Full Breakdown
Mid-Major Coaches Challenge Power Five Scheduling Practices in NCAA Tournament
3/22/2026, 12:42:49 AM
Core Event: Scheduling Disputes in NCAA Basketball
The NCAA Tournament has reignited a debate over scheduling practices between mid-major and Power Five programs, with Purdue head coach Matt Painter rejecting claims from mid-major coaches that high-major teams are unwilling to schedule them. This discussion gained traction following Purdue's 104-71 victory over No. 15 seed Queens, where Painter responded to comments from Miami (Ohio) coach Travis Steele and High Point's Flynn Clayman regarding the challenges mid-major teams face in securing quality non-conference opponents.
Key Figures & Groups
- Matt Painter: Head coach of Purdue University, a Power Five program, who argues that his team has played competitive mid-major teams.
- Travis Steele: Head coach of Miami (Ohio), who has criticized high-major teams for avoiding scheduling mid-majors, citing his team's strong performance yet low metrics.
- Flynn Clayman: Head coach of High Point, who echoed Steele's sentiments, emphasizing the need for high-majors to play mid-majors during the regular season.
Official Statements & Responses
Painter dismissed the notion that Power Five teams avoid mid-majors, stating, "We've proved ourselves," and highlighted that Purdue has played strong teams like Kent State and Toledo. He emphasized the importance of scheduling based on NET rankings, asserting that coaches who ignore these metrics are "absolute bozos." In contrast, Steele expressed frustration over the scheduling dynamics, noting that Miami (Ohio) faced challenges in being included in the NCAA Tournament despite a strong record, attributing this to their strength of schedule.
Criticism & Opposition
Steele criticized the current NCAA selection process, suggesting it favors high-major teams and makes it difficult for mid-majors to gain recognition. He remarked, "It stinks," referring to the fans' desire to see competitive matchups that are often not scheduled. Clayman also pointed out that the narrative surrounding mid-majors needing to prove themselves is exacerbated by a lack of opportunities to play against high-major teams.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy in perspectives regarding the scheduling practices of high-major teams. While Painter insists that his team has played competitive mid-majors, Steele argues that many high-major programs avoid scheduling such games to protect their rankings. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of NCAA scheduling and the impact it has on mid-major teams' visibility and opportunities.
What's Next: Implications for Future Scheduling
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the discussions surrounding scheduling practices are likely to continue, with mid-major coaches advocating for changes to the selection process. The outcomes of the tournament may influence future scheduling decisions, as teams seek to balance competitive play with the need for favorable metrics to secure tournament bids.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The guy at Miami (Ohio) says nobody will play us,” — Matt Painter, Head Coach, Purdue
- “It looks obvious high-majors need to play mid-majors during the season," Clayman said.” — Flynn Clayman, Head Coach, High Point
- “A lot of it's analytically driven. There needs to be adjustments made,” — Travis Steele, Head Coach, Miami (Ohio)
