Damian Lillard Questions Possible NCAA Snub for Undefeated Miami (OH)
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Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, sidelined by a torn Achilles, spent part of the team’s Thursday off day on social media defending the unbeaten Miami (OH) RedHawks.
Lillard posted on X, formerly Twitter, asking why the 30-0 RedHawks might miss the NCAA Tournament if they fail to win the upcoming Mid-American Conference tournament. “Can somebody explain to me how Miami OH should/would not get an automatic bid? I’m confused,” he wrote.
The RedHawks close their regular season Friday night against rival Ohio University. Even with a loss, they would enter the MAC tournament with either one or two defeats and at least 30 wins.
Detractors point to Miami’s limited résumé. The analytics site KenPom ranks the RedHawks’ non-conference schedule 360th out of 365 Division I teams, a data point often cited by observers responding to Lillard’s post. Despite more than 350 replies, the seven-time All-Star did not engage further.
Lillard played four seasons at mid-major Weber State, earning two Big Sky Player of the Year awards but never reaching the NCAA Tournament. Miami (OH) now hopes to avoid a similar outcome when the MAC tournament and Selection Sunday arrive later this month.
Source: Hoops Wire
