Monday, March 13, 2006

Selection Sunday.... My Initial Thoughts

- Really a no-brainer with the #1 seeds. With Texas and Ohio St. both losing in their conference championship games, these 4 were obvious.

- I am absolutely shocked and dumbfounded by Air Force getting in over Cincinnati. Cincy has a top 10 schedule, had an RPI in the low 40s I believe, finished 8-8 in the toughest conference in America, and were a Gerry McNamara miracle away from beating Syracuse, now a 5 seed. Air Force has no wins against a top 50 team. I just don't get it.

- I also can't understand Tennessee's #2 seed. They are 6-4 in their last 10, and they lost their opening game in the conference tournament. Their RPI and SOS is really good, but the committee disregarded these things it seems for other teams (Cincinnati, Missouri St.), so why put the Volunteers at #2? Seems strange.

- I thought George Washington was a little low. I realize they're coming off a loss, and no one is sure about the health of Pops, but they only have 2 losses. I would have thought they would be closer to a 5 or 6 seed. That being said, they'll have a really tough game against a good UNC-Wilmington team, and if they win there, they'll have to play Duke, and a win there just isn't going to happen.

- The committee was very unkind to Boston College. Not only did they give them a 4 seed, but they have to travel 2000 miles to Slat Lake City and play on Thursday. Very harsh.

That's all I have for now. Keep checking back later in the week, because I'll be posting what I think some sleepers are, a guide to picking the tourney (something Dan has also done already), the most intriguing matchups and possible matchups, and of course, my picks. And by the way, Prada over at The Gatorade Dump has already made his picks (with scores), so be sure to check that out.