OFFICIAL Bracket Rant Thread!!

[Kyyle23]

Another fun fact, Lunardi actually got 2 teams wrong this year for the first time ever?  I always here he gets all but 1 teams right every year, but this year Air Force and Utah State got into spots he had Cincinnati and Florida State getting.

 

Pwned, although I feel kinda bad for him.  This is the most poorly done bracket of all time, so for him to only miss 2 teams isn't that bad.  He was way off on the seeding, although really he had the seeding right and the committee did it wrong.  Maybe we should just have Lunardi do the brackets every year from now on.

 

Yesterday after the Kansas game was the first time I had heard Lunardi say that the MVC will get less than 5 bids. He had Missouri St in up until yesterday, when somebody told him it wasnt going to happen.

[ZoomSlowik]

Another fun fact, Lunardi actually got 2 teams wrong this year for the first time ever?  I always here he gets all but 1 teams right every year, but this year Air Force and Utah State got into spots he had Cincinnati and Florida State getting.

 

Pwned, although I feel kinda bad for him.  This is the most poorly done bracket of all time, so for him to only miss 2 teams isn't that bad.  He was way off on the seeding, although really he had the seeding right and the committee did it wrong.  Maybe we should just have Lunardi do the brackets every year from now on.

 

Honestly, it's really hard to not get about 58 of the 65 right. I don't bother looking at all the numbers and don't have any inside information and only like 3 teams surprised me. Plus he's typically pretty bad at getting the seeding right.

Edited March 13, 2006 by ZoomSlowik

[The Bones]

I had Cincinnati, Michigan, and Missouri St. getting in over Seton Hall, Utah State, and Air Force.

[watchtower41]

Which is why if they go to the FF, I wouldn't be surprised.  They have a lot tougher road than people think though.

 

 

 

I havent heard anyone say that it would be an "easy" road for Kansas, for them to make it to the Final Four out of that region would be considered an upset. That being said, I think Kansas will absolutely own Pitt. Memphis/Kansas has potenital to be one of the most entertaining games of the tournament with youth and athleticism. They key for Kansas will be their backcourt, and right now, there arent too many teams that are playing up to their level, both offensively and defensively

[ZoomSlowik]

I havent heard anyone say that it would be an "easy" road for Kansas, for them to make it to the Final Four out of that region would be considered an upset.  That being said, I think Kansas will absolutely own Pitt.  Memphis/Kansas has potenital to be one of the most entertaining games of the tournament with youth and athleticism.  They key for Kansas will be their backcourt, and right now, there arent too many teams that are playing up to their level, both offensively and defensively

 

I don't know, Kansas definitely could have had a tougher draw than this. I definitely think that they can beat Pitt because they can actually score, and Memphis is just as young as Kansas is. While it will be an entertaining game, I think Kansas has a little better depth, especially if Douglas-Roberts isn't quite on top of his game with the injury. I definitely think they can take whoever comes out of the other side of the bracket too.

 

Things could have been a lot tougher. They could have faced UConn or Duke as the #1 seed. Both have a lot more experience than Kansas and probably would be a tougher team for them to beat than Memphis. They also got a beatable second round opponent in Pitt. Granted Pitt is by far the best of the 5 seeds in my book, but they could have easily had to face someone like Florida, LSU, or BC that is a bit more balanced and athletic. Plus UCLA and Gonzaga are fairly weak high seeds on the other side of the bracket considering that Memphis was the bottom #1 seed. They did pretty well here, and I'm not sure they could have been much better off.

[SleepyWhiteSox]

Honestly, it's really hard to not get about 58 of the 65 right. I don't bother looking at all the numbers and don't have any inside information and only like 3 teams surprised me. Plus he's typically pretty bad at getting the seeding right.

 

Very true. It always just comes down to getting the final 2-3 bubble teams down.

 

fsu didn't deserve it...

[Rowand44]

I don't know, Kansas definitely could have had a tougher draw than this. I definitely think that they can beat Pitt because they can actually score, and Memphis is just as young as Kansas is. While it will be an entertaining game, I think Kansas has a little better depth, especially if Douglas-Roberts isn't quite on top of his game with the injury. I definitely think they can take whoever comes out of the other side of the bracket too.

 

Things could have been a lot tougher. They could have faced UConn or Duke as the #1 seed. Both have a lot more experience than Kansas and probably would be a tougher team for them to beat than Memphis. They also got a beatable second round opponent in Pitt. Granted Pitt is by far the best of the 5 seeds in my book, but they could have easily had to face someone like Florida, LSU, or BC that is a bit more balanced and athletic. Plus UCLA and Gonzaga are fairly weak high seeds on the other side of the bracket considering that Memphis was the bottom #1 seed. They did pretty well here, and I'm not sure they could have been much better off.

I really couldn't disagree with you more.

[ZoomSlowik]

I really couldn't disagree with you more.

