but at the end of the day, mostly only blue bloods and blue blood adjacent programs win the tournament. Sure, the NCAA tournament provides everyone the avenue to become National Champs, which I know is what you are referencing in your OP, but I think it's worth mentioning that while smaller schools have come close, none of them have won this tournament in a very long time. UVA may be the most unlikely basketball program to win since maybe UNLV.


There is a distinction in the process though, sure.

(Also, neither is "rigged".)