Reags Reactions: What The Hell To Make Of The Bracket
So there was a lot going on during the reveal show so I wanted to gather my thoughts and put together a reaction blog on everything. This is an effort just to make it a little more clean. So let’s get right into it. We’re going to do general thoughts and then region by region thoughts.
General Thoughts:
– I know there was a lot of talk about the bubble. The top lines were way more intriguing to me. I mean this is the first time that I can remember the top 1 or 2 lines being this wide open and really having no idea.
– Shout out getting right into the brackets. Didn’t have to deal with the bullshit of waiting.
– I didn’t really have too many problems in terms of who got in vs who was left out. I’d argue that Temple shouldn’t be in and same with Arizona State in favor for NC State and someone like a Texas, Indiana or Alabama. I know people use the NC State NCSOS all the time, but I thought it was overblown a bit. Either way, we’re splitting hairs when it comes to the last team or two in.
– It’s still irrelevant to play championship games on Sunday. Nothing good happens for you if you win. The bracket is already set.
– There are some bizarre seeding issues that I have. Some just don’t make too much sense when you look at it. I’d still prefer the true use of a S-Curve instead of location. Majority of teams would rather play specific teams vs having to travel to Kansas City instead of Louisville, etc. Just use the S-Curve.
South Region:
– Virginia is going to win its first game.
– A lot of people talked about it, but this isn’t a great draw for Wisconsin. They draw a hot Oregon team out West in the first round? Louis King could be a huge difference maker in that game and Brad Davison vs Pritchard is going to be the grittiest thing ever.
– I’m a bit surprised that Nova fell to a No. 6 seed while Marquette is a No. 5. I’d have them switched here.
– 2nd round upset to keep an eye on. Cincinnati over Tennessee in Columbus. That UC crowd will travel well and it’s a short drive. Throw in the physical play of the UC bigs and they can sort of bother Williams/Schofield enough. That’ll be a popular one.
– This bracket really breaks for Virginia. I like their matchups here. Sort of the weird bracket out of the 4 I’d say.
East Region:
– No surprise that Duke is the No. 1 overall seed. Knew that was going to happen the moment they beat UNC and Virginia lost. It makes sense.
– VCU is an interesting No. 8 seed, especially if Marcus Evans can’t play. He’s their best player and was hurt in the quarterfinal loss to URI. I thought they’d drop a spot or two without him.
– Speaking of injuries, Virginia Tech gets Justin Robinson back. I’m curious to see how he looks after missing over a month due to injury. He’s their best player and part of why they run that 2 point guard set with Alexander-Walker. Some added depth now and more talent?
– Pitino vs Louisville is laugh out loud funny. I don’t think the committee is smart enough to consistently give us these little stories within games. But, I love this one.
– That Belmont offense is going to be something to watch. Remember, a First Four team has won at least a game every year. Belmont would be my pick this year to do it.
– Duke is obviously the heavy favorite to come out of this region. If you’re looking for another 2nd round upset, Louisville and Chris Mack vs Michigan State would be one to pick. They already won once. Mack knows how to defensive gameplan against a guy like Winston. That would be the one to watch.
Midwest Region:
– Okay, here we go. I’ll address it. Yes, I’m a Kentucky fan. Yes, Luke Maye in the Elite Eight will be brought up. Fuck you, Luke Maye. Okay, got that one out of my system. Speaking of UK. Not thrilled with that Wofford/Seton Hall 2nd round matchup. Both teams are somewhat terrifying with Wofford having Magee and 4 guys that shoot 40% from three and Seton Hall having Myles Powell.
– UNC was the 3rd ACC team as the No. 1 seed and I have absolutely no problem with it. It makes sense. UNC has a bunch of quality wins. That said, their bracket isn’t the easiest draw. Washington runs that 2-3 zone which is always a pain. Utah State is a GOOD team. Then you could get Kansas in Kansas City or an Auburn team that just won the SEC Tournament.
– Speaking of Kansas. Not great away from Phog. Just throwing that one out there. Keep an eye on Office Manager Brett that day.
– I can’t quit Iowa State and think they’ll be there in the Sweet 16. I just can’t quit them.
West Region:
– Gonzaga stays as a No. 1 out West. I know the resume isn’t necessarily as good as Kentucky or Michigan State with the quality wins. But, they pass the eye test and some numbers have them as a top-4 team. I’m fine with it.
– Zone vs zone in Baylor and Cuse. Zone and March – did I hit all the cliches?
– Whatever you do, don’t go to school, don’t go to work, stay up, whatever it takes to watch Markus Howard vs Ja Morant. That’s going to be the best individual matchup of the 1st round and both dudes can go drop 50. Very, VERY here for this.
– The bottom half of that bracket is absolutely loaded. Nevada as a 7, Florida as a 10, Texas Tech, Michigan, Buffalo, Shamorie Ponds. I love that bottom half of the bracket and think we can see some anarchy there. Would it surprise anyone if Michigan loses 1st weekend? What about Buffalo over Texas Tech?
– I actually think this region is the most entertaining top to bottom.
We’ll have picks and breakdowns and everything good as the week gets going. It’s going to be a fun month, folks. Looking forward to all the interactions on Twitter and yelling about our favorite teams. Please win, Kentucky.