 

Any particular reasoning? I know it isn't a gimme, but I think that's about as good as they could have expected. Yeah, it would have been nice if they played Washington or Cuse instead of Pitt, but as I said, I'd rather have them then any of the 4 seeds except maybe Illinois. Plus IMO they got the weakest of the 3's and the second weakest 2 in their bracket to go with the weakest #1 (I think Memphis versus Nova is debatable, especially if Ray is off).

 

I guess you like Bradley, but I'm not a huge fan of them. Bryant is impressive, but Sommerville seems to drift outside too much, resulting in a low shooting percentage, and nothing really wows me about their guards. They aren't exactly a good outside shooting team either, something that is usually crucial in major upsets.

Edited March 13, 2006 by ZoomSlowik

[Rowand44]

Any particular reasoning? I know it isn't a gimme, but I think that's about as good as they could have expected. Yeah, it would have been nice if they played Washington or Cuse instead of Pitt, but as I said, I'd rather have them then any of the 4 seeds except maybe Illinois. Plus IMO they got the weakest of the 3's and the second weakest 2 in their bracket to go with the weakest #1 (I think Memphis versus Nova is debatable, especially if Ray is off).

I really don't think they could have got a harder draw for the first weekend, they got a tough 13 and then a real tough 5/12. I also disagree about Memphis being the weakest 1, I believe that's Duke to be honest. Gonzaga blows so I agree there. I also believe UCLA is the strongest 2 but we've had this convo before. That's what makes March so awesome though.

[ZoomSlowik]

I really don't think they could have got a harder draw for the first weekend, they got a tough 13 and then a real tough 5/12.  I also disagree about Memphis being the weakest 1, I believe that's Duke to be honest.  Gonzaga blows so I agree there.  I also believe UCLA is the strongest 2 but we've had this convo before.  That's what makes March so awesome though.

 

I just added my thoughts about Bradley on my previous post. Pitt is tough, but Kansas should be able to hold their scoring down and get enough to win. I've seen much tougher 5 seeds.

 

I don't like Duke, but I think they're a tougher out than Memphis or Nova. Redick and Williams give them two solid senior leaders, and they have some decent role players. I don't really like Memphis' chances because of poor shot selection and a heavy reliance on the 3. As for Nova, I think their lack of size finally catches up with them. Either that or fatigue from those guards playing so much. Either way, I've soured on them.

 

I said my piece on UCLA. They only have two real scorers, are only passable inside, turn it over a lot, and aren't the greatest shooting team. Plus they play in a weak conference and lost twice to the only other even remotely dangerous team in it. Honestly, I think Tennessee would beat them head to head, but they haven't been playing well down the stretch.

 

Anyways, I guess the only thing that matters is what happens on the court.

Edited March 13, 2006 by ZoomSlowik

[watchtower41]

I really don't think they could have got a harder draw for the first weekend, they got a tough 13 and then a real tough 5/12.  I also disagree about Memphis being the weakest 1, I believe that's Duke to be honest.  Gonzaga blows so I agree there.  I also believe UCLA is the strongest 2 but we've had this convo before.  That's what makes March so awesome though.

 

 

That's the way I'm looking at it. Pitt doesnt impress me all too much, that is if they get past the first round. If you consider Memphis the weakest #1, you'd have to consider Gonzaga the strongest #3, and I don't care what people think about that team on this board, they were looked at as a #1 in many discussions, no lower than a #2, yet on this board, they are the weakest #3??

[Rowand44]

they are the weakest #3??

They're just bad.

 

EDIT: Also considering the Memphis the weakest number 1 like zoom has nothing to do with considering Gonzaga the strongest number 3. Just cause they were in the discussion for a top seed means absolutely nothing.

Edited March 13, 2006 by Rowand44

[ZoomSlowik]

They're just bad.

 

EDIT: Also considering the Memphis the weakest number 1 like zoom has nothing to do with considering Gonzaga the strongest number 3.  Just cause they were in the discussion for a top seed means absolutely nothing.

 

Seriously, they have like 3 players that are any good. Granted one of them is pretty tough inside and another is averaging 28 a game, but they don't have a lot of talent for a team that is supposed to be good. They just barely squeeked by several weak WCC teams, so I don't see how they are going to do anything against real competition. The only teams they beat that were any good this year are two drastic underacheivers in Maryland and MSU, and they needed triple-overtime to beat the latter.

 

As for the second part, theoretically Memphis is the lowest rated of the #1 seeds, since they ended up on Duke's side of the bracket. That should also theoretically mean the get stronger teams for the seeds below them, but I really don't think that was the case. I think Nova got the deepest bracket and Duke got the two biggest threats in theirs, while UConn got a virtual cake-walk comparatively.

Edited March 13, 2006 by ZoomSlowik

[Rowand44]

Seriously, they have like 3 players that are any good. Granted one of them is pretty tough inside and another is averaging 28 a game, but they don't have a lot of talent for a team that is supposed to be good. They just barely squeeked by several weak WCC teams, so I don't see how they are going to do anything against real competition. The only teams they beat that were any good this year are two drastic underacheivers in Maryland and MSU, and they needed triple-overtime to beat the latter.

