HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Preparations are in full swing in Hutchinson as the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament tips off Saturday, with organizers implementing schedule changes and finalizing logistics ahead of one of junior college basketball’s premier events.
Tournament committee chairman Ron Chadwick, and assistant Dan Naccarrato — widely known as “Coach Nac” — and tournament director Kevin Brenning say this year’s event will feature a new format designed to improve flow for teams, fans and broadcasters.
“This is a great month for basketball,” Naccarrato said. “We’ve got a lot of prep work to do in a short amount of time, but we’ll get it done.”
Schedule adjustments aim to improve experience
One of the most notable changes this year is the shift to a four-games-per-day format during the opening rounds. In previous years, six games were sometimes scheduled in a single day, creating long hours and late finishes.
Organizers said the adjustment should reduce delays and improve the overall experience.
“That was the problem with doing six games the first days of the tournament,” Naccarrato said. “I’m really happy that we are not playing more than four games a day.”
Brenning said the decision was made after discussions following last year’s tournament.
“We all sat down and talked about it and decided to try it this year,” Brenning said. “I think it’s going to be good.”
Games begin Saturday at noon, followed by matchups at 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The schedule continues through Wednesday, with semifinals Friday evening and the championship game set for 3 p.m. Saturday. The title game will air on ESPN2, while earlier rounds will stream on ESPN+.
Tight turnaround for tournament prep
This year’s timeline has also created a quick turnaround for organizers after the selection committee finalized the bracket Monday evening.
Teams are now submitting rosters and information, which must be compiled and sent to the printer in time for programs to be ready by Friday.
“We’ve got to hurry,” Chadwick said. “The printer only has a few days to get those programs to us.”
Naccarrato noted that organizers would prefer an earlier selection timeline in the future to allow for additional preparation.
“There’s just so many things to do,” he said. “It’s a pretty short turnaround.”
Familiar contenders, new faces
The 24-team field features several familiar programs, along with at least one newcomer.
Howard College of Texas enters as the No. 1 seed after a 29-4 season and a Southwest District championship. Other top seeds include College of Southern Idaho, Indian Hills, Trinity Valley, Chipola, Vincennes, Midland and Butler Community College.
Bishop State Community College of Alabama will make its first appearance in the national tournament.
Naccarrato said the tournament regularly draws elite programs with strong track records.
“Indian Hills, this will be their 21st trip,” he said. “There are a lot of familiar names.”
Locally, Butler and Barton Community College are expected to bring strong fan support, helping maintain the tournament’s reputation for high attendance even when Hutchinson Community College is not in the field.
Teams, events and community involvement
Most teams are expected to arrive in Hutchinson by Friday for shootarounds and meetings, though later-seeded teams may arrive closer to their first games.
In addition to basketball, organizers are planning several community and entertainment events throughout the week. That includes a volunteer food-packing effort in partnership with Dillons to benefit the Reno County Food Bank, as well as performances from local groups and the Wichita State University drill team during the championship game.
“We try to make it more exciting every year,” Chadwick said. “Our entertainment committee does a great job.”
Longstanding tradition continues
The tournament, held annually at Hutchinson Sports Arena, has evolved over the years while maintaining its status as a centerpiece event for the community.
Chadwick, who has been involved with the tournament for decades, said continued volunteer support and new participants are helping ensure its future.
“We’re getting younger people ready to step in and carry the torch,” he said.
Naccarrato echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the community’s commitment to keeping the event in Hutchinson.
“We want that national tournament to be here in Hutchinson, Kansas, for many decades to come,” he said.