Though he said his team would take part in it, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski doesn’t sound sold on the NCAA’s plan to host 68 teams in one city for the 2021 men’s college basketball tournament in March.
Though early-round March Madness games have already been scheduled at 13 predetermined sites across the country, the Final Four is set to be held in Indianapolis, and the NCAA is in talks with the city to host the entire tourney. (The NCAA has its headquarters in the Indiana capital.)
“Logistically, I think it’s a challenge to get that many teams there,” Krzyzewski said of the plan. “It’s not the only route. When you’re trying to do different things, I’m sure lot of different plans were discussed. I’d like to know more about it. I know we’re all supposed to — and hopefully we’re one of them — go to Indianapolis.”
In contrast, Villanova coach Jay Wright called Indy a “great spot” to host March Madness.
“Dan Gavitt did caution us that it’s not definitely Indy yet, they still have some negotiations to do,” Wright said. “But I think we all realize Indy would be the perfect site. I think they’re thinking about no fans or possibly parents right now, but they’re open to if things getting better being able to adjust and add. I really think it’s the only way you’re going to be able to do it.”
Whether it is in Indianapolis or somewhere else, the NCAA has to hold the tournament this year as the organization lost $375 million when the 2020 tournament was canceled due to the coronavirus.
“We need to have the tournament,” Krzyzewski said. “There’s no question.”
The thinking behind hosting March Madness in one location is that it would allow the NCAA to create a safe-and-controlled environment with venues, practice facilities, lodging and medical resources all close to one another.
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