Stanford may have missed out on the NCAA Tournament, but their journey isn't over just yet. The Cardinal are set to make their 29th postseason appearance, heading to the College Basketball Crown (CBC) tournament in Las Vegas. With a solid 20-12 record, they're ready to prove their mettle on a national stage.
The tournament kicks off with quarterfinal matchups on April 1-2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, moving to the semifinals and championship game at T-Mobile Arena on April 4 and 5. Last year's champs, Nebraska, parlayed their CBC success into a No. 4 seed in this year's NCAA Tournament, setting a high bar for Stanford and the other contenders.
Stanford squares off against West Virginia on April 2 at 5 p.m. A victory would pit them against the winner of Creighton vs.
Rutgers in the semifinals. The other side of the bracket features Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota, and Baylor, promising a competitive field.
Head coach Kyle Smith expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, highlighting the chance to compete against top-tier programs from major conferences like the Big Ten, Big-12, SEC, and Big East. It's also a prime moment for standout freshman Ebuka Okorie, who led the ACC with an impressive 22.8 points per game, to shine under the national spotlight provided by FOX Sports.
While only two Bay Area men's teams-Saint Mary’s and Santa Clara-made the NCAA Tournament, it's a bustling time for regional squads. The Cal men are in the NIT, while women’s teams from Stanford, Cal, and Santa Clara are competing in the WBIT. The USF women are also in the NIT, making for an action-packed postseason.
Reflecting on last year, Stanford reached the second round of the NIT, Smith's inaugural season. This year, they've notched wins over ranked ACC opponents Louisville and North Carolina, underscoring their potential. They were just shy of an NCAA berth, noted as ESPN’s “next four out,” signaling their close proximity to the big dance.
Smith has made history as the first Stanford coach to secure 20-win seasons in his first two years, joining an elite group of ACC programs to maintain a .500 or better record over the past two seasons, alongside Duke, North Carolina, Louisville, and Clemson.
Historically, Stanford has a mixed record against their potential CBC opponents. They lost their only meeting with West Virginia back in 1959 but hold a 1-1 record against both Creighton and Rutgers. They've already bested Minnesota and Colorado earlier this season, adding a layer of intrigue to potential rematches.
Coach Smith sees the CBC as a pivotal moment for the program, noting that many of last year’s participants have found subsequent success. The Cardinal aim to follow that trajectory, using this tournament as a springboard for future achievements.