Sabotage! Selection Sunday summons shock, serving Stanford supporters a sour... something? Okay, that's enough 'S' words, though a prominent one does come to mind when evaluating the tournament selection committee's work yesterday.
Stanford was given the top No. 2 seed, snubbed of a deserved No. 1 in favor of Big 12 champions Texas. The other No. 1 seeds—South Carolina, Iowa, U$C—are well deserved. South Carolina is in a weak SEC but is undefeated, Iowa has Caitlin Clark which frankly precludes any argument of record, and U$C beat Stanford twice this year including in the Pac-12 title game—what can you do? But 30-4 Texas? In a weak Big 12? Compared to 28-5 Stanford in the 7-bid Pac-12, the toughest conference in America by a country mile? It's tough to defend.
Personally, I think Stanford is being punished for their second round tournament exit last year against Ole Miss, which I watched in devestation late at night in Ecuador nursing one of the county's only two brands of beer (there's Club and there's Pilsener—that's all)! NBA MVP voters aren't supposed to consider postseason success and NCAA selection committees aren't supposed to factor in prior year's tourney results... and yet these things always seem to matter.
Despite the lack of respect afforded to Stanford and the hospicing Pac-12 in general, Regional 4 may be a blessing. Notably absent from Stanford's region are UConn, LSU, Oregon State, and Colorado. All four are dangerous 3+ seeds that would genuinely terrify me en route to the Final Four. Take a look:
Still, Stanford will face some challenges, chief among them a No. 4 seed Gonzaga squad that stomped Stanford 96-78 back in early December. That game might've been an anamoly: Gonzaga was at home, had two 25 point scorers, shot 54%, and hit 10 triples. I doubt the Zags will be quite as hot in a potential Elite Eight rematch, but Stanford should be weary. Any team that can put up 96 points should warrant concern.
While I personally don't fear NC State, Utah, this year's Tennessee team, or Texas... you never know. I barely wrote about Ole Miss prior to the tourney last year and we all know what happened there. This year's Stanford squad seems more vulnerable than in years past... anything can happen.
Then again, we have Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen. I'll take our chances.
Stanford plays No. 15 Norfolk State this Friday, March 22nd at 7pm PT at Maples Pavilion. Come join us in the Bay to watch the game, or tune in to ESPN2 (the 2 is for 2 seed) to experience the Cardinal postseason action you've been missing. Go Card! Go Tara! Go Stanford!
--Fear The Me.