Seeding? Yup.

Building Momentum? Yup.

Winning a conference championship? Hell yea!

Earlier on ESPN the question of “What does Butler have to play for tonight since they are already in the NCAAs?” was asked to an analyst.

The answer was that they are playing for a higher seed. That was the wrong answer. As I said in my post just about last year this time, like all our Big East teams, Butler is playing for a Conference Championship. 20 years from now, Butler players will not care whether or not they were a 4-seed, or a 6-seed. But they will remember if they are conference champs. These conference tournaments matter so much more than most college basketball analysts will allow you to believe.

Such is life in the Big East. We have 11 pretty good teams beginning play at MSG tomorrow, and Seton Hall. Winning this tournament will be quite an accomplishment, and since we don’t have what looks like a top-notch contender for the NCAA crown this year, this tournament looms even larger. Back in November, I gave you my season predictions, and for the most part, I was pretty accurate. Except three clear misses.
1. Providence disappointed me. I thought they would be better, and be in the NCAA Mix. I was wrong.
2. I had Notre Dame a little low. And courtesy of Pitt’s late slide, I think Mike Brey needs to win Coach of the Year.
3. I also had Cincinnati low. The Bearcats turned in solid season and should be even better next year. Hopefully for them, they can create some momentum this weekend that’ll carry over to next year.

So what should we look for in this tournament?

First, if the Big East is to get 7 teams in, Pitt will need to beat Cincinnati, which I believe they will. Second, if they are to get 8 in, one of Cuse, Nova or Cincy will have to win 2 games, which will likely not happen.

Do we have a Gerry Mac in the field? Scottie Reynolds, maybe? Actually, if there is a sleeper pick for the Gerry Mac award, I’ll take Joe Alexander. If anyone can take this tournament over in a one man show, give me Joe.

Finally, how will this tournament play out? Thursday should be a great day. Cuse vs Georgetown. UConn vs West Virginia. L’ville vs. Pitt. ND vs. Marquette. Wow, if we get chalk on Wednesday, we’ll have a great, great Thursday of hoops. Then heading towards the semis, four teams had separated themselves all year, and I think all four could advance, although Marquette upsetting Notre Dame would not be surprising. Who will win? Well, Louisville’s been my horse in this race all year, so I’ll stick with them. Watch for the Cards to knock off the Huskies is a great game Saturday night.

And remember, our last two Final Four teams sparked their postseason runs by winning this tournament. And I belive Louisville last Final Four run began by winning their old tournament. Watch who gets hot early on Wednesday and Thursday, it could start a trend that leads deep, deep into March.

Categories: Commentary