There is one other elephant in the room when it comes to #1 seeds that is seldom if ever mentioned:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Teams in big markets can often garner more attention and ratings soar.
Think about it. Lets say North Dakota put the player of the year on the floor; inflicted dominating wins on all opponents winning by an average of 35 ppg, was legitimately the best team in the land; and just completed an undefeated season.
Where would they be seeded?
#1 seed? Never ever.
The Zags 'brand' has improved over the years but that said, I was recently in San Antonio and no one has ever heard of Gonzaga down there. BUT mention any school with a decent football team and the recognition index goes way up.
Lack of national recognition is going to have to be part of 'being a Zag'.
Of course a National Championship could change all that!
I live in Kentucky...and everyone has heard of Gonzaga...of course, Kentucky is known for being a basketball state. So I think geography plays a big part of that.
Though, I will say, no one EVER knows where Gonzaga actually is, most people guess New Mexico!
One of my brothers, who lives in Iowa, recently emailed me and asked why Gonzaga was ranked so high.
He was of the opinion that it was not merited. He added that we hadn't really played anyone (ranked in the top 25) and since we play in the WCC there was no reason for us to rank so high.
I proceeded to FULLY immerse him in all the reasons as to why, so now he understands, but....there are a large % of folks that think just like this. What got me even more is that he is origionally from Tacoma, a Zag fan, and he knows I am an owner of this blog. So, if he thinks that way.....imagine how many others do as well?
That problem, along with Quid's point about the $$$, adds up to Gonzaga in no way, shape or form getting a 1 seed this year. I doubt a 2 seed is doable even if we were to win out.
What to do? Keep winning. Make it to a Final 4, at least that far. It will never move the Zags out of the WCC, which presents it own problems, nor will it make up for that fact that our location is Spokane, another issue. But winning is something we can control, provided we can get some friggen rebounds and defend the pick & roll! lol
Soooo, I'm gettin kinda edgy, the St. Mary's game is almost here. I want this game more than any other this season because winning will in all probability seal the WCC for us. I do not want to share anything. Especially with St. Mary's!
6 comments:
Nice article about KP and KO.
There is one other elephant in the room when it comes to #1 seeds that is seldom if ever mentioned:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Teams in big markets can often garner more attention and ratings soar.
Think about it. Lets say North Dakota put the player of the year on the floor; inflicted dominating wins on all opponents winning by an average of 35 ppg, was legitimately the best team in the land; and just completed an undefeated season.
Where would they be seeded?
#1 seed? Never ever.
The Zags 'brand' has improved over the years but that said, I was recently in San Antonio and no one has ever heard of Gonzaga down there. BUT mention any school with a decent football team and the recognition index goes way up.
Lack of national recognition is going to have to be part of 'being a Zag'.
Of course a National Championship could change all that!
I live in Kentucky...and everyone has heard of Gonzaga...of course, Kentucky is known for being a basketball state. So I think geography plays a big part of that.
Though, I will say, no one EVER knows where Gonzaga actually is, most people guess New Mexico!
One of my brothers, who lives in Iowa, recently emailed me and asked why Gonzaga was ranked so high.
He was of the opinion that it was not merited. He added that we hadn't really played anyone (ranked in the top 25) and since we play in the WCC there was no reason for us to rank so high.
I proceeded to FULLY immerse him in all the reasons as to why, so now he understands, but....there are a large % of folks that think just like this. What got me even more is that he is origionally from Tacoma, a Zag fan, and he knows I am an owner of this blog. So, if he thinks that way.....imagine how many others do as well?
That problem, along with Quid's point about the $$$, adds up to Gonzaga in no way, shape or form getting a 1 seed this year. I doubt a 2 seed is doable even if we were to win out.
What to do? Keep winning. Make it to a Final 4, at least that far. It will never move the Zags out of the WCC, which presents it own problems, nor will it make up for that fact that our location is Spokane, another issue. But winning is something we can control, provided we can get some friggen rebounds and defend the pick & roll! lol
Soooo, I'm gettin kinda edgy, the St. Mary's game is almost here. I want this game more than any other this season because winning will in all probability seal the WCC for us. I do not want to share anything. Especially with St. Mary's!
This year...I definitely see us getting a 2 seed.
http://bracketproject.50webs.com/matrix.htm
Look at all those ugly #3s in there.
Of course beating St. Mary's should have helped turn this tide towards a 3 seed.
Woops, I meant a 2 seed in my comment above.
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