Author:
eric...
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Date Posted: 22:33:02 01/16/06 Mon
this team wont be ranked until after the bracket buster (assuming they keep winning), so the concept of 'underdog' wont change for any game this season. we lose our ranking if we dont get to the tournament, and it is highly unlikely we go into a first round game the favorite (we would need a top 8 seed in a game against another mid-major). everyone in the conference is already gunning for us.
what needs to be noted is how much a top 25 ranking can do for the perception of the basketball program. its not going to help these guys win games (and as i pointed out above, i doubt it will hurt them). but it is a huge signal to recruits. its one thing to be a good mid-major program, but a ranking cements us as a top team regardless of classification. it wont help us steal big 10 talent. but it certainly will push us higher in the recruiting hierarchy.
if we enjoyed status in a conference where teams can let up and still get an ncaa invite, id be worried about the mental aspect of a ranking. unfortunately, we do not. youve gotta show up every game during conference play for homecourt advantage in the tournament. and, of course, you have to win those three games. after what these guys have endured the past two seasons i doubt a number is going to change their ability to do just that.
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