2020 March Madness: A Look Back At A Tournament That Never Was
Hey guys, let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Remember that time when NCAA March Madness was on everyone's mind, and then… well, it wasn't? Yeah, that's right, we're talking about the 2020 tournament. The one that got wiped off the calendar faster than you can say "Cinderella story." It’s a bit of a bummer to think about, but hey, it's also a fascinating reminder of how quickly things can change and how much we love our college basketball. So, let’s dive into what would have been and what we can still appreciate about the 2020 March Madness bracket and the season that led up to it. Grab your imaginary bracket, and let's go!
It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 NCAA Tournament was shaping up to be a banger. The regular season had given us some incredible games, stunning upsets, and the rise of some truly exciting teams. We had potential Cinderella teams brewing, the usual powerhouses looking dominant, and a whole lot of buzz building towards Selection Sunday. But, as we all know, fate had other plans. In early March of 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic began to sweep across the globe, the sports world, including the NCAA, had to make some tough calls. The decision was made to cancel the tournament, a move that sent shockwaves through the college basketball community and left fans heartbroken. For the seniors, it was especially tough, as their college careers ended abruptly. It felt surreal at the time, and it still kind of does. Now, let’s explore the teams and players we missed out on seeing battle for the championship. We'll also remember what made the season so captivating in the first place.
The Teams That Almost Were: Top Contenders and Dark Horses
Okay, so let's talk about the teams that were poised to make some serious noise. Based on the rankings and expert predictions at the time, we can get a good idea of who the favorites and potential dark horses would have been. Remember, this is all based on what we thought would happen, so it's a fun exercise in "what if".
At the top, we were looking at some serious contenders. The Kansas Jayhawks were having an outstanding season, led by coach Bill Self, and looked like a team ready to cut down the nets. Then there were the Baylor Bears, who were also having an incredible run, making them a top seed. The Gonzaga Bulldogs, always a threat, were likely to be a high seed, as well, with their high-powered offense. And, of course, you had the usual suspects like Duke, Kentucky, and Villanova, who were always in the mix and capable of making a deep run. Now, each of these teams had its strengths and weaknesses, of course, but they were all loaded with talent and experience. They had the coaching, the players, and the momentum to go all the way.
But what about the dark horses? Ah, the teams that could have busted our brackets and made an unforgettable run. Teams like Dayton, led by Obi Toppin, who was absolutely electrifying and a potential Player of the Year candidate. The Flyers were putting together a special season, and many analysts had them pegged for a deep run. Then you had teams like San Diego State, which had an incredible record and a tough defense, or the Seton Hall Pirates, who always seem to find a way to compete at a high level. Let’s not forget the potential for mid-major teams to make a splash – teams like East Tennessee State or Northern Iowa who could have pulled off some stunning upsets. March Madness is all about the unexpected, and there’s no doubt that these teams would have had their chance to shine.
The absence of these teams from the tournament still stings a bit, but that just shows how much we love the excitement of March Madness. Each of these teams had the potential to write their own chapter in tournament history, and it's fun to imagine what could have been. Each year, there is a lot of buzz surrounding the NCAA tournament. The fans all want to make the right picks and make it the best bracket.
Remembering the Players We Missed Seeing
Of course, it’s not just about the teams; it’s about the players. The 2020 NCAA Tournament would have been a showcase of some incredible talent. We missed out on seeing future NBA stars compete on the biggest stage in college basketball. Can you imagine the matchups? The buzzer-beaters? The clutch performances? Let's take a look at some of the players we didn't get to see fully express their talents in the 2020 March Madness.
