Dana O'Neil on "prove-it" time for Big East

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I have no doubt that the Big Ten will have a poor tournament record. And the criticism they are certain to receive will be somewhat unfair, in my opinion.

The Big Ten lacks great teams, but is strong in the middle. I believe that all seven teams deserved their bids -- as well as their low seeds. As low seeds, you can expect some quick exits. Nevertheless, when the experts talk about how five BT teams (just an example) are already eliminated by the end of the weekend, the discussion will focus on how the early losses prove the league didn't deserve seven bids. Nobody will talk about how three or four teams were underdogs in the first round.

The question of how strong the Big Ten is compared to others is valid, and a poor tournament record will help answer that. But that doesn't mean seven BT teams were too many.
 

Excellent point. I'm going to pay special attention to how many of these teams play to their seed. That's really a better measuring stick, though it's the final record people will look at. Whatever their seed, I expect the Big 10 to get two (MSU & Purdue the best bets) to the Sweet 16. Anything less than that and the criticism will be deserved. I think 3 would truly validate the Big 10 and its depth in the middle. At least one getting to the Elite 8 would be gravy.

I would like nothing better than to see the ACC bomb. I think that's the more overrated conference between the ACC & Big East. UNC & Duke (except for the last few tournaments) are factors as always, but again, will any other team step up? In my mind the ACC historically is pretty much a two-trick pony. I'm skeptical Wake, FSU, Clemson, etc., are truly capable of carrying the ACC banner like UNC & Duke always do.
 

Nevertheless, I think the Big Ten is on the rise with a plethora of great coaches. 2 have won national championships. Two more have reached the championship game. One more has a Final Four, and we have a few who have reached the Elite Eight. I think the Big Ten's future as a whole is bright in Men's basketball. Just have to give the coaches awhile to recruit.
 

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth and all 7 Big 10 teams win in the first round. Wouldn't that be something?
 


the discussion will focus on how the early losses prove the league didn't deserve seven bids. Nobody will talk about how three or four teams were underdogs in the first round.
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Excellent point Hates Monikers. Right on the money!!! Bobby Knight stated that he did not think the Big Ten deserved 7 bids because they could not hold a candle to the Big East or the ACC. I love SelectionSundays constant harp that Teams get bids not conferences. It's absolutely true. The fact is the Big Ten had a lot of pretty good teams and only one really good one, MSU.

The ESPN types will absolutely discount the BT seed placing and concentrate on the total losses. I would love to see every one of the BT teams advance in the first round. Did I just say I want Bucky to win? Brother what a sad choice that is.
 

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