I'm mixed on the new tournament format.
On one hand, finishing top four out of 12 is more deserving of a reward (a bye) than just avoiding the bottom four as in years past, so from a basketball merits standpoint, I like it.
On the other hand, 8 out of 12 fan bases have to try to get to St. Louis in time for Thursday action (possibly daytime on Thursday), and of course you have less of a chance to win the whole thing if you have to play four times in four days, so from a fan experience standpoint, it might be a step backward (other than for the small percentage of true junkies who just love an additional day of wall-to-wall hoops).
That said, probably the worst part about going to 12 teams is the lack of a true round robin to determine the regular season title.
Most people don't care initially for change, but after the experience realize it was worth it.
I am super excited to get this season underway, and eventually see all 12 schools at Arch Madness.
GO BM!
GO DAWGS!
Unless this season heads down the drain, I'm planning on heading to St. Louis for the first time in about a decade. Arch Madness is gonna be so awesome with 4 full days of games.
