Power Basketball Conferences: SEC, PAC-10 and Colonial

I would have taken practically any wager against two SEC teams making it to Indy to compete for the National Title. The SEC was in a rebuilding year, or so I thought. Remember the highly questionable Tennessee Two Seed. Similarly, a suggested bet that the Final Four would not include a Big East, ACC or Big Ten team would have been greeted with a Cheshire Cat smile and the offer to buy another round. Throw in a Mid-major and you could have taken me for a bundle, or at least dinner.

What gives?

  • Discipline – The pressure of tournament play (physical and mental) penalizes teams who get away from what brung ‘em.
  • Balanced play – Inside depth tends to be rewarded in the tournament.
  • Solid defense – Athletic defences increase discipline breakdown.
  • Consistently good competition – Meeting good or great teams day after day takes it toll.
  • Parity – Great players don’t tend to hang around campuses four years, so dynasties are no more.

    • Bottom line: It’s great for the fan and the sport, even the selection committee can be seen smiling.

    Posted: March 26th, 2006 under ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, C-USA, College Basketball, Pac 10, SEC.
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