIII men's basketball selection show is on Monday at noon ET.   NCAA.com does say 2:30 PM ET on Monday is when the NCAA DIII women's selection show will be on. 

Technically seeding won't even be a mystery as we will know how all 64 teams rank compared to each other as soon as final NPI numbers are run. What will remain to be seen is how the committee creates the bracket based on that seeding. The messaging seems pretty clear their intention is to be true to seeding but obviously there are constraints in place like limiting flights and who may or may not have submitted bids to host.

Much of the intrigue of the in/out and jockeying for top eight protected seeds or top 16 for potential hosting opportunities will play out as the final game results roll in. We will be going live on the D3 Datacast YouTube channel that day with fresh NPI runs as each game concludes. Stream page is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gyocTtk_Bg

Wouldn't it be great if they based the brackets on seeding/NPI and not worry about travel cost?

I know, I know...keep dreaming!

Quote from: CNU85 on February 27, 2025, 10:46:53 AMWouldn't it be great if they based the brackets on seeding/NPI and not worry about travel cost?

I know, I know...keep dreaming!

The first mock bracket I did without consideration of geography had 29 first round flights in it.  Even moving teams around on the same seed line only got it down to seven.  Multiply that by every championship they do, it's pretty expensive.

Quote from: CNU85 on February 27, 2025, 10:46:53 AMWouldn't it be great if they based the brackets on seeding/NPI and not worry about travel cost?

I know, I know...keep dreaming!

My guess this will come sooner or later as I see D3 getting away from NCAA just like it going to happen in D1.

Both Grinnell and Greenville are in their conference finals. One or both could make the NCAAs today.

Monmouth, the #1 seed in the MWC was upset by Lake Forest. Spalding, who tied Greenville atop the SLIAC was upset by Webster. Could this be the year for the System teams???

Trine lost last night, dropping them to Pool C #22, just .002 NPI points behind Whitworth, who holds the last Pool C spot. No idea how much results affect teams who aren't playing, but it will be interesting tomorrow.

I mention this because I'm assuming there have been a few defending national champions who missed the tournament the previous year, but has a preseason #1 ever missed the tournament? It's very possible Trine might miss out.

My guess is seeding will occur with  the top 16 with the exception of a #17 ETBU women getting to host 3 teams that can be bussed to Marshall TX.

Below that, IMHO geographic proximity will be considered.

Quote from: Greek Tragedy on March 01, 2025, 08:21:42 AMBoth Grinnell and Greenville are in their conference finals. One or both could make the NCAAs today.

Monmouth, the #1 seed in the MWC was upset by Lake Forest. Spalding, who tied Greenville atop the SLIAC was upset by Webster. Could this be the year for the System teams???

Greenville won the SLIAC tournament n 2018 and lost to Augustana in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

I remember. I think Greenville had a big lead to start...until Augie adjusted.

Sorry, I wasn't implying this would be the 1st year, if it sounded like that.

Quote from: Greek Tragedy on March 01, 2025, 04:56:51 PMI remember. I think Greenville had a big lead to start...until Augie adjusted.

Sorry, I wasn't implying this would be the 1st year, if it sounded like that.

I wasn't sure if you knew or not. Just thought it worth mentioning for those who might not know. This is Greenville's tenth season playing the System.

Grinnell won the MWC. That's one System team.

WPI, lost today. Someone on the bubble is going to be very unhappy.