Why the ACC must change its formula despite four teams in Sweet 16

The ACC is still one of the premier college basketball conferences, getting four teams, including North Carolina, Duke, Clemson, and NC State, in this season’s Sweet 16. That comes despite issues in the strength of the conference throughout the entirety of the season.

While making an appearance on Andy Staples On3, James Fletcher shared some thoughts on the ACC, explaining why he believes that the conference must change its formula moving forward despite finding success in the NCAA Tournament this season.

“There were some people projecting maybe only three bids to the ACC at one point during the season,” Fletcher said. “They end up with four teams in the Sweet 16, and this is kind of the ACC’s formula but I think it’s something that needs to change for the ACC if they’re going to continue in the way that they want to.”

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“Because, yes, they got four teams into the Sweet 16. It’s a great story, but if you look at it, NC State really had no business being there in the first place. If they don’t go on a magical run through March, they never even get an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament. So, this conference, don’t let four teams in the Sweet 16 overshadow an entire season of work. They’ve got things that they’ve got to get figured out from a depth standpoint in that league. They’ve got programs that have been down for a couple of years now.”

At that point, Andy Staples jumped in to point out that traditionally good basketball programs like Louisville and Syracuse have struggled in recent seasons. James Fletcher agreed, pointing out that Florida State has had similar issues, hurting the conference’s depth. However, the top is still strong and that has helped with March Madness success.

“You’ve got to get those teams back into the pinnacle of college basketball if you want to be what you were,” Fletcher said. “But, in terms of March Madness success, Duke and North Carolina are always going to help you. Then getting some help from Clemson and NC State is great for that league.”

The Sweet 16 will continue on March 28th and 29th, with all four ACC teams playing for a chance to go to the Elite Eight.