Duke, Kentucky both miss NCAA tourney for 1st time since 1976

The NCAA Tournament may be returning after last year's cancelation due to the coronavirus pandemic, but for the first time since 1976, Duke and Kentucky won't be a part of it.

After a very challenging season for both powerhouse programs, the selection committee opted against calling either the Blue Devils or Wildcats' names on Sunday.

Duke, which began the year ranked as the No. 9 team, saw the streak of 24 consecutive tournament appearances under Mike Krzyzewski come to an end. Only Kansas and North Carolina currently hold a longer run in March Madness appearances.

There was brief buzz about the Blue Devils being a potential bubble team, but that ended with their abrupt departure from the ACC tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test following a win over Louisville. Without a deep run to strengthen their resume, Duke's 13-11 record simply wasn't enough for inclusion.

There was no drama as to whether Kentucky was going to make the NCAA field this year, with the Wildcats' failure to win the SEC tournament ending their chances. John Calipari had never experienced a losing record in 11 seasons in Lexington, but a 9-16 campaign in 2020-21 sent the program to a new low under his watch.

Kentucky lost nearly its entire production from last season and didn't get the production out of their prized freshman class this time around. But given Calipari's recruiting prowess, it likely won't be a long-term drop for the Wildcats.