Through two rounds this March, the ACC posted a record of 5-5 and lost four of its seven NCAA tourney squads before the second round.
Most analysts considered the Big East and ACC a class above the rest, but one must remember that East Coast bias is a potent and sneaky syndrome. Duke has received what could be perceived as generous seeding over the past four years, constantly falling short of the Elite 8 despite earning two No. 1 seeds and a No. 2 seed.
Maybe it wasn't smart to discount the Big 12 this March - it certainly wouldn't have been a good idea last year when Kansas won the national championship.
Nor is it good to forget how spectacular a program John Calipari has built in Memphis, though it may be tucked in the crease separating Tennessee and Arkansas and the obscurity of Conference USA.
After all, the Tigers tore into the Elite 8 in 2006 while the ACC couldn't push through the Sweet 16.
In 2007, Memphis did it again, but North Carolina followed suit before losing to Georgetown in the regional final. The tiebreaker here goes to the Tigers as they lost to Ohio State, which felled Georgetown in the ensuing weekend at the Final Four.
As in the previous season, the Tar Heels received a No. 1 seed in 2008 - but this time surged to the national semifinals before Kansas slammed them.
Memphis wins again, as it took a Mario Chalmers' miracle three and overtime to knock it from claiming a championship. Had Chalmers' shot clanked from the rim the Tigers, with 10 points, would sit above both the ACC (8) and the Big 10 (7) on the TERS (the Thomas Emerick ratings scale).
Though, it's still admirable that Coach K would use his powers for the good of the ACC.
It's nice to know that the coach of Team USA, a man who's not afraid to critique Mr. President's bracket decisions, and the leader at the head of - considering academics - arguably college basketball's most successful program will still stick his neck out for his comrades.
But now that 10 ACC teams have hung up their shoes for the year, Duke and North Carolina must carry the conference's weight on their shoulders.
Unless this tandem comes up with a big finish, it's time to stop belittling powerhouse programs and comparable conferences, and start winning.
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 0 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.