WAC Vegas is a little over a month and a half away. It is getting closer. And with it, every game becomes that much bigger. Nearly every night, well, actually, every night in the Western Athletic Conference is a must-win situation.
Considering seeding for WAC Vegas is determined by a full season’s resume. But, qualifying for WAC Vegas is determined by what happens in WAC play.
There has been some confusion about that. But, we will clear up that confusion in this write-up.
Let’s clarify some of the facts of the seeding system.
First, the regular season champ is not determined by the seeding system.
Second, you have to play your way into WAC Vegas.
Third, don’t pay attention to your team’s NET because that doesn’t matter in the new seeding system.
Fourth, root for all of your opponents, especially those who beat you.
Fifth, let it play out.
Okay, now that we got all of that out of the way, let’s get to it.
Earn Your Way to WAC Vegas
As everyone knows, only 12 teams are making it to Michelob Ultra Arena/Orleans Arena for a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament.
Let me give you an example.
As it stands right now, New Mexico State would not be going to WAC Vegas. The Aggies are currently in 13th in the WAC standings at 0-6. So, being ahead of UT Arlington in the WAC Resume Seeding System wouldn’t matter.
Where you finish in WAC play determines whether or not you are going to Las Vegas. When that determination is made, then seedings will be listed.
UT Arlington could finish 12th in the WAC standings. And, let’s say the Mavericks finish 13th in the WAC Resume Seeding System standings. That means the Mavericks are the 12-seed.
Let’s look at it a different way.
If WAC Vegas was to begin today, despite being a game behind Seattle U, Utah Valley would be the 1-seed. I think we all knew that before this write-up.
So, you earn your way into WAC Vegas. And once you qualify for WAC Vegas, then seeding takes place via the resume seeding system.
Is it About Getting a Higher Seed in the NCAA Tourney?
As we have seen, many have been vocal about their dislike for the resume seeding system. Seeding for the WAC Tournament should be determined by wins and loss in WAC play. I won’t disagree with that.
I think the seeding system takes away quite a bit from conference play.
In all honesty, I like the theory behind it…if it was a two-bid league. Unfortunately, as we have seen from regular bracketology updates, the WAC and most other mid-majors are looked upon with a great deal of disdain.
Think about it…even before conference play started, Sam Houston, despite two Quad 1 wins, and two good losses, was getting no higher than a 12-seed. Utah Valley, with its Quad 1 win and multiple road wins was no higher than a 12-13 seed.
What more does a mid-major have to do to get a higher seed? At least a mid-major not from the Mountain West or named Gonzaga?
So, the likelihood the WAC will be a two-bid league anytime soon is slim to none.
The basketball is getting better. There is no doubt of that. And you all know how much I love this conference. But, like we are seeing now, the league is cannibalizing itself because it is so deep with parity.
So, the theory in this seeding system is good. Trying to get a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, which could lead to better matchups and potentially wins in the Big Dance. That is what any conference in America wants.
And I truly believe that is what this seeding system is designed for.
The problem, as mentioned above, is the WAC is not a two-bid league. If it was, this system would be a great tool in helping protect teams with great overall resumes as you get ready for your conference tournament. But, with unbalanced conference scheduling, and teams without money having trouble buying quality home games, it’s difficult for this system to not cause some animosity the deeper into the season we get.
I believe the system will even itself out as regular season play continues forward. And perhaps it is just one of those things where someone will always be upset about a system they don’t understand. In this day and age of social media, it is going to happen.
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