Welcome to the New Frontier. Or shall we say, "Experience Elevated?"
Tom Wistrcill's primary role is to oversee the Big Sky Conference and ensure the sustainability, profitability, and competitive standing of the member institutions.
One of Mr. Wistrcill's secondary duties is to serve on the NCAA Selection Committee for Men's Basketball. Tom is no rookie. He has been serving for the past four seasons and is heading into year five. He was one of just five returning members during the 2025 selection process, making him a well-respected voice and leader in the selection room for at least the last two seasons.
When the long journey of exploring NCAA Tournament expansion commenced a couple of years back, Tom was there every step of the way.
The Big Sky just achieved its best conference ranking (15th best), per KenPom, in 26 years. Idaho, the 7-seed in the conference tournament, was clearly invested and talented. Speaking volumes about the direction and depth of the conference that prides itself on a "Starch Madness"- themed conference tournament.
So why would the commissioner of such an improving league support a 76-team expansion format that includes 12 automatic qualifiers (conference tournament champions) sent to an Opening Round contest, instead of four now?
I had that question and several others for Tom Wistcrill. Like many of you, this new world of opening round games and the decreasing percentages for a deep Cinderella run keeps me up at night.
Special thanks to Tom Wistcrill for sitting down for this exclusive interview for Basket Under Review:
