The Bubble: Traditional teams needing a bid

Teams on the bubble may or may not be good enough to make the 2019-20 NCAA men’s basketball tournament in March. We take a look at some traditional programs who have not been in recent tournaments who will be on this year’s bubble ( one who should be in easy). These teams have been in over 20 NCAA tournaments over the years but recent results have not been tournament worthy. Getting to 20 wins will put these teams in discussion of returning to where many fans may believe they belong.

Texas has participated in 34 NCAA tournament, the last was 2018. Texas was last in the sweet 16 in 2008 and they return 2 starters from last year’s NIT championship team. Coach Shaka Smart will look to Andrew Jones, leukemia survivor for inspiration off the court and contributions on the court.

Prediction: Bubble IN

Indiana has participated in 39 previous tournaments but none since 2016. Last final four for the Hoosiers was in 2002. Coach Archie Miller returns 3 starters from last year’s NIT quarterfinalists. Guards Rob Phinisee and Devonte Green will be key to the Hoosiers bubble hopes.

Prediction: Bubble IN

The Hoyas return four starters, including scoring threat James Akino from last year’s NIT team. Coach Patrick Ewing knows well the tradition at Georgetown. The Hoyas have been in 30 NCAA tournaments with the last one in 2015. Not since 2007 has it advanced out of the first weekend.

Prediction: Bubble IN

The Memphis Tigers have recruited well and hope to end a 5 year drought of making the tournament. The Tigers have participated in 20 NCAA tournaments with a final four appearance in 2007 being their latest success. Freshman James Wiseman and Boogie Ellis will lead the charge for coach Penny Hardaway

Prediction: IN no bubble

BYU has participated in 29 NCAA tournaments, last being in 2015. Coach Mark Pope returns three starters, including Yueli Childs and TJ Haws. Childs will sit for nine games due to NCAA suspension.

Prediction: Bubble Out