March Madness is the single elimination tournament of NCAA Division I basketball teams, which includes 68 teams, both men’s and women's squads from across the country. The event brings together the finest teams who fight for the precious national championship trophy following the seven rounds. The tournament takes place in March and April. According to the NCAA website, the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament was played in 1939, which consisted of eight teams. The aforementioned website further reports that the first champions of the tournament were the Oregon Ducks when they beat Ohio State with a score of 46-33, for the coveted trophy. In 1951, the tournament added more teams, to 16 overall, which later doubled to 16 teams in 1975. In 1985, the number of teams expanded to 64.
According to the NCAA website, the term March Madness, in reference to basketball, was used for the first time in 1939 by Henry V. Porter, an Illinois high school official. However, it was not so usual to use this tag until CBS broadcaster Brent Musberger used it during the coverage of the tournament in 1982. Since then, the term was associated with the NCAA tournament. Additionally, in 1987, ahead of the men's NCAA basketball tournament, the anthem for the March Madness was released for the first time. The name of the anthem is called “One Shining Moment” which was written by David Barrett in 1986, one year ahead of its release.
What is another name for March Madness?
Another name for March Madness, the NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournament is The Big Dance.
The idea behind the name emerged when Al Mcquire, a Marquette basketball coach, used it when a reporter asked him if he would be donning his famous bright blue blazer in the 1977 NCAA Tournament, as per ABC13. Mcquire reportedly replied, “Absolutely.” He further said as per the reports, “You gotta wear the blue blazer when you go to the big dance.” The head coach ended up winning the tournament and his words were never forgotten and stayed ever since.
FAQs on March Madness
A. March Madness is a NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball championship tournament which is held typically in March and April.
A. The NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournament is the official name for March Madness.
A. 68 teams from men and women category, each, compete in March Madness.
