Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.
During our weekly editorial meeting here at TSD World Headquarters I was desperately hoping that, after claiming the East region in the debate topic discussion via text message during the selection show, I would not be forced to alter my fundamental argument about the strength of the East region very much. But Marquette’s early ouster does kill some of the buzz on the East region. Fortunately there is still plenty of quality teams and players buried in the East region – the single region that promises to be the most entertaining and competitive in the entire NCAA Tournament.
The primary reason why I believe the East is the toughest region in the tournament this year is because of the high concentration of great teams. One seed Kentucky and two seed West Virginia are both major conference tournament champions and excellent teams. That is the strongest 1-2 seed combination in the tournament. And both teams have to deal with talent and depth on their sides of the region, too.
Kentucky has to go through a spirited Wake Forester team, though I don’t believe that will be too challenging. They also have to deal with either Cornell or perhaps Wisconsin. Cornell is very athletic and disciple while Wisconsin is very tough and defends extremely well. Either team present an incredibly difficult challenge to Kentucky.
On West Virginia’s side they have to contend, likely, with a full court pressing Clemson Tigers team that will tire them out quickly, especially after having played as many games this season as being a conference tournament champion demands. If they squeeze by Clemson thy have to take on, most likely, a tough as nails New Mexico team OR the wide open offense of Washington, a team that surprised a talented Marquette team already.
Of course, if West Virginia and Kentucky both survive the second round, the possibility of a matchup in the regional final is a certainty – and a treat for fans.
As I briefly alluded to above, the motley grouping of teams with disparate playing styles also makes the matchups in the East region compelling. First, Clemson’s presence really inserts a strange approach into the mix. As a press-first team that relies HEAVILY on transition offense to score, Clemson will dictate the pace and style of the game and force other teams to beat them. Washington is almost on the complete opposite end of the spectrum with an up tempo, relentless offensive attack. Cornell and Wisconsin play a strong and disciplined half-court game on both ends of the floor. Kentucky and West Virginia can play inside out as well as any teams in the country. The matchups in this region, more than any other region, promise to be interesting and close straight down the line. After the first round, the chances of a blow are very slim.
The East is a bit unique, too, because the three weakest teams in the region – Texas, Wake Forest, and Missouri – will be weeded out very quickly. Wake already beat a Texas team in a downward spiral, and none of those teams will see the third round of play.
There are also quite a few teams in the East with feet perfect for glass slippers. From Clemson to New Mexico to Cornell and Wisconsin, each of these teams could easily pull a couple of upsets or get hot and ruin everyone’s bracket. While the South has its fair share of lovable underdogs, the matchups in the East region give these underdogs a legitimate shot.
The last, and perhaps most interesting reason the East region is best is that the region offers the best team at most of the seeds. For example, New Mexico is the strongest three seed given Georgetown’s early exit, Baylor’s scare, and Pitt’s inconsistency. Clemson is strongest at seven considering Richmond already lost, Oklahoma State played poorly down the stretch, and the Tigers are even stronger than BYU, who was taken to overtime by a weak Florida team. I have already documented West Virginia’s position as more of a fifth one seed than a great two seed. Cornell has asserted its strength as a 12, too.
Kansas is supposed to have the easiest region as the tournament’s top seed (despite Bleacher Fan’s protestations), and the South has the unanimously decided weakest one seed in Duke. The West, frankly, does not even enter in to the conversation. Without a doubt, the East presents the toughest region, and whichever team emerges will be battle tested and ready for Final Four glory.
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