The 2026 Hoops HD Selection Committee – Friday, March 13th

Posted on March 14, 2026 by John Stalica

Friday the 13th brings us the second day of deliberations on the Hoops HD Selection Committee. Tonight our first order of business was to add 6 more teams to the at-large board. As we alluded to last night, there were three additional at-large spots guaranteed to open up since the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten will not have any bids stolen. As the results of today’s games went final, we were also assured that a bid thief would not come out of the Big East, but the SEC still has a potential bid thief in Ole Miss after the Rebels’ win against Alabama.

There were 2 groups of 3 teams added; each Committee member voted for their top 8 teams to be added to the next round of voting with carryovers Mother Miami, Iowa and Santa Clara. After ranking the teams 1 through 8, the next 3 teams added were Iowa, Santa Clara and Texas A&M (?!?). The Redhawks had to go back to Under Consideration since they could not carry over for two consecutive rounds of voting. The process was repeated and the second wave of votes saw UCF, Saint Louis and Missouri added to the at-large board. The three carryover teams that will be considered for the final at-large spots will be Mother Miami, Texas and VCU (meaning that the VCU Rams had better win the A-10 auto bid in the eyes of our Selection Committee).

At this point, the process began in terms of seeding the field; each Committee member submitted a list of their top 12 teams to Chad (our chairman). The top 12 vote-getters were ranked 1 through 12; the top 8 teams would constitute the #1 and #2 seed lines in our field. (The real committee would seed the lines 1 at a time, but we go 2 lines at a time to speed up the process). We repeated the process for the 3 through 6 seed lines; the final task for the night was to do the 7-seed line only given the lack of teams on the board at the moment.

Tomorrow night, we will fill the final at-large spots that open up (including an SEC contingency depending on what Ole Miss does) and we will entertain potential motions to move teams off of the at-large board if necessary. I was not personally present and was horrified to see Texas A&M on our board, so an immediate motion to move them off the board will be made. This doesn’t necessarily mean they would be eliminated from the field if the motion passes, but they would move back to Under Consideration to be evaluated with Mother Miami, Texas, VCU, etc.

We will also fill the remaining seed lines and (time permitting) do a scrub of our overall seed list. Tune in tomorrow to see where the board stands after Saturday night’s championship games!

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Bracketology 2026: March Madness Predictions (Version 10.5)

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jon Teitel

For our latest CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK VIDEO NOTEBOOK, where we recap a busy night of games, preview another busy day of games, have conference tournament brackets, schedules, and other important links – CLICK HERE

We are 2 days away from Selection Sunday as we continue to make our NCAA tourney predictions. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel correctly picked 66 of the 68 teams that made the 2025 tourney: 62 of his 66 were within 1 spot of their actual seed and 52 were right on the money. He will spend the upcoming days predicting which 68 teams will hear their names called on March 15th. See below for his list of who would make the cut if they picked the field today and if you agree or disagree then feel free to tweet us. To see how he stacks up with other websites (ranked 7th out of 186 bracket veterans over the past 5 years), check out: www.bracketmatrix.com

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SEED: TEAM (CONFERENCE)
1: Duke (ACC)
1: Michigan (Big 10)
1: Arizona (Big 12)
1: Florida (SEC)

2: Houston (Big 12)
2: Connecticut (Big East)
2: Michigan State (Big 10)
2: Iowa State (Big 12)

3: Illinois (Big 10)
3: Nebraska (Big 10)
3: Gonzaga (WCC): AUTO-BID
3: Purdue (Big 10)

4: Virginia (ACC)
4: Kansas (Big 12)
4: Alabama (SEC)
4: Texas Tech (Big 12)

5: Vanderbilt (SEC)
5: Arkansas (SEC)
5: St. John’s (Big East)
5: Tennessee (SEC)

6: North Carolina (ACC)
6: Wisconsin (Big 10)
6: Louisville (ACC)
6: Kentucky (SEC)

7: Miami FL (ACC)
7: BYU (Big 12)
7: St. Mary’s (WCC)
7: Clemson (ACC)

8: Villanova (Big East)
8: Georgia (SEC)
8: UCLA (Big 10)
8: Utah State (MWC)

9: TCU (Big 12)
9: Ohio State (Big 10)
9: Iowa (Big 10)
9: St. Louis (A-10)

