The Bobcat Nation

Pardon my ignorance, but I have no idea what this ESPN "bracket buster" thing is. Perhaps one of the more knowledgable bball fans could fill me in...

Based on conversations with Mick and asst. coach JB, it sounds as if ESPN's thought is to pair up teams that aren't "household names" in college hoops (mid-majors), but are teams that COULD possibly win a game or 2 should they reach the Dance. In other words, they're looking for those 11-16 seeds that no one will pick in their March Madness brackets but have the potential to "bust" through against bigger, more high-profile teams.

I thought of teams like Weber ('99, was it?) or Gonzaga BEFORE anyone knew who they were.

Both coaches were excited about the game because A) it will be on national TV (good for future recruiting) and B) it will hopefully bring a quality team to Bozeman and help the team realize where they are and what potential they may have.

Personally, I think it's a great concept; it will give hoops fans a better look into the "rest" of NCAA basketball, rather than just the Dukes, Carolinas, and Kansas's of the world. Come March, more people will have more familiarity with some of the "lesser known" schools that make it to the tourney. I also love the idea that ESPN is going to venues that would otherwise never see a big-time TV game; I'd like to think that the BB Fieldhouse will be PACKED with Cat-crazed fans and do our program & school justice on a national stage.

It's kind of a way to generate interest in "mid-major" bubble teams for the tournament selection committee. Guess it hasn't influenced the committee too much so far, but Mslacat is much more knowedgeable than I am. We were chosen to host as there's pretty high expectations for this year's team.

...and of course El Gato explained it much better than me

THere is also no guarantee it will be on TV. They have a couple teams from ever mid-major scheduled to play another and then the last week pick which games would be best based mostly on records, and which have the best shot of making the dance.

Are you sure about that, pony?

Both Mick & JB talked as if it was a given that we'd be on TV.

From the article linked in the original post:

Eleven of the 50 games will be broadcast by ESPN networks. After the TV matchups are determined, the remaining matchups will be decided, with geography playing a part, ESPN officials said.

El_Gato wrote:Are you sure about that, pony?

Both Mick & JB talked as if it was a given that we'd be on TV.

None of the Big Sky Bracket Buster games were televised last year...MSU would have to have a VERY good non-conference season in order for it to potentially be on TV.