Which BE Team(s) will go farthest in the NCAA Tournament?

[drquigley]

Looking ahead to my NCAA bracketology, which BE teams that make the tourney will go farthest? I'm thinking Nova just because of their defense but usually when we don't make it someone we beat during the regular season goes to the final four so right now I'd pick Xavier.

[vv83]

honestly, I am not highly impressed with any of the big east teams. Xavier is tough and well coached, but I don't think their talent level matches up to the talent level of a lot of the other top 10-15 teams this year. Nova is very good, but they are still pretty dependent on 3 point shooting, and that can always leave you vulnerable to an upset on a bad shooting night in the NCAA tournament.

Providence gets a lot of mileage out of two very good players, but the rest of that team is nothing special at all. Seton Hall has one really strong player in Delgado, but nothing else that would scare me if I were a solid NCAA team going up against them. the rest of the big east - nothing too impressive. unfortunately, I think it is going to be another disappointing year in the tournament for our conference. Maybe Nova and/or Xavier get to the second weekend, but I would not be surprised if none of our teams went beyond the first weekend.

[jester]

Feb 7, 2016 23:07:28 GMT -5 vv83 said:

honestly, I am not highly impressed with any of the big east teams. Xavier is tough and well coached, but I don't think their talent level matches up to the talent level of a lot of the other top 10-15 teams this year. Nova is very good, but they are still pretty dependent on 3 point shooting, and that can always leave you vulnerable to an upset on a bad shooting night in the NCAA tournament.

Providence gets a lot of mileage out of two very good players, but the rest of that team is nothing special at all. Seton Hall has one really strong player in Delgado, but nothing else that would scare me if I were a solid NCAA team going up against them. the rest of the big east - nothing too impressive. unfortunately, I think it is going to be another disappointing year in the tournament for our conference. Maybe Nova and/or Xavier get to the second weekend, but I would not be surprised if none of our teams went beyond the first weekend.

Completely agree. And I think thats the silver lining. None of these teams are the great that we can't steal the BE tournament. Its a small chance, but the road is there for the taking, we just need to play a lot better. The talent (with limitations is there) to hang with these teams, just need a lot to fall right.

I am not convinced this team will pull off much noise if they make tournament, I assume NCAA is preferable to NIT (fingers crossed the latter will even be an option) but I guess there is an argument for more games in an NIT scenario for player development. However, if we improve enough, with so much parity this year, I guess anything is possible in NCAA tournament.

[GUJook97]

I have to admit, I agree with you guys as well. I think the BE teams are overrated.(Although, I dont think it's about Nova's 3 pointing shooting, I think it's because they have a team-oriented, very tough defensive approach that doesnt translate well to the NCAAs). Im happy to see Nova #1, and Xavier and Providence in the top 15, but I've watched a lot of BE games, and I dont think those teams are elite teams. Im actually more frustrated we didnt beat Providence at home then I am about losing to Butler and SH on the road. Im not sure they are much better. If anyone goes deep, it will be a surprise team like Seton Hall or Georgetown!

[hoyainspirit]

Xavier may be overrated, but I think 'Nova is pretty strong with all the pieces.

[blueandgray]

I was just looking at the number of top 100 recruits who have committed to BE schools for '16 and there are not many....I believe there were only 3 or 4. Not a great sign for long term tourney success.