Big East Basketball May Change Conference Tournament Format

Proposed Change To Big East Tournament  Would Eliminate Byes

The Big East, in "response to concerns expressed by the conference's head coaches," is "looking to change the format" of its men's basketball tournament held at MSG, according to Kevin McNamara of the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL. The proposed change "will take away any byes and pit the very best teams against the worst finishers on the first day of the event," a "major shift from last March." Big East Associate Commissioner for Men's Basketball Dan Gavitt: "We're evaluating what we want to do with our tournament. We've decided to remain with a 16-team tournament, but our head coaches have expressed some sentiment to explore changes." McNamara noted "any changes to the format would have to be conveyed" to ESPN, which "would almost certainly want to televise games featuring the Big East's best teams even if they are facing the lesser lights of the conference." The "double-bye" received by the top four seeds last year "was a problem" because ESPN "chose not to televise the four opening-round games ... due to a lack of star power." The "alternative format being discussed would rectify" the issue.  The best teams "also bring the most fans and filling the Garden for the early rounds of the event remains a major concern" (PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, 8/10).