10: Texas A&M (SEC)
10: UCF (Big 12)
10: NC State (ACC)
10: Santa Clara (WCC)

11: Missouri (SEC)
11: Miami OH (MAC)
11: Texas (SEC)
11: SMU (ACC)
11: VCU (A-10)
11: Akron (MAC)

12: South Florida (American)
12: Yale (Ivy)
12: McNeese (Southland): AUTO-BID
12: High Point (Big South): AUTO-BID

13: Northern Iowa (MVC): AUTO-BID
13: Utah Valley (WAC)
13: Hofstra (CAA): AUTO-BID
13: Sam Houston (C-USA)

14: UC Irvine (Big West)
14: Troy (Sun Belt): AUTO-BID
14: North Dakota State (Summit): AUTO-BID
14: Wright State (Horizon): AUTO-BID

15: Tennessee State (OVC): AUTO-BID
15: Furman (SoCon): AUTO-BID
15: Idaho (Big Sky): AUTO-BID
15: Siena (MAAC): AUTO-BID

16: Queens (Atlantic Sun): AUTO-BID
16: UMBC (America East)
16: LIU (NEC): AUTO-BID
16: Howard (MEAC)
16: Lehigh (Patriot): AUTO-BID
16: Alabama A&M (SWAC)

1ST 4 OUT
Auburn (SEC)
Indiana (Big 10)
New Mexico (MWC)
Seton Hall (ACC)

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Wright State assistant coach Jaaron Simmons

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jon Teitel

Last Tuesday Wright State beat Detroit Mercy 66-63 in the Horizon tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Raiders started this season 5-7, but turned things around in conference play to make it back to the NCAA tourney for the 1st time since 2022. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Wright State assistant coach Jaaron Simmons about making the NCAA title game as a player in 2018 at Michigan and making the NCAA tourney again as a coach 8 years later.

You began your college career at Houston: why did you decide to transfer in 2014, and what made you choose Ohio? It was about getting closer to home. My parents have been very supportive of me, and I wanted to give them more of a chance to watch me play. It was hard to be so far from home during those tough days: it is a lot easier to spend 2 hours driving home than it is to spend 18 hours!

After sitting out a year you became a 2-time all-conference player for the Bobcats, and in February of 2017 you scored a career-high 38 PTS/5-5 3PM in a win over Akron: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? That was part of it, but Akron was also #1 in the league: I remember that game like it was yesterday. I was competing for conference POY against their star big man Isaiah Johnson, and I had a very good shooting game and was able to get to the FT line a lot (13-16): had I not missed a couple of FTs I would have scored 40 PTS!

You led the MAC in APG for 2 years in a row: what is the key to being a good PG? Understanding your teammates, where they like the ball, and how to hold them accountable. You need a great relationship with your head coach to earn his trust, understand the system, and then make the right decisions on the court.

In 2018 as the 1st grad transfer to ever play at Michigan you were named Academic All-Big 10: how did you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? When you are in grad school you might have only a 3-hour class once/week, so I was able to treat that year like it was my 1st as a professional. I graduated with my masters’ degree…but I also went there to play basketball, so I spent a lot of time in the gym.

Take me through the 2018 NCAA tourney:
In the 2nd round Jordan Poole made a 3 at the buzzer to beat your former Houston squad (www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n4rqMnxaig): where does that rank among the most amazing shots that you have ever seen in person? Probably #1. We were dead in the water and thought the game was over. We worked on that play throughout the season and were able to execute it. Jordan hit that shot in a live-game scenario during practice: we always believed in him because he has a lot of guts and keeps proving it even today.

You played 3 minutes in the title game loss to Villanova: what is the key to winning games in March? Just being present with your brothers. It is not easy to get there, so you must appreciate what you did that season and how fortunate you were to make it. I believed in my coaches and felt we were there for a reason, so I put my best foot forward.

You are an assistant coach for Clint Sargent at Wright State: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? His ability to connect with the players: he meets them wherever they are and helps them grow from young men into men. It is the best time of their lives, but there is a lot of noise around them and they have a lot of decisions to make. He makes it about “we”, not “me”: that is why we are where we are.

