Michigan Basketball: Jacksonville, Alabama A&M could hurt NCAA resume

Believe it or not, Michigan basketball could actually hurt its NCAA Tournament resume with non-conference wins over Alabama A&M and Jacksonville.

It’s true that the last three games of the Michigan basketball non-conference schedule were  easy. Detroit, Alabama A&M and Jacksonville, aren’t really recognized names in Division I basketball.

However, after already playing teams like North Carolina, Texas, UCLA, VCU and LSU, playing a few easier opponents before Big Ten play didn’t seem like a bad idea. It gives more young players a chance to gain experience, while also keeping the team fresh during a time when scheduling can be difficult.

But as it turns out, according to an interesting piece by Andrew Kahn of MLive, Michigan basketball is actually hurting itself by playing teams like Jacksonville and Alabama A&M, which rank among the worst teams in college basketball.

On the surface, that statement might not make sense. After all, how could the Wolverines hurt their NCAA Tournament resume with a 50-point win, which it scored over Alabama A&M recently?

The answer has to do with RPI. As Kahn explained it, Michigan basketball ranks 37th right now in the RPI rankings, a tool used by the NCAA selection committee. By the end of the season, one website, that forecasts RPI, projects the Wolverines to finish 47th.

Michigan Wolverines Basketball

However, if wins over Alabama A&M and Jacksonville (Michigan plays them today at 6 EST) were removed, the RPI would jump up to 34.

It’s crazy to think, but two wins could cost Michigan basketball a lot. An RPI is the mid 30’s looks much better than one in the low 40’s. That’s something to keep an eye on as March approaches.

With a 10-3 record against Division I teams, Michigan is still in good position. The Wolverines have wins over VCU, Indiana, UCLA and Texas. That’s four top-100 wins already. They will also have a chance to get many more in a loaded Big Ten conference.

But still, it makes you wonder, is scheduling these games worth it? Head coach John Beilien said it’s happened before and he doesn’t believe it has ever hurt Michigan. Yet if UM winds up on the bubble, it could make a difference.

So when Michigan basketball hosts Jacksonville at Crisler Saturday, even if it wins by 50, it won’t do anything to help the resume. In fact, the Wolverines would be better off with a bye this week.

Next: Top 10 Michigan Running Backs of All Time

Obviously, playing a game is probably better than not. But in the future, the Wolverines might want to be more careful picking opponents. At the very least, they should schedule someone they get credit for beating, no matter where they rank in the RPI.