Naia Men's Basketball Division Ii National Tournament
March Madness is just around the corner, and basketball lovers all around the United States are already excited. But, did you know that college basketball isn't only limited to the NCAA Division I? The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) also hosts its own tournament, the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament.
What is the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament?
The Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament is a college basketball tournament composed of 32 teams from different schools all over the United States. The tournament is held annually, usually during the third week of March, and is hosted by the NAIA. The first Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament took place in 1992, and since then, hundreds of schools have participated in the event.
How Are Teams Chosen for the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament?
Similar to the NCAA Division I tournament, the selection for the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament is based on a combination of teams' overall records, strength of schedule, and conference tournament finishes. However, unlike the NCAA tournament, the Naia tournament has an automatic berth system awarding the conference tournament champions of each conference a spot in the national tournament. After the automatic bids have been filled, the remaining spots are then filled through at-large selections, with the entire field being announced on Selection Sunday, which takes place on the Sunday before the start of the tournament.
Where is the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament held?
The location of the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament changes every year. The tournament is hosted in different cities across the United States. The host cities are typically those that have submitted a bid to host the tournament, either through a formal application process or through the NAIA's invitation. Over the years, the tournament has been held in cities such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Branson, Missouri, and Point Lookout, Missouri.
When is the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament?
The Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament is typically held during the third week of March, usually starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Saturday. The tournament spans four days and takes place at a single venue. The games are played back-to-back, with the winners moving forward to the next round and the losers being eliminated. The championship game takes place on the fourth day of the tournament, with the winner being crowned the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Champion.
What Can You Expect From the Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament?
The Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament is a highly anticipated and highly competitive event. Fans can witness many great moments, from buzzer-beating shots to incredible displays of sportsmanship. The tournament is also an opportunity for players to showcase their skills to potential professional teams, as many scouts and recruiters attend the games in search of possible prospects. Moreover, the tournament also provides the chance to see unique traditions from the different schools that participate, such as band performances and school cheers.
Conclusion
The Naia Men's Basketball Division II National Tournament provides basketball enthusiasts throughout the United States with an exciting alternative to the NCAA Division I tournament. The event showcases some of the finest college basketball teams and provides a great platform for players to showcase their skills. The tournament's history is rich with great moments and traditions, and each year, fans can expect even more excitement and drama.