Last Tuesday in the Horizon title game you had a 3-PT win over Detroit Mercy: what did it mean to you to win a title? It means everything to me. We play/coach to win championships, but it is hard to do. Our players put in a lot of hard work starting on June 1st: they have been connected from day 1 and I was glad that all their hard work indeed paid off with an NCAA tourney bid.

You played several good non-conference opponents this season including Miami OH: what impressed you the most about them, and do you think they belong in the NCAA tourney after losing their opening conference tourney game to UMass on Thursday? They were a good team: they spread you out and can pass/catch/shoot. Being able to retain a large portion of your roster is important, and you can see how they continued their success due to their chemistry. I think they deserve a shot at the NCAA tourney: it is hard to win 31 games in a season regardless of your schedule. There have not been many teams who went undefeated in the regular season because you are bound to slip up at some point…but they did not.

What kind of seed do you think you deserve, and what kind of seed do you think you will get? We are just blessed/thankful to be a part of the 68. Whether we are a 14/15/16 seed: we do not care. We appreciate the opportunity and will play as 1 team and try to make some great things happen.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Siena dancer Julianna Volk

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jon Teitel

Last Tuesday Siena beat Merrimack 64-54 in the MAAC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Saints made 3 NCAA tourney appearances in a row under Coach Fran McCaffery from 2008-2010 but had to wait 16 years to get back there this month. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Siena dancer Julianna Volk about being a captain and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Rotterdam, NY: what made you choose Siena? It is a close-knit community. I own a dance studio, and a lot of the parents whose kids are enrolled went to Siena.

You are majoring in management with a track in sports management: how did you choose those subjects? The dance studio I grew up in was a family-run business. I played a few sports as a kid so I find sports management very interesting: my professor was also a big influence on that.

You are a SR: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be going for my masters’ in business administration.

You are captain of the dance team: what is the key to being a good leader? Listening to everyone else to see where they are coming from. Our coach makes sure we look good, so I just try to understand what everyone is going through.

You made the Dean’s List a couple of years ago: how do you balance your work on the dance team with your work in the classroom? Time management is the key. Practice is from 7-10 and school comes 1st: our coaches are very adamant about us getting our work done before we show up.

Last Tuesday in the MAAC tourney title game Siena had a 10-PT win over Merrimack to clinch the title: what was your reaction when the final buzzer sounded, and what has the reaction been like on campus this week? As a senior it feels like a great ending to my college career. People doubted this team, but they showed they could fight back and win. We are having a selection party on Sunday so there is a lot of hype/excitement on campus.

In 2024 the Saints only won 4 games: could you have ever believed back then that just 2 years later they would make it to the NCAA tourney? Yes…with a new coach in Gerry McNamara. He incorporates the fans/alumni, puts his best foot forward, and wants all of us to support the team.

How does your school decide who gets to attend the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? We decide by seniority/skill so I will be going with my fellow seniors. We are excited to see some history go down!

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? Not yet: just waiting to see where we are going, but we will put on a very good performance.

Any predictions for next week? Everyone is just hoping we are going somewhere warm!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews McNeese Cowgirl Kicker Hallie Marie Kleckley

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jon Teitel

Last Wednesday McNeese beat Stephen F. Austin 76-59 in the Southland tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Cowboys made NCAA tourney appearances in 2024/2025 and were able to make it 3 years in a row by winning 28+ games for the 3rd year in a row. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with McNeese Cowgirl Kicker Hallie Marie Kleckley about being a captain and making the NCAA tourney.

You are from Lake Charles, LA: what made you choose McNeese? My sister and some other family members went to school here, so it was always my dream to come here and be on the dance team.

You are majoring in marketing: how did you choose that subject? My family owns a retail business and I also own a dance studio, so marketing is a big part of running a business. I love social media and producing things so marketing comes naturally to me.

You are a SR: what is the post-graduation plan? I still have a little more school left to do before I finish up next year. After that I plan to try out for some pro teams and continue my dance career.

You are captain of the dance team for the 2nd year in a row: what is the key to being a good leader? Just being positive, looking for the best outcomes, and trusting God. You must put your best foot forward when talking with your team: good communication is very important.

You own a dance studio where you teach daily classes (www.halliemarieandcompany.net): how do you balance being a student/dancer/business owner? It is crazy, but I am used to it because I have always filled my plate up to the tip-top. I started my studio in high school when I was 16 years old: my family helps me a lot and supports me so it works out very well. I was able to program it the way I want so everything runs smoothly. There is very little time left in each week, but when you love what you do it is easy.

