(07-13-2010 01:32 PM)wkuengineer Wrote: Maybe I am not understanding the new structure correctly, but to me it sounds like a terrible deal for all but the major conferences. Now instead of one automatic qualifier (which as the name implies should automatically make the tournament) not playing in the round of 64 there is now a very real chance for 4 automatic qualifiers not to make the round of 64. Also since the teams in the First Four will be playing for the seed the the at-large team would receive, automatic qualifiers that would normally be playing as the 15 seed will be pushed to 16 seeds, 14's would be pushed to 15, etc until you get to the at-large seeds. Again maybe I am completely misunderstanding all this, but it seems as though the NCAA is just trying to make more room for major conference teams at the expense of pushing out the mid-major teams.
GREEN GANG BLOG ARTICLE
http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArtic...EM_ID=1800
Green Gang: An Unnecessary Layer Of Confusion
Courtesy: University of North Texas
Release: 07/13/2010
By Steven Bartolotta, July 12, 11:49 p.m.
I'm a traditionalist. I like the original coke formula, fireside chats, spring break, going to bed before the next day begins, and most of all a 64-team NCAA Tournament field. The NCAA released its "newest" version of the revamped 68-team field and it turns the most simplistic, easiest format in the world to understand into something Oppenheimer would need help explaining.
The NCAA, thankfully settled on expanding to just 68 teams, has dubbed the new additions to the NCAA Tournament as the "First Four". Really? That's what you're going to call these sacrificial lambs. And to make it even better they will be televised on TruTV, the network formerly known as CourtTV.
Nothing says NCAA Tournament when Judge Wapner and Marcia Clark are calling the games, with Judge Joe Brown back at the studio.
This whole concept is just maddening to me. I get it, more teams, more money, better TV deals, more money for the big fish; yes I know why they expanded.
Like the BCS, the men's basketball tournament is getting awfully close to crossing the threshold of mint condition 66' Ford Mustang to LeBron James television special.
The 64-team field, even the plus one to 65 team, worked beautifully. The symmetry with which each round flowed was perfect. The upsets came and went. The intrigue often carried over from the opening week to the second week, and if we were all lucky to the Final Four.
Now we are left to ponder who's going to be the "First Four" in early March instead of who actually is going to get in, who got snubbed, and who's going to be in the Final Four. Nevermind the fact that the Final Four actually has four teams, while the "First Four" has eight. Brilliant.
The other idea which is laughable is that these teams go into the field possibly as at-large teams at the No. 10, 11, or 12 seed. You're telling me that, say a down North Carolina team from this year which went to the NIT, could have possibly gotten one of these extra bids now available and gone into the tournament as one of the "First Four"?
Yeah right. That will happen the same year the Clippers win an NBA title. North Carolina will never play in such a game. South Florida, Nebraska, and others will though.
This is designed for one snubbed team from a mid-major league with the other three going to the last place teams of the Big East, SEC, and Big 12/10. And this will make the chief's at the power leagues feel better about their olive branch of "inclusion" for all, while getting the four extra bids.
Even better yet is somehow the "play-in" game is still around, with one more added.
This is what all of you "let's expand the NCAA Tournament" guys get. Chaos, confusion, and shell games when it comes to seeding. The watering down process isn't for me though. I use to love to watch it when the brackets were unveiled. Who's playing who? What seed could the Mean Green be? Where will they be playing?
Now make sure you bring your bracket and a NASA scientist to your local watching party.
It will be great in March, when the road to the Final Four begins, with a brief shortcut through the dirt road known as the "First Four".
