Every year the NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Committee invites 65 teams to compete for the National Championship. But even though only 1 team can win it all, this does not mean that the others will be failures. Sure, every team wants to be called the champion, but most of them are quite thrilled to make it to the Sweet 16. This is not to say that they will settle for a couple wins, but making it to this round of the tournament is a great accomplish in its own right.

The Sweet 16, or the third round of the tournament, is a special one for players, fans, and coaches. In the first two rounds every team will be up against some intense competition. And if a team is lucky enough to win their first game, they will stick around for another a couple days later. If they win this one, the Sweet 16 is next on the agenda. For players and coaches this means at least one more week of practice, and one more game to lay it all on the line.

And of course, fans also love the Sweet 16. After all, this is when things really get down and dirty. In the first couple of rounds there are quite a few teams with solid records, but no real chance to make a run at the title. But when it gets to the third round, only the best of the best are remaining.

So sit back, relax, and have fun with the Sweet 16!

Source: northernsun.org