Northwestern has a chance to make the tournament for the first time this year. They'd be a strong bet if their best player didn't lose the whole season to injury. Some good wins, but it'll probably take 20 wins and a 10-8 or better Big Ten record to get in.
How this school can field a very competitive 53-man football team for the better part of 15 years, and can't find five decently good fuckers to get a winner on the basketball court in modern days... I know there are academic standards and all, but it should be doable.