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The format for the Big East basketball tournament, which currently gives the top four seeds double byes, appears likely to change next season. May have something to do with three of the top four being defeated in their first game this year.

Jim Boeheim, Syracuse coach, told the New York Daily News, “I think the double-bye is awful. It’s a huge advantage to be playing instead of waiting.’’

Associate Big East Commissioner Dave Gavitt responded: “We tend to listen to our coaches. When they want something to change, it changes. If they think a change would be a better path going into the NCAA tournament, then I’m sure we’ll look at it.’’

According to ESPN, the most likely scenario would be a first-round similar to the NCAA tournament: 1 vs. 16, 2 vs. 15, 3 vs. 14 and 4 vs. 13 on Tuesday. The winners would take Wednesday off while seeds 5-12 played and then the quarterfinals would roll on Thursday. Link.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

3 thoughts on “Big East Tourney Format Likely To Change”
  1. I’d rather see 1-16, 2-15, 7-10, and 8-9 on Tuesday and then 3-14, 4-13, 5-12, and 6-11 on Wednesday. That way the teams playing on Thursday are all playing with the same amount of rest as their opponents.

  2. Hey Dave .. have you heard anything yet from the coaches about the officiating? Anything good yet? No .. I didn’t think so. Are you listening to them? What can we expect in terms of changes?

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