The Gonzaga Dilemma - Article

[BTB]

I stumbled across this article about the repercussions of our early march exit 2 years ago and the uniqueness of our program. It's very well thought out and I thought some of you might enjoy it.

http://rushthecourt.net/2015/01/09/bracing-the-selection-committee-for-the-gonzaga-dilemma/

[gonzagafan62]

That article line reminds me of the Gonzaga team that ended up as a Top 5 team in the nation getting shunned for a #6 seed. If that happens again, I am going to be very angry.

The decision to make the Zags a #1 seed this season is unlikely to be a slam-dunk, but if the decision is anything short of unquestionable, the selection committee, whether they say so or not, has a supporting piece of evidence compelling enough to quiet even the most fervent of apologists. It’s only January 9, but Bulldogs’ fans may want to brace themselves for a potentially harsh Selection Sunday reality: Right or wrong, 33-1 may not be good enough this time around. - See more at: http://rushthecourt.net/2015/01/09/b....sHxYu0rm.dpuf

[jazzdelmar]

Truth hurts. But he neglected some caveats, not least never mentioning Wichita State's ascendance as well. The most significant other is that while this year's OOC pales in comparison to most recent ones, there was no way to know that SMU, Memphis, UCLA, even Georgia and St John's were going to be paper tigers when compared to their college bb rep and/or their preseason rankings. Then there's the BIS screwup. So while his overall theme -- that '13 will weigh heavily on seeding this year -- holds water, there are a some leaks to his rationale.

[thegloriousgoateeofKP]

The Committee doesn't take past performance into account. Any suggestion otherwise vastly underestimates the thoroughness of the Committee.

[VinnyZag]

2013 was a weird year. I never thought that Gonzaga team was really one of the four best in the country, but based on what it did on the floor (and based on who the competition was), a No. 1 seed was deserved.

I've been concerned for a while about what GU's nonconference schedule will look like in March. SMU isn't as good as it appeared when they were scheduled, UCLA looks down, and the preseason NIT provided only OK competition. Schedule looked great in August, but it just didn't turn out that way, for reasons outside GU's control.

So, that may make a No. 1 see unlikely. But I don't know if it makes that big of a difference. Whether they're a 1 or a 2, they're still playing pretty good teams by the second round. Maybe being under seeded would make them (cough) Play Angry come March.

[Zagdawg]

RPIs --still work to do --but at least a number of our wins can help us out still--
St John 25
Georgia 28
SMU 33
BYU 54 (dropped from 31 yesterday after loss to Pepp)
Cal Poly 79
UCLA 80
St Marys 88

[thegloriousgoateeofKP]

Also, seeding doesn't really matter...it's all about the draw. If we draw good matchups...be it as a 1, a 2, or a 9...I'll be happy.

[CDC84]

I am fine with a 2 or even a 3 seed. I just don't want to be placed in the Kentucky or Duke regionals.

[sittingon50]

Thanks BTB. Good read.

[Zagricultural]

I would prefer a 2 or 3 actually. Provided we avoid Kentucky's region

[webspinnre]

The Committee doesn't take past performance into account. Any suggestion otherwise vastly underestimates the thoroughness of the Committee.

That's of course the official policy, but overcoming human nature is difficult. I'm confident that none of them will intentionally due this, but I'm also confident that at least some of them will subconsciously do this.

[Vanzagger]

Few's first thought every morning should be....how do I make this team focus more on Defense.

[hooter73]

That's of course the official policy, but overcoming human nature is difficult. I'm confident that none of them will intentionally due this, but I'm also confident that at least some of them will subconsciously do this.

Completely agree.

[coolhandzag]

I am fine with a 2 or even a 3 seed. I just don't want to be placed in the Kentucky or Duke regionals.

Probably a 50% chance of that.

I think Few should worry about getting out of the first weekend.

[seacatfan]

That's of course the official policy, but overcoming human nature is difficult. I'm confident that none of them will intentionally due this, but I'm also confident that at least some of them will subconsciously do this.

Ever seen the chair of the selection committee right after the brackets are announced? More double speak and non-answers than a politician. Totally agree, the official policy and the truth aren't necessarily the same thing.