Thursday, February 23, 2012

The NCAA tournament will get underway in a few weeks, and there’s a good chance that KU, KSU and WSU will all be a part of the big dance.

But when was the last time the state's Division I men’s basketball teams played in the NCAA tournament in the same season? Good question.

When it does happen, it’s very rare. In fact, none of the current Jayhawk, Wildcat or Shocker players were alive the last time all three teams made an appearance.

The year was 1988. Kansas was a No. 6 seed, K-State a No. 4 seed, and WSU entered the tournament as a No. 12 seed. Wichita state lost to Depaul in the first round, and KU beat K-State to win the Midwest regional.

Of course, "Danny and the Miracles" would go on to win the national championship. That makes this year’s big dance even more intriguing, because the last time each team had their eye on the trophy, a Kansas school won.

However, nothing is a sure bet until the brackets are set next month.