Auburn Fans Among the Most Vocal Critics of 2024 NCAA Tournament Selection
Now that his tenure as NCAA men’s basketball selection committee chair has ended, Charles McClelland, who also serves as the SWAC commissioner, can finally relax—at least in theory. However, the phone calls and emails from upset fans have not stopped, highlighting just how passionate people remain about last year’s NCAA Tournament selections.
Speaking to a small group of reporters at the Birmingham Tip-Off Club, McClelland acknowledged that two fan bases were particularly vocal in expressing their dissatisfaction with the selection process: supporters of the Big East and Auburn fans.
Auburn Fans Furious Over Tournament Seeding and Placement
Auburn fans were especially outraged over where their team was placed in the bracket and how the selection committee handled their seeding. Many believed the Tigers, who had won the SEC Tournament, deserved better than a No. 4 regional seed. Additionally, they were frustrated that Auburn was sent to Washington, feeling that their geographic placement was unfair.
McClelland attempted to clarify how teams are placed in the bracket, emphasizing that the committee doesn’t intentionally assign specific matchups or locations during the early phases of selection. Instead, the process begins by ranking and seeding teams before placing them into different regions. It’s only in the final stages of selection that the full bracket is reviewed to ensure competitive balance.
He acknowledged that fans often assume the committee deliberately creates specific matchups, but he insisted that this is not the case. Instead, teams are assigned to regions based on factors like proximity and ensuring each bracket remains balanced.
Despite these explanations, Auburn fans remained upset, especially after their team was eliminated in the first round by 13th-seeded Yale, 78-76. The loss only intensified their frustration, as they felt the committee had set them up for failure with an unfair placement.
Big East Fans Were Also Outraged
Auburn fans weren’t the only ones who directed their anger at McClelland and the selection committee. Fans of the Big East, particularly those supporting St. John’s, were also furious about the bracket decisions. St. John’s was left out of the tournament field entirely, a decision that many believed was unjust.
Even a year later, McClelland revealed that he continues to receive emails from St. John’s fans who are still angry about their team’s omission. He mentioned receiving a recent email from a supporter reminding him of what they saw as a major mistake.
The Passion of March Madness
Despite the criticism, McClelland views the continued complaints as a testament to the importance of the NCAA Tournament. He understands why fans are so passionate and acknowledges that every decision the committee makes is scrutinized by millions.
However, he chooses not to engage in back-and-forth arguments with upset fans. Instead, he recognizes their frustration while maintaining that the selection process is based on structured voting and seeding criteria, not personal biases.
McClelland’s final message to fans was clear: Just because a team is left out or placed in a tough position doesn’t mean they weren’t considered deserving. The tournament field is decided based on votes, and sometimes, tough decisions have to be made.
Ultimately, he insists, “It’s not personal.”
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