CU was already in trouble almost from the beginning of the show. Frowns and raised eyebrows for Georgia, Southern California, Alabama-Birmingham, and others thought to be more than Bubble Trouble in Colorado reported.
Three teams from the Colonial Athletic Conference? What is happening here? How is this possible?
When the nightmare was over, and reality struck me that Colorado is not 68-team field,
Sat Buffs players almost motionless for more than 15 minutes.
Nobody knew quite how to react, because nobody saw it coming.
"I do not think ever in my life," senior guard Cory Higgins said.
"I mean, we thought it was a" senior guard Marcus Relphorde added.
Boyle shook his head. Then he convened a private meeting with his players in the basement.
"I had no words to comfort them," Boyle said after. "I thought we were hurt. The players were shocked. It's incredible. It's a hard life lesson. I feel like how we play, we are one of the 68 best teams. I know. "
Colorado had six wins over a team ranked in the top 50 in the RPI computer power ratings. ESPN commentators were aghast at Colorado left out and ripped the selection committee. Experts and others who study the media see the yellow (21-13, 8-8 Big 12 regular-season) as a lock for a photo.
Colorado now has its attractions to the National Invitation Tournament game at home Wednesday night against Texas Southern (19-12).
CU received a No. 1 seed in the NIT, for what it's worth. The NIT is a consolation prize that usually does not draw much enthusiasm the teams only need to enter the NCAA tournament, or their fans. In fact, historically, the NIT features many changes due to lack of interest of the competing teams.
Boyle may have to do his best coaching jobs of the season to draw energy from desperate players who believe they are better than the teams received bids broadly to the NCAA tournament.
"We must play well in the NIT," said Boyle. "Otherwise, talk is cheap."
CU athletic director Mike Bohn said. "It will be important for us to go home and show the (selection committee) has made a mistake"
Boyle said he is confident that the committee of 10 members of the NCAA tournament selection sanctioned by a Colorado non-conference schedule that lacked spice. Colorado opened the 03/02 season, including losses to Georgia, San Francisco and Harvard University. CU best win was not a conference victory in overtime at home against a Colorado State team that could not make the NCAA tournament. CU has not been given credit for playing road games over a non-conference (four) than any other team in the Big 12.
"It is clear to me that hurt us in November and December, part of our program," said Boyle. "I was counting on the way we played in the tournament (Big 12)."
CU defeated Iowa State and Kansas State fell to Big 12 Tournament champion Kansas in the semi final.
Colorado had its supporters nationwide. Said CBS college basketball analyst and Sports
Illustrated writer Seth Davis: Colorado defeated Kansas State three times, I do not know what you need to get into the NCAA Tournament .. "
ESPN College Basketball analyst Jay Bilas said the committee will choose Alabama-Birmingham and the Commonwealth of Virginia instead of Colorado and Virginia Tech: "These are bad decisions, indefensible."
Colorado players insisted they could shake off the disappointment and focus on the NIT.
"We are faced with adversity all year," senior guard Levi Knutson said. "We're used to."
Boyle said no regrets about hosting watch party at home.
"Win or lose, you're doing things right," he said after the guests out the door, dejected, and still too shocked to say much.
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