A legitimate shot to make the NCAA playoffs for the NIU men’s basketball team is just a season away.

When the Huskies begin competition in the AMCU (Association of Mid-Continent Universities) next year, one of the most important benefits for NIU’s program is the chance to earn the automatic NCAA playoff berth that goes to the winner of the AMCU tournament.

NIU was formerly a member of the MAC, but has competed as an independent since 1986-87. As an independant, the Huskies compete with national powers such as Notre Dame and DePaul to gain an at-large berth. With the growing trend of schools joining conferences, NIU was in a position to either join a conference or continue to be a spectator come tournament time.

A tournament bid not only gives players and coaches a legitimate goal to shoot for, it also means a big boost in the pocketbooks of participating schools. Before worrying about a NCAA tournament bid, however, the Huskies face the task of competing in a conference that has only one member with a losing record this season.

The multi-sport conference is also adding the University of Akron next season to bring its membership to 10 schools throughout the Midwest. AMCU Commisioner Jerry Ippoliti sees the addition of NIU and Akron helping the growing reputation of the Conference.

“Akron and Northern Illinois will definitely enhance the overall future of the AMCU. The location of these two universities will broaden our marketing base for the total conference, and their addition to the league is a major step in the continuing progress for the AMCU.”

The AMCU ranks fifth among the 32 Division I conferences in population base of cities where member schools are located, surpassing even the Big-Ten. In its eigth season of operation, AMCU members have already made their mark in post-season action.

In the 1986 NCAA tournament, upstart Cleveland State, led by Ken “Mouse” McFadden, advanced to the Regional semi-finals before losing to David Robinson’s Navy team by one point. Last season’s AMCU representative, Southwest Missouri State, lost to eventual NCAA Championship runner-up Seton Hall in the first round. Overall, AMCU institutions have a 7-7 record in post-season action.

The members of the AMCU are: Western Illinois, 14-6 (5-1). NIU beat WI 66-54 at Chick Evans Field House in January. Southwest Missouri State, 14-5 (4-1). SMS is shooting for its fourth straight AMCU crown. Wisconsin-Green Bay, 13-5 (4-2). The Phoenix beat NIU 60-56 this season in Green Bay. Northern Iowa, 14-5 (3-3).UNI has beaten the Huskies twice this season, 63-59 and 63-62. Illinois-Chicago, 12-7 (2-4). NIU faces the Flames on Feb. 16. Eastern Illinois 9-9 (2-4) The Huskies beat Eastern 61-57 earlier in the season and face a rematch at Eastern Feb. 26. Valparaiso 3-16 (0-5). NIU beat the Crusaders 68-59 in January to earn their first road victory of the season. Cleveland State 10-10. The Vikings are on a one-year probation and are ineligible to compete for the AMCU Championship.