Small Schools, Big Opportunities: The Best DIII Basketball Conferences in the NCAA
The NCAA Division III basketball tournament is underway and many amazing teams made the 2023 bracket. However, some conferences had multiple schools make it into the tournament, showing how competitive these conferences can be. Looking at D3Hoops and the NCAA women's and men's tournament bracket, here is a list of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA as of this season:
Women's Basketball Conferences:
1. Michigan Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)
Featuring the reigning NCAA DIII champions, Hope College, this conference is as competitive as it gets. This year, Hope College is ranked nationally at number 7 in the country, Trine, who also got a NCAA at-large bid, is nationally ranked at 14th in the country, and Calvin College also is nationally ranked at 23rd. Follow along during the NCAA tournament to see how far these teams get!
Related: Hoop Dreams: 7 Tips for Becoming a Better Basketball Player
2. University Athletic Association (UAA)
With the 6th ranked NYU and University of Chicago ranked 10th, the UAA provides you with the chance to play with some of Division III's best. Emory also received a bid into the NCAA tournament. This conference gives you the chance to play with amazing players and also have the chance to keep playing into the postseason.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
3. New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC)
Trinity College claimed the 20th rank in the nation, with Tufts right behind them in the 21st rank. Both teams received a bid into the NCAA tournament. Both teams have impressive rosters that you could learn a lot from. This conference is fierce and any team could come out on top. If this is the type of competition you are looking for in a school, then the NESCAC is a great place to look.
Men's Basketball Conferences:
1. Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)
The ODAC contains the reigning national champions, Randolph-Macon, and this team is also currently the number 1 rated team in the country with a record of 27-1. Alongside them in the ODAC, Hampden-Sydney has been ranked 20th in the nation and has a spot in the NCAA tournament. This conference has teams with a wide range of abilities, but being able to play on the same court with NCAA champions is a pretty cool flex.
2. University Athletic Association (UAA)
Case Western Reserve claimed the 8th rank in the country and Washington University took the 18th rank. Alongside these two teams Emory and the University of Rochester have received bids into the NCAA tournament. With so many teams making it into the tournament, the UAA allows for great competition and a chance to play beyond your conference tournament.
3. New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC)
With Williams at the 14th national rank and Middlebury at the 16th, the NESCAC is a very competitive conference. Both Tufts and Hamilton secured at-large bids to play in the NCAA tournament as well. The NESCAC is extremely competitive, but also allows you to play with incredible talent and learn a lot.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on March 15, 2023, by Bella Nevin
