Joe Lunardi calls out Buzz Williams and Texas A&M on Twitter, gets torn apart by fans
Joe Lunardi is ESPN’s resident bracketologist, so he has his finger on the pulse of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.
The problem? Sometimes, that closeness to the committee leads Lunardi to inexplicably carry water for the committee when clear mistakes have been made.
Take Texas A&M this year, for example. Yes, the Aggies had an 8-game losing streak. But, that ignores their 8-game winning streak (and their 7-game winning streak that ended with an SEC Tournament title game loss to Tennessee). Yes, there are always bubble teams that feel left out, but there was an obvious solution for the Aggies. They should have been in the tournament ahead of Notre Dame, a team they beat head-to-head in November and were better than in every metric the committee has told fans is important.
Coach Buzz Williams was obviously confused as to why his team was left out, issuing a lengthy statement after an opening round win in the NIT.
For some reason, Lunardi felt the need to jump in again and defend the committee, shaming Williams for sticking up for his team and university:
Love Buzz. Love Gig ‘Em. This is still wrong on many levels. It’s terrible P.R., for one, and it sorely misrepresents a necessarily imperfect process. Shame on A&M for sanctioning. Where is the adult in the room? What’s the upside? #NotMyFirstBracket https://t.co/WqkLIWeWsM
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) March 17, 2022
As you might expect, that did not go over well for Lunardi. Here were some of the responses on social media:
Not my first bracket? Why are you injecting yourself into this? Are you on the committee? Weird behavior
— cj (@calebj15) March 17, 2022
Why is it wrong to demand transparency? Buzz did his own research and asked why our resume wasn’t good enough compared to others that got in? He didn’t just get in front of a camera and complained or criticized. He provided facts and asked questions.
— Roland Larino (@carolinaaggie12) March 17, 2022
He's absolutely 100% correct. And we know he is. And he can't just shrug like you and I and say "oh well, I don't get it, but moving on." He watched his players put in so much work, he put in so much work, while you and I sat on our couches and watched. I don't blame him one bit.
— Jhammon67 (@Jhammon67) March 17, 2022
He isn’t wrong about what he said.. he actually provided proof which is something you and the committee did not do.. you talk out of both sides of your mouth. you and the committee choose who you want in based off of what is on the front of the jersey.
— VolinBirmingham (@Vol4Life03) March 17, 2022
Funny he complains about transparency and you counter and say the process is transparent but admitted your process to pick your bracket is secret. That totally contradicts everything you tried to say. Im sorry you are incorrect on this because you dont like how it looks
— Chris Go HOGS!! (@cridings1) March 17, 2022
I understand your defense of the process and protecting your job, however you and the committee must do a better job explaining the seeding and defend it in public with a press conference on Monday following seeding. Checks and balances are needed for this committee.
— XACFAN (@Oskie_Vol) March 17, 2022
Sometimes, it’s better to just admit a mistake and move on. The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee (and now Lundari) owes A&M an apology. The Aggies deserved to be in the field of 68.