We would have seen Obi Toppin of Dayton, who was a highlight reel waiting to happen. His athleticism and scoring ability would have been a joy to watch. Then there was Tyrese Haliburton from Iowa State, a smooth, all-around point guard who was making a name for himself. Players like Cole Anthony from North Carolina and James Wiseman from Memphis were also highly touted prospects who were looking to make a big impression. These guys were poised to become household names, and the tournament would have been the perfect platform for them. Also, the returners who had become stars in their own right, like Markus Howard from Marquette, who could light it up from anywhere, or Cassius Winston from Michigan State, a steady, reliable point guard who had been through so much and was looking to lead his team on one last run. And then there were all the other players who were ready to make a name for themselves – the role players, the defensive specialists, the guys who always seemed to step up in the biggest moments. Each of these players had their own unique story, their own dreams of playing in the NCAA Tournament, and their chance was taken away. The tournament is so much more than just the games. It’s about the stories, the rivalries, and the sheer talent on display.
Bracketology in the Age of No Tournament: What Could Have Been?
Alright, let’s be real. One of the most fun parts of March Madness is filling out your bracket. That moment of anticipation, the research, the debates with your friends – it's all part of the experience. But what do you do when there's no tournament? Well, you do the next best thing: bracketology. You use the regular season data, the team rankings, the expert opinions, and your own gut feeling to create a hypothetical bracket. It’s a way to keep the spirit of the tournament alive, even when the games aren’t happening.
So, what would the 2020 March Madness bracket have looked like? We can use the final rankings from the various polls and bracket predictions from different experts to get a sense of the potential matchups. The selection committee would have likely used the same criteria they always do: the teams' records, their strength of schedule, their conference tournament performance, and other metrics like the NET rankings. Based on all of that, we can guess at what the seeds would have been and which teams would have been vying for a spot in the Big Dance.
The top seeds were pretty easy to predict, like the Kansas Jayhawks, Baylor Bears, Gonzaga Bulldogs, and likely Duke or Villanova. Then, it gets tricky. Figuring out which teams are on the bubble – the teams that are on the edge of making the tournament – is always a fun challenge. Teams like Stanford, Richmond, Utah State, and Stephen F. Austin were all in the mix, and their fates would have been determined by the committee. The upsets? Oh, they would have been coming. In any tournament, a few lower seeds always pull off major upsets, and it would have been exciting to see which teams would have become the Cinderella stories of the 2020 tournament.
Using bracketology helps us remember the excitement and possibilities that the 2020 NCAA Tournament would have brought us. Every year, people fill out their brackets and it creates so much excitement among sports fans. The bracket is a symbol of the NCAA tournament. It brings together people who may not be able to agree on anything else but they love college basketball.
The Impact of Cancellation
Of course, the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA Tournament had a huge impact. Not only did fans miss out on the games, but there were also financial implications for the NCAA, the participating schools, and the host cities. Think about all the hotels, restaurants, and local businesses that missed out on the influx of visitors. College basketball programs also missed out on the revenue generated by the tournament, which is used to fund athletic scholarships and other programs. It also impacted the players who lost out on a huge opportunity to showcase their talent on the national stage. The seniors also missed out on their last chance to play and their shot at a national title. It was a tough situation for everyone involved.
Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
Looking back at the 2020 March Madness bracket situation, there are some important lessons to be learned. First and foremost, the cancellation highlighted the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being flexible and adaptable. It also reminded us of the value of sports and the role they play in our lives. Sports bring people together, provide entertainment, and give us something to root for. The NCAA Tournament is a celebration of college basketball and the players who dedicate themselves to the sport. While the 2020 NCAA Tournament wasn't a reality, it still has a place in the sport's history. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change and how much we value the things we love.
Going forward, let's appreciate every game, every play, every buzzer-beater. The NCAA Tournament is an amazing event and we should celebrate every second of it. Let’s also remember the lessons learned from 2020, and be grateful for the opportunity to watch and enjoy college basketball. There's nothing like March Madness, and the anticipation and excitement for the next one is always there. So, here’s to the future, to the teams, the players, and the unforgettable moments that make March Madness so special.
In closing, let's keep the spirit of the tournament alive by remembering the players and teams that might have been. Let us look forward to future NCAA Tournaments, with the knowledge that we should cherish every moment of the greatest event in all of sports. The games, the excitement, and the opportunity to make your own bracket make March Madness special.
