Duke as the fourth #1 seed

[Jesus_hurley]

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball ... aab,221167

One article predicting it....

The Villanova-Purdue-Duke troika will battle it out to get that last, treasured top seed in the final three weeks.

Conference tournaments included, Duke's schedule is more favorable than the other two, and I think it ends up grouped with Syracuse, Kentucky and Kansas. Beyond the scheduling reason, here's why.

Pure numbers. As of now, Duke is also better than Villanova and Purdue in RPI. I know the stats can be boring/overrated for a lot of folks, but the selection committee will use them. They are so vital to where and how teams are seeded.

Another big stat is Duke's strength of schedule, which is 13th. Purdue: 41; Villanova: 64.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I think we have to win the ACC tourney, or make it to the finals AND one of the other teams above us needs to lose before their conference tourney.
I don't mind having a two seed, or even a three seed. We haven't proved that a higher seed does us any good lately. I would not be surprised at all, as a 2, if we get Kentucky in our bracket. What I don't want is another ACC team..I hate seeing projections for the ACC to have 7 or 6 teams in, and we get paired with one of them. As the highest ACC rep, I think we should enjoy some solitude.

[EarlJam]

I think we have to win the ACC tourney, or make it to the finals AND one of the other teams above us needs to lose before their conference tourney.
I don't mind having a two seed, or even a three seed. We haven't proved that a higher seed does us any good lately. I would not be surprised at all, as a 2, if we get Kentucky in our bracket. What I don't want is another ACC team..I hate seeing projections for the ACC to have 7 or 6 teams in, and we get paired with one of them. As the highest ACC rep, I think we should enjoy some solitude.

Agreed with everything here. I believe we have to win out to get a #1 seed but as you say, big whoop. I'd be just as happy with a #2 seed. Well, maybe a tiny bit less happier.

But wow, look at those projected number one picks. If they hold up, look at the tradition: Kentucky, Kansas, Syracuse, Duke.

How many national titles (combined) do those four schools hold (Syracuse being the weaker tradition-wise)? Wow.

-EarlJam

[Jesus_hurley]

I agree as well - but I'd take as far as if we don't win the ACC tournament then we don't get the #1 seed. The perception of the ACC being weak will be hard to overcome - whether it's correct or not.

That being said, I've felt like UNC-CH having a down year has adversely affected the national perception of the ACC. Maryland, Wake, Clemson and VT have all had difficulties (VT's was in scheduling, not losing) this year but are all solid teams. And Maryland should be ranked right now. It's a travesty that Texas, having lost 6 of their last 9 is ranked and Maryland is not.

[EarlJam]

And Maryland should be ranked right now. It's a travesty that Texas, having lost 6 of their last 9 is ranked and Maryland is not.

The above is a Helluva great point. Why in Hades is Maryland NOT ranked? Not only should they be ranked, but I believe they may very well make a good run in the tourney. Greasy Vasquez is as solid a point guard is as out there. I know his supporting cast may be weaker, but bottom line, yes, bump Texas. Maryland should be ranked.

-EJ

[Jesus_hurley]

Hummel goes down to a torn ACL. That will likely knock Purdue down a line and move us up to the fourth #1 seed. Just need to do our part now.