In the Southland tourney the Cowboys had a 3-OT win over UTRGV in the semifinals and a win over SFA in the title game: how exhausted were you after the 1st game, and how excited were you after the 2nd game? We were exhausted after the 1st 1 but it was nothing too crazy. We have 6AM practices and workouts during the week so our bodies/minds are prepared. We had a doubleheader the other day with our men’s & women’s teams but we just cheered them on as always.

Last season you had major surgery but recovered in time for March Madness: how is your health doing, and what is your favorite memory from last year’s NCAA tourney? It is great: the surgery put into perspective how important your health is. My favorite memory was knowing that I could push through: I would not sure if I could make it back onto the court, but anything is possible with God.

How does your school decide who gets to attend the NCAA tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? There are only 12 spots on the court for spirit groups so we bring 6 cheerleaders/6 dancers. It runs by seniority and we love being there for our school and hyping everyone up. To get to do this for the 2nd year in a row: I know it will be great.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for next week? Not as of now: our national competition is a couple weeks away so while we are cheering for the men’s team we will practice wherever we can: in the hallway, in the parking lot, anywhere!

Any predictions for next week? We made our guesses at practice yesterday. The team has a strong bond and feeds off our energy so I think they will do great!

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Fairfield JR G Jillian Huerter

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Jon Teitel

Last Monday Fairfield beat Quinnipiac 51-44 in the MAAC women’s tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Stags did not make a single NCAA tourney from 2002-2021 but are now heading back there for the 4th time in the past 5 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Fairfield JR G Jillian Huerter about being named conference tourney MVP and making the NCAA tourney.

You began your college career at Rutgers: why did you decide to transfer in 2024, and what made you choose Fairfield? After my freshman year, I realized that Rutgers was not the right basketball fit that I thought it would be. Fairfield has a 5-out offense with a lot of moving/cutting, and I get a lot of support as a player both on/off the court.

You play for Coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? She cares about her players, which can be rare in college basketball. She is so knowledgeable about the game and can prepare us for anything. She takes a holistic approach to everything, which starts with getting our minds right before games/practices. It brings a lot of joy to our team, which makes a long season go by very smoothly.

Take me through the MAAC tourney last weekend:
In the semifinals you scored a career-high 19 PTS/5-8 3PM in a win over Merrimack: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? It did feel a little like that. I got some open looks because my teammates were finding me, and after making the 1st couple of baskets my confidence rose and I shot the ball to stay hot.

In the title game you scored a team-high 16 PTS/6-12 FG in a 7-PT win over Quinnipiac: how were you able to play your best when it mattered the most, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? The locker room celebration was a lot of fun. We just tried to emulate adversity all year by battling each day in practice. We knew that we could do it when it mattered because we had experienced that so much in the past.

You were also named conference tourney MVP: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was a little surreal, and is a great honor…but the best part is that we won the championship.

You played a couple of great non-conference opponents this season in North Carolina/Iowa: which of them impressed you the most? Both of those teams are very good because they are athletic/skilled. Playing against Ava Heiden of Iowa was such a unique challenge because she is an efficient post player who does not need a lot of time to score.

Your team led the nation this year with 11.4 3PM: how crucial is the 3-PT shot to your team’s success? It has been a big reason why we won so many games, but we try not to rely solely on that. We try to have a good balance with our defense…but we do put a lot of time into shooting and are not shy about taking them during games.

Your team has won 24 of its past 25 games: has it reached a point where the fans expect you to win every time that you step onto the court? 1 effect of winning is the pressure that comes with it, but you cannot look too far ahead. After winning the MAAC title the past 2 years there was a lot of talk about having a 3-peat, but we were the underdog and did not put any pressure on ourselves.

Your father Tom/brother Tom played basketball at Siena, your uncle Jim played college basketball, your brother Kevin plays for the Detroit Pistons, and your sister Meghan played basketball at Albany: who is the best athlete in the family? We are very competitive so I would have to say myself! We have had many great battles.

What kind of seed do you think you deserve, and what kind of seed do you think you will get? I have seen a lot of predictions and I think we are in the 10/11/12 area. It is hard to pick a seed for every team, but that would be a great seed for a team from the MAAC.

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