It is March, which means it’s time for college basketball to rule all sports again. That is also why former Milwaukee Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard is suddenly openly wondering about a particular team from out in the Mid-American Conference.
On Thursday, the Portland Trail Blazers guard posed a question on X (formerly Twitter) about the undefeated Miami (Ohio) Redhawks.
Ex-Bucks star Lillard wants answers about the RedHawks
“Can somebody explain to me how Miami OH should/would not get an automatic bid? I’m confused,” the nine-time NBA All-Star wrote.
Can somebody explain to me how Miami OH should/would not get an automatic bid? I’m confused…
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) March 6, 2026
The answer to Lillard’s question is easy. For the RedHawks to gain an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, they need to win the MAC Tournament. If they do so, there will be no debate to be had because teams that win their respective conference tournaments are automatically given a spot on the bracket.
Where it gets dicey is if Miami loses a game, either in its regular-season finale this Friday against the Ohio Bobcats at Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio, or in a game in the MAC Tournament.
Even with their stellar 30-0 record heading into the Ohio game, the RedHawks’ resume remains debated in large part because of their strength of schedule. Per KenPom, Miami’s strength of schedule is ranked just 282nd nationally.
For what it’s worth, Lillard used to play for a mid-major team during his days in college, as he suited up for the Weber State Wildcats for four seasons before getting drafted in the NBA in 2012.
Feb 23, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) smiles on the bench during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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