Social Roundup: Early ESPN Selection Show
A change in plans, some strong responses.
In case you missed it: The NCAA women’s basketball bracket was released early on ESPNU.
Accordingly, at 4:33 it was announced the Selection Show was being moved from 7 ET to 5 ET and from ESPN to ESPN2.
BREAKING: The NCAA DI Women's Basketball bracket will be officially revealed at 5 PM ET on ESPN2. #ncaaW pic.twitter.com/4O01SwEXKd
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 18, 2019
More from NCAA
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, April 6: Stanford defeats Arizona in a tightly contested matchup to win the national title
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, March 30: UConn and Baylor deliver a classic battle of storied programs
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, March 26: Louisville and Texas A&M survive and advance
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, March 23: Highlights from the first round of the NCAA Tournament
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, March 16: Tournament bracket released
Reactions about this mishap and the rescheduled Selection Show were mixed. Some refused to look at the bracket before it was officially revealed, while some started the bracket debates early. Some were understanding of the mistake while others were… less so.
While the NCAA and ESPN made their statements, so did many people on Twitter. Below is a collection of thoughts from various people inside the wonderful world of women’s basketball.
Let’s start off with the more positive takes:
ESPN has done so much positive for women’s basketball coverage. Mistakes happen. https://t.co/xctOongnto
— Rhiannon Potkey (@RPotkey) March 18, 2019
Congratulations to everyone that earned a spot in this bracket. The announcement may not have been how you wanted it. But enjoy your blessing YOU’RE DANCING💃🏿💃🏿#ncaaw pic.twitter.com/m4tPShXNlB
— Doshia Woods (@doshwoods) March 18, 2019
However, not everybody viewed it the same way:
Unfortunately, what happened today further feeds the perception that nobody cares about women's basketball and it's sad. Many student-athletes around the country were robbed of "the moment."
— Rob from Chester, Pa (@knoxrob1) March 18, 2019
Both current and former NCAA players had some *thoughts* on the matter:
So @ESPNU is gonna leak the bracket and then proceed to ruin everyone’s selection show party by changing the time. 😂😂😂 Go ducks am I right 🐥
— Sabrina Ionescu (@sabrina_i20) March 18, 2019
Am I the only one that is pissed the selections got “leaked” for the women’s tournament!? This would never happen with the men. Also how much money did schools/programs just waste planning a special viewing party for their fans? ALSO the lack of viewership for the actual show.
— Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4) March 18, 2019
This is a terrible mistake!!! The early release of the bracket completely ruins the experience for teams and fans. And airing it 2 hours earlier doesn’t fix it!!!
— Ticha Penicheiro (@TichaPenicheiro) March 18, 2019
Botched NCAAW tournament reveal...leaked bracket and early show is bullshit
— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) March 18, 2019
Teams (like everyone else) had a couple of different ways of reacting to the news:
We’re good at keeping secrets (unlike some people 🧐), so our players will be genuinely surprised at 7 PM!
— Fordham WBB (@FordhamWBB) March 18, 2019
FANS: come out to Rose Hill to join our party, starting at 6:00 💃🏽#PoundTheRock pic.twitter.com/vys8rd9WaR
Today’s selection show watch party at @MattArena has been cancelled.
— Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) March 18, 2019
ESPN accidentally released the bracket early and is currently airing the selection show now instead.
Our apologies to fans who made plans for today's event.
Just ‘cause ya know it’s coming doesn’t mean you don’t celebrate. Let’s go dancing!
— Belmont WBasketball (@BelmontWBB) March 18, 2019
😉 🎉 🏀 #itsbruintime | #ncaaW pic.twitter.com/r7ckUOeeZN
This bracket reveal is one that certainly got people talking, for better or worse! Consensus is, though: for worse.
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