NCAA March Madness 2014: Wichita State Tops Midwest Region! The ‘Group Of Death! ‘Includes Last Year’s Finalists Louisville and Michigan, Top Recruiting Classes Duke And Kentucky!
The NCAA has announced the official brackets and they could never please everyone. The Wichita State Shockers, who are still undefeated, will have to survive the 'Group Of Death!'
There are many intangible and subjective factors that mark the bracket, and the selection committee is tasked with making the field as balanced as possible. But as it is, one region has become very competitive, and the idea that only one team from that region will make the Final Four not really indicative of the best college teams in the nation.
ESPN quickly assessed the bracket and came out with the 'winners' and 'losers.' The fact that the Midwest region has two of the 'losers'- loosely defined as being ranked below what they deserve, reinforces the idea that this region got screwed.
From ESPN:
"Bracket Losers - Wichita State: The Shockers did earn a No. 1 seed with an undefeated season. But they were given the "Group of Death" bracket with No. 8 Kentucky (if it gets past Kansas State), No. 4 Louisville, No. 3 Duke and No. 2 Michigan. Wow."
For an undefeated team, despite not being on a 'Big Conference' it should be the No. 1 overall. That distinction was given to Florida. The Shockers did take a no. 1 seed, but in the most difficult region. That means they were considered lower than the other no. 1 seeds. Wichita State made the Final Four last year-despite getting an improved team this year, their chances to return are slimmer considering their tough opposition, which includes..
"Bracket Loser - Louisville: The Cardinals have been as good as any team in the country the past few weeks, won a share of the American Conference and easily captured the American Conference tournament title. Their reward? A 4-seed."
They are the biggest victims of the collapse of the Big East. The defending champions deserve more respect for their campaign this year. Most analysts projected them to be top seed, as they were the champions of their conference.
It shows that the selection committee still values the Big 6 Conferences more than anything. Not being in one of them hurt the Cardinals.
The 'Group of Death' Midwest Region features three of last year's Final Four: Wichita State, Michigan and champion Louisville. They also have two of the top recruiting classes with Duke and Kentucky (lots of NBA scouts will attend their games).
