Why Did Drexel Get Jobbed?

Usually the last four teams left out of the NCAA Tournament generate plenty of controversy. No exception, and this time one of the big shockers was that Drexel from the Colonial Athletic Association being left out. The Dragons did what has long been advocated by past selection committees: they went out and played a strong non-con with road games against good teams. They beat teams like Villanova, Creighton and Syracuse -- all on the road. They had the #8 non-con Strength of Schedule and an overall RPI of #43. An excellent way to counter the weak SOS of playing in the CAA.

They went 13-3 in their conference, but lost in the second round to VCU -- who ended up winning the CAA Tournament. Apparently the NCAA Committee changed the rules this year. They placed more emphasis on conference tournaments -- as UCLA, Ohio State, Kansas, UNC and Florida all learned as well. Not to mention Arkansas making it because they got to the SEC Conference Championship game.

When the NCAA Committe Selection Chair, Gary Walters, was on CBS and asked about Drexel. Specifically, Billy Packer asked him about the George Mason Conference. Walters stated that Drexel lost in the tournament and that Old Dominion (who got in) finished with a better record in the conference regular season, as part of why they didn't get into the Tournament.

What stands out there is that it sounds a lot like it runs contrary to the common assertion that they never look at the conference affiliations and how many teams from a conference. Shocking, I know.

Later on the ESPN, Drexel Coach Bruiser Flint was on via phone. There was clear bitterness in his voice. He was asked what he took as a message from the Committee. He said it was that the only thing you can do is win your conference. That playing and winning a tough non-con was not as important.

Definitely mixed messages from this year's selection committee.