Bracket update: Dec. 18th

The new NET rankings came out this week. The release always revives the discussion of how teams are selected and what metrics are used. Here is one thing for certain. The NET, although still flawed, is better than the RPI. Remember that the NET is not a standings board where the top four teams are the 1 seeds. The NET is a sorting tool designed to help the NCAA committee determine the best 68 teams for tournament play.

Some interesting rankings in this first week of the release.

Surprise teams with high rankings

San Diego St- Currently at #1 in the NET

Stanford- 9th

Liberty- 19th

Duquesne- 20th

Surprise teams with low rankings

Kentucky- 66th

Xavier- 71st

North Carolina- 95th

Bracket info in general

1 seeds– Kansas, Gonzaga, Ohio St, Louisville: Ohio St and Gonzaga have the best overall resumes of this group. High NET plus number of quad 1 wins. These teams will be in the top 10 of the seed line all year in our opinion

BIG 10– This conference is going to provide many quad 1 win opportunities for the entire league. Look for 8-9 teams to make the field in March

SEC– The conference has struggled early in the non conference slate. Kentucky, Florida, LSU have all have tough losses. This conference may be looking at 5-6 teams in the field.

Mid Majors- The SoCon may sneak a 2nd team into the field besides the conference champs. E. Tennessee St, Furman, Wofford, UNC Greensboro are all teams that could win an NCAA tournament team. Can their resumes make the grade come March. Don’t be surprised.