Once March Madness ends, the basketball world doesn’t actually slow down, it just shifts. There’s a new layer this year with the “Crown” NIL tournament out in Las Vegas, and it raises an interesting question about where postseason opportunities are heading, especially for teams that just miss the NCAA cut. At the same time, Link Academy is still chasing a national title, and the NIT continues to offer a different kind of spotlight.

It also brings up a bigger conversation around why coaches like Bill Self keep coming back, even when they don’t necessarily have to. It highlights how much of coaching at that level goes beyond wins and losses, it’s about identity, energy, and the pull of the game itself. There’s also a quick check-in on the Cardinals’ early season and some of the ongoing confusion around how baseball is being presented nationally.

Once March Madness ends, the basketball world doesn&rsquo;t actually slow down, it just shifts. There&rsquo;s a new layer this year with the &ldquo;Crown&rdquo; NIL tournament out in Las Vegas, and it raises an interesting question about where postseason opportunities are heading, especially for teams that just miss the NCAA cut. At the same time, Link Academy is still chasing a national title, and the NIT continues to offer a different kind of spotlight.
It also brings up a bigger conversation around why coaches like Bill Self keep coming back, even when they don&rsquo;t necessarily have to. It highlights how much of coaching at that level goes beyond wins and losses, it&rsquo;s about identity, energy, and the pull of the game itself. There&rsquo;s also a quick check-in on the Cardinals&rsquo; early season and some of the ongoing confusion around how baseball is being presented nationally.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.