Five years ago, Joe Bamisile and Darius Maddox were freshmen sharing an apartment at Virginia Tech. Now, they are preparing to clash as top scorers for two leading teams in the Atlantic 10, highlighting the competitive landscape in Virginia’s college basketball scene.
As Virginia and Virginia Tech struggle to maintain winning records in the Atlantic Coast Conference, it appears that this may be the first year in twelve without either team making the NCAA Tournament. Instead, mid-major programs like VCU, led by Bamisile, and George Mason, homes to Maddox, are stepping up to represent the state as March approaches.
Bamisile expressed both nostalgia and pride about their upcoming encounter: “I wish we could have done it together, but it’s cool that in our final years, we get to be parts of programs that we’re huge pieces at,” he stated. This reflects their growth and importance as players on their current teams.
Looking at the league standings, George Mason and Norfolk State are at the top of their respective conferences, while James Madison is tied for the lead in the Sun Belt. VCU and Liberty are also strong contenders, sitting in second place within their leagues. Other teams like William & Mary are also showcasing strong performances, making Virginia a state rich in mid-major title prospects.
Both George Mason and VCU are potential candidates for at-large bids when Selection Sunday arrives, with their NET rankings standing out. As of the latest rankings, the Rams were placed at No. 31, while the Patriots were at 62, followed closely by Liberty at 69.
For most of Virginia’s collegiate teams, securing a place in the NCAA Tournament generally hinges on clinching their conference’s automatic bids, and several squads seem to have a solid chance at achieving that goal. Liberty’s coach, Ritchie McKay, articulated the challenges facing mid-majors aiming for the tournament: “Being at the mid-major level and making the tournament, it’s like threading the eye of a needle.” Under his leadership, the Flames have made two NCAA appearances during his tenure.
The last time the NCAA Tournament was held without either Virginia or Virginia Tech was in 2013, when both schools had been perennial contenders. Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers have seen the NCAA tournament nine times in the last decade alone, and although Virginia Tech secured its spot in 2022, the landscape could shift this year in favor of mid-major teams.
VCU coach Ryan Odom embraces his program’s unique identity, pushing back against the mid-major classification. He seeks success reminiscent of the 2011 Rams who achieved a remarkable run from the First Four to the Final Four. “We’re trying to run our own race,” he said, emphasizing the longstanding tradition and ambition of the program.
James Madison, which competed in the NCAA tournament last year, is performing strongly with a recent victory against Georgia State, putting them in a tie for the Sun Belt lead. First-year coach Preston Spradlin emphasized the group’s confidence in achieving their goals despite uncertainties along the way.
Liberty is also within striking distance of the Conference USA leader, sitting just one game out of first place. After a strong start to the season, they have adapted following injuries. They have rebounded well with seven wins in their last eight games.
In contrast, George Mason is currently riding an impressive 11-game win streak, making a solid assertion in the national rankings as well, receiving votes in the AP Top 25 poll. Coach Tony Skinn recognizes the historical significance of the team’s success but is devoted to crafting their own narrative, even though he sees echoes of the 2006 Final Four run in this year’s squad.
Skinn expressed his desire for recognition of his team’s unique achievements, stating, “What this group is doing right now, I don’t want to take away from the light of these young men.” With a victory against VCU at the Siegel Center, the Patriots could further solidify their position as they chase a league title, reminiscent of their illustrious past.