I think everyone knows why I dislike Gonzaga so much. If you defend that poorly, you're going to get knocked out early. Not only do they play s***ty defense, they just don't give a crap on the defensive end. They would rather showboat after scoring then get back and stop the opposing team in transition. It's pretty sad to watch.

[watchtower41]

They're just bad.

 

EDIT: Also considering the Memphis the weakest number 1 like zoom has nothing to do with considering Gonzaga the strongest number 3.  Just cause they were in the discussion for a top seed means absolutely nothing.

 

 

This makes sense, fair enough. I don't treat them like a Final Four threat, but in all honesty though, if Gonzaga was a #2 in any region, would anyone even blink twice?? They certainly deserve a #2 over Tennessee no?? I think Kansas can come out of this region, but I wouldn't consider it a lucky draw for them. They are playing some of the toughest D in the country, and they may have a decent matchup with some of these teams, but I also see a full region of teams that are peaking at the right time.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

dont worry watchtower, people in this area just dont like Kansas...Have no fear we are the nation's hottest team and have the best young talent. The question is how can they play in the tourney situation....if the Big 12 tourney is any indication, me likey mucho.

 

KU has 4 big men in their rotation, and has an awesome 4 man small rotation. They can run with anyone and can control taller, more physical teams. Hopefull i dont insert foot in mouth.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

This makes sense, fair enough.  I don't treat them like a Final Four threat, but in all honesty though, if Gonzaga was a #2 in any region, would anyone even blink twice?? They certainly deserve a #2 over Tennessee no?? I think Kansas can come out of this region, but I wouldn't consider it a lucky draw for them.  They are playing some of the toughest D in the country, and they may have a decent matchup with some of these teams, but I also see a full region of teams that are peaking at the right time.

 

 

KU has the nation's best defense..period

[IlliniKrush]

Seriously, they have like 3 players that are any good. Granted one of them is pretty tough inside and another is averaging 28 a game, but they don't have a lot of talent for a team that is supposed to be good. They just barely squeeked by several weak WCC teams, so I don't see how they are going to do anything against real competition. The only teams they beat that were any good this year are two drastic underacheivers in Maryland and MSU, and they needed triple-overtime to beat the latter.

 

As for the second part, theoretically Memphis is the lowest rated of the #1 seeds, since they ended up on Duke's side of the bracket. That should also theoretically mean the get stronger teams for the seeds below them, but I really don't think that was the case. I think Nova got the deepest bracket and Duke got the two biggest threats in theirs, while UConn got a virtual cake-walk comparatively.

With an S curve, if Memphis is the worst 1, then they should have the best 2 and the worst of the threes, no?

[ZoomSlowik]

With an S curve, if Memphis is the worst 1, then they should have the best 2 and the worst of the threes, no?

 

I'm not sure. I don't profess to know how they come up with the seedings in each region. Since Gonzaga was widely considered a 2, I would think that they would be the strongest 3 on the ratings, although most of us say that they are the weakest.

[Rowand44]

I'm not sure. I don't profess to know how they come up with the seedings in each region. Since Gonzaga was widely considered a 2, I would think that they would be the strongest 3 on the ratings, although most of us say that they are the weakest.

I believe for the first 4 seeds they try to get them as close to home as possible. I don't think it matters where they are on the s curve. I believe that is right, I'm not 100 percent sure though.

[Palehosefan]

I believe for the first 4 seeds they try to get them as close to home as possible. I don't think it matters where they are on the s curve. I believe that is right, I'm not 100 percent sure though.

 

That's supposed to be the case, but don't tell UNC that. Tennessee gets to play in Greensboro, NC, while UNC is stuck in Ohio. Tennessee is a whopping 17 miles further from Ohio than UNC.

 

Edit: Well I was wrong, Knoxville is actually closer to Dayton than Chapel Hill, so thanks selection committee. Tenn's seeding makes even less sense now, if thats even possible.

Edited March 13, 2006 by Palehosefan

[WHarris1]

That's supposed to be the case, but don't tell UNC that. Tennessee gets to play in Greensboro, NC, while UNC is stuck in Ohio. Tennessee is a whopping 17 miles further from Ohio than UNC.

Or how about Illinois playing in San Diego?

[Rowand44]

That's supposed to be the case, but don't tell UNC that. Tennessee gets to play in Greensboro, NC, while UNC is stuck in Ohio. Tennessee is a whopping 17 miles further from Ohio than UNC.

 

Edit: Well I was wrong, Knoxville is actually closer to Dayton than Chapel Hill, so thanks selection committee. Tenn's seeding makes even less sense now, if thats even possible.

Nothing the committee did this year makes sense. Look at my rant in the dc region thread about the bubble teams. I want someone to explain that to me.

[Rowand44]

Man, Digger goes out on a huge limb. Besides the 8-9, the only first round upset he picked was Seton Hall over Wichita State and that's just because he hates the valley.

[WHarris1]

Man, Digger goes out on a huge limb.  Besides the 8-9, the only first round upset he picked was Seton Hall over Wichita State and that's just because he hates the valley.

I am on the edge of my seat waiting for his Final Four picks.

 

 

 

What a tool.