Bracketology: How to compile the resume of an at-large bid

Passing the “Eye Test”

Statistics and metrics are becoming more and more prevalent in sports, but watching a team play is still the most important factor in deciding if a team should make the NCAA Tournament. While watching a team play, they can either pass or fail the so-called “eye test.” Does the team look like a tournament team?

The eye test is tricky, even if the question seems extremely simple. Aside from the clear-cut best and worst teams in the country, there is no easy answer to whether or not a team is worthy of a bid strictly by watching them play. When analyzing “bubble teams,” which are those who are on the fence when it comes to making the tournament, there is usually very little that separates those that eventually make the Big Dance and those that miss it.

The eye test does not just rely on one end of the floor either. There are several teams with either an electric offense or a stout defense that do not make the tournament every single season. Making the tournament as an at-large bid takes an all-around game.

The team needs to show that they are committed to strong play on both ends of the floor and have the kind of players who can make big-time moves in crunch time. As teams progress towards postseason play, they will become more reliant on their star players and play to their strengths even more. Late-season wins are incredibly beneficial to a resume as they show that a team is just hitting their stride.

It is not just about winning, though, as it is about who you beat as well. Showing that a team can compete with the best in the country is extremely important, which makes conference affiliation such a huge deal.

In addition to increased recruiting and television opportunities, playing in a major conference yields more chances to knock off the best teams in the country. No matter how many times a team loses against powerhouses, sometimes showing that they can be competitive is what matters most to the selection committee.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how the strength of schedule and RPI factor into an at-large decision.