If Wisconsin coach Greg Gard had his way, teams in Big Ten final wouldn’t play NCAA tournament games until Friday

As the college basketball season draws to a close, there are few events as eagerly anticipated as March Madness. With the NCAA Tournament marking the culmination of a long and grueling season, the stakes are higher than ever. Each team, from the top-ranked juggernauts to the Cinderella stories, is fighting for a chance to earn a spot in the Final Four, and ultimately, the national championship. For the Big Ten Conference, a powerhouse known for its physical play and intense competition, this period marks an exciting and crucial time for the conference’s best teams to shine.

However, amidst the excitement and anticipation, there’s one voice that has spoken out about the challenges that teams face, particularly those who compete in the Big Ten Tournament final. Greg Gard, the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, has been an outspoken advocate for changing the scheduling of NCAA Tournament games to better accommodate teams coming off the conference tournament finals, especially for those teams from power conferences like the Big Ten.

Gard’s concern stems from a unique scheduling quirk that can leave teams, particularly those in the Big Ten Championship Game, at a disadvantage when they have to quickly turn around and play in the NCAA Tournament, often with little rest. This concern has sparked a larger discussion about whether the NCAA Tournament should consider altering its schedule to provide more rest for teams coming off a taxing conference championship game. In this article, we’ll explore Greg Gard’s position, the context behind his comments, and the broader implications for college basketball.

The Challenge of Playing in the Big Ten Tournament Final

The Big Ten Tournament, as one of the most prestigious conference tournaments in college basketball, is fiercely contested. The competition is fierce, with many of the nation’s top teams and players vying for the title, and teams often play a series of physically demanding games leading up to the final. Wisconsin, under Gard’s leadership, has often been one of the teams in the hunt for the championship, and with their disciplined and structured style of play, they often make deep runs in the tournament.

However, the problem lies in the NCAA Tournament’s immediate schedule. The tournament traditionally begins on Thursday or Friday of the week after the conference championships, meaning teams that make it to their conference final on Sunday have a quick turnaround to begin their NCAA Tournament run. For teams like Wisconsin that have made it to the Big Ten final, they often have less than 72 hours between their championship game and their first game in the NCAA Tournament.

This short turnaround can have multiple implications. First, there’s the issue of player fatigue. A team that has played multiple games in a high-stakes tournament like the Big Ten Championship is often exhausted physically and mentally. The intense pressure, the long minutes on the court, and the emotional toll of the game can leave players less than optimal for the tournament’s opening round. Additionally, if a team plays an especially hard-fought final, they may also be dealing with injuries, soreness, or other physical setbacks.

Second, there’s the impact on preparation. NCAA Tournament games are some of the most important of a team’s season, and a lack of adequate preparation time can hinder a team’s ability to scout their opponent, implement adjustments, and refine their game plan. Teams who are forced to play immediately after their conference finals often don’t have the luxury of sufficient recovery or preparation time, and this can hurt their chances in the tournament.

Greg Gard’s Position: More Rest for Big Ten Teams

Greg Gard, a coach with years of experience in the Big Ten, has been outspoken about the need for more rest for teams playing in the NCAA Tournament who come off a conference final. He’s voiced his frustration with the current scheduling format, pointing out that the quick turnaround is not only physically taxing but also unfairly disadvantages teams who’ve just gone through the grind of a high-intensity conference tournament.

“It’s something we’ve talked about for a number of years,” Gard said. “For a team that makes it to the championship game of their conference, especially a conference as tough as the Big Ten, it’s a quick turnaround. The players put a lot of work into making it that far, and then they’re asked to play a few days later. It’s just not ideal.”

Gard has argued that NCAA Tournament games should not start until Friday for teams coming off a conference championship game on Sunday. By allowing these teams a couple of additional days of rest and preparation, it would level the playing field and give these teams a better shot at succeeding in the tournament. His comments are a direct response to the challenges faced by teams like Wisconsin, who have had to quickly recover after a grueling Big Ten Tournament final to be ready for the NCAA Tournament.

In making this request, Gard has become one of the most vocal proponents for a scheduling change. While his opinion is shared by some in the college basketball community, it is by no means universally accepted. Some argue that the current schedule is part of the tradition of the NCAA Tournament, and that all teams, regardless of when their conference tournament ends, should be subject to the same timetable.

Why the Scheduling Matters

In order to understand the importance of Gard’s request, it’s essential to recognize the role that rest and preparation play in March Madness. The NCAA Tournament is a grueling 68-team battle for supremacy, and each game is as crucial as the next. Teams that have the energy, focus, and mental sharpness to compete in the tournament tend to fare better, and the ability to rest and recover between games can make a significant difference in a team’s performance.

Moreover, the NCAA Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in college basketball, and the level of competition is fierce. To compete with teams that have had adequate rest, teams coming off a conference championship game need time to prepare mentally and physically. It’s not just about physical recovery; it’s about being sharp enough to execute a game plan, adjust strategies, and read the opposing team’s playbook. A quick turnaround can leave a team scrambling and unable to perform at their peak level.

The Broader Debate: Tradition vs. Fairness

Gard’s position on the scheduling of NCAA Tournament games raises a larger question about tradition versus fairness in college basketball. The current format, which has teams playing in the tournament soon after their conference championships, has been the norm for many years. It’s a schedule that has been established and followed for decades, and for some, it is simply part of the March Madness experience. However, as college basketball has evolved and the level of competition has increased, the demands placed on student-athletes have also grown. The idea that teams are expected to recover quickly after a taxing tournament may no longer align with the realities of modern sports.

While tradition is important, fairness should also be a key consideration in the NCAA’s decision-making process. If teams coming off a conference championship are at a disadvantage because of the quick turnaround, then the NCAA must consider whether the current format is in the best interest of the players, the teams, and the overall integrity of the tournament.