Bubble Watch: How to enjoy the bubble like a professional
7:00 AM ET John GasawayESPN Expert Close ESPN Expert college basketball factor First began covering college hoops in 2004 Has
‘ll discover the Tar Heels rubbing elbows with NC State, Clemson and Pitt in Bubble Watch 2023. Marquette was chosen to complete ninth in the Big East. As we launch Tuesday, the Watch debuts by currently showing Shaka Smart’s group as a lock to make the
NCAA tournament.And did we discuss that mock brackets are seeding Florida Atlantic higher than Kentucky?At least UK is undoubtedly appearing in mock brackets. That’s more than can be said for the preseason top-25 likes
of Villanova, Oregon, Michigan or Texas Tech.It’s all been a shock to the hoops senses; but if history’s any guide, the surprises are simply getting going. Bubble Watch will analyze everything in real time and assist you draw an informed line between” in “and” out”for the 2023 NCAA tournament field of 68. (Then the NCAA men’s basketball committee, naturally, will do simply as it pleases. The suspense is a rite of March. Embrace it.) Editor’s Picks 2 Associated As soon as once again, the Watch will be upgraded continually from now till Selection Sunday on March 12. Whether a group is in action or not, its entry will be upgraded if the group’s course to a quote has actually changed. “Locks” might in theory lose every remaining
game and still earn a bid.” Should remain in”teams will hear their names called on Selection Sunday if they just keep taking care of business.”Work to do “is where the drama really unfolds.
Bring up a chair and binge on all the excessive ascents to”must remain in “and stunning falls out of the Watch entirely.Then, come Choice Sunday, you’ll still discover a lots approximately groups marooned in”work to do” without any work delegated be done– other than to hope. Like we said, drama!To price quote the actual size of the 2023 bubble, we’re projecting that there will be 22 one-bid conferences. In impact, that number would be one single-bid league above the historical average. If the field shifts, we’ll adjust accordingly.Here’s our initial forecast of the bubble: