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March 8, 2007 | Issue 4-15

INDIANAPOLIS—The selection committee responsible for choosing and seeding teams for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has decided no team deserves a top seed in the brackets this year. The decision came after hours of deliberation by committee members on Wednesday.

“We feel no team should be granted a number one seed in the NCAA tournament,” announced NCAA President Myles Brand at a press conference Wednesday. “After a poor showing from traditional power teams, the committee members have decided to eliminate number one seeds from this year’s event.”

Although the tournament’s field is normally determined on the Sunday following the conclusion of all conference tournaments, the committee wanted to release the announcement to ensure no teams enter the live selection show with the false hopes of obtaining a top seed.

One problem selection committee members face is the lack of familiarity among the frontrunners. Wisconsin, Florida, UCLA, Kansas and Ohio State were all considered as possible top seeds.

“Duke doesn’t really deserve a top seed, and North Carolina got upset just last week,” said committee chairperson Gary Walters. “I’m not really familiar with any other teams.”

“Shouldn’t we be able to pick Connecticut or Georgetown [as a number one seed]?” asked committee member Thomas J. O'Connor. “I’ve heard of Florida. I think they did okay in last year’s tournament. Is Florida close to Duke?”

Many basketball insiders agree with the decision deny any teams a number one seed but are happy they didn’t have to make that decision. “The committee has a tough time this year,” agreed CBS analyst Billy Packer. “I can’t blame them for this decision. With so many undeserving teams, I’m glad I don’t have to choose.”

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