Editor’s note: This article is part of the Bracket Central series, an inside look at the run-up to the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, along with analysis and picks during the tournaments.
The NCAA selection committee revealed its first iteration of the Top 16, giving us our first view into how it views the season thus far.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, I anticipate the Big 12 being absent from the top two seed lines. The committee seems to value early wins less, which puts the conference (and particularly TCU) in a tough spot. I’d also wager that the degree to which TCU lost to South Carolina played a significant factor — a tough stroke of luck for the Big 12.
With the Big 12 already in a bit of a mucky place before that reveal, how might this impact the conference as a whole? Will we see the middle of the league seeded lower due to a relative lack of conference strength?
I have a strong feeling that this winds up playing a significant factor in the bubble. To put it more directly: Iowa State, Colorado and Arizona better leave no shred of doubt in the remaining weeks of Big 12 play and the conference tournament to have a shot at March Madness.
How is the bubble shaping up around the country with our new understanding?
ACC
Locks: Duke, North Carolina, NC State,…
