Many media and fans vented Sunday about ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, not for anything he did, but for what he allegedly has not done.
The traditionally powerful ACC is having a down season in basketball. With Selection Sunday here, it’s possible the conference could send only three teams to the NCAA Tournament: Duke, Clemson and Louisville. Blue-blood North Carolina (22-13, 13-7 in the ACC) is a bubble team, although critics argue they should be left out because of its 1-12 Quad 1 record.
Of course, the SEC is having a historically dominant season and could send as many as 14 teams to the tournament. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is proudly advocating for the conference in the media.
Here’s Sankey in one of those interviews with ESPN’s Ashley ShahAhmadi.
Granted, has a bit more on the line here. The former Tar Heels football player wants to see UNC make the tournament. But he wasn’t alone Sunday in calling out Phillips for not having more of a presence in lobbying for the Tar Heels.
Even if Phillips were to stand in the center of Times Square with a bullhorn, demanding the Tar Heels be invited, it would not help; the committee uses more objective criteria. But the perception among many Sunday is the commissioner didn’t advocate for his conference when it needed him most.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.