March Madness: New Teams Join the Ranks as History Unfolds

This March in the world of college basketball, excitement fills the air as the 2024 NCAA Tournament approaches. Many teams are eager to make their mark, especially those who have never qualified for the tournament before. Taking a look back at history reveals that a surprising number of programs still await their chance on the big stage.

Among the latest additions to the tournament are Stetson and Grambling State, both securing their first-ever NCAA tournament bids. The journey toward a chance to compete in March Madness began long ago, with the tournament first being held in 1939. Since then, thousands of spots have been available to teams. Despite that, some Division I programs remain without a past appearance.

An interesting trend can be seen with graduating programs. Kennesaw State recently broke their streak, earning a spot in the 2023 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big South tournament. They marked their first experience in this long-standing tradition. Other teams that made their debut in recent years include Longwood and Bryant in 2022, followed by Grand Canyon and Hartford in 2021.

The current list of teams yet to participate includes names that have been eligible since the tournament’s inception. Among them are Army, William & Mary, and The Citadel. Notably, Army did qualify back in 1968 but declined the invitation, believing they had a better chance in the NIT. Moving forward, it’s exciting to see that the inclusion of play-in games since 2001 and the establishment of the *First Four* in 2011 have created more opportunities for teams aiming for their shot at glory.

The anticipation is building as March Madness approaches, and fans are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion. With new players entering the spotlight, the conversation is shifting around who might finally break the trend and secure a spot in history.