I was just thinking about the attack plan for the coaches getting ready for this weekend of basketball. Particularly the one seeds. I think any reasonable coach would completely ignore their first game, if they are a one seed. Maybe they watch a little tape, but basically, I would hope that they were done pondering 16s and getting ready for 8 or 9 by about lunch on Monday. I have a couple of reasons for this:
1-No 16 seed has EVER one. In other words, there is a 0% chance historically that these teams will be out before Saturday night. Why even mess with it?
2-The 8 or 9 seed is much more dangerous. Particularly this year. Do you think that Florida wants to see Arizona with only a day and a half of prep on the road? Or similarly Kansas and Kentucky, or UNC and Michigan State? And if those match ups don't happen, those guys are looking at Purdue, Villanova, and Marquette. Frankly, I wouldn't give half a thought to Eastern Kentucky if I was looking at Tom Izzo on Saturday afternoon. There is no point.
3-Some would counter "that attitude leads to upsets." Well, maybe. However, I think that attitude on Thurs. or Fri. may lead to an upset, but the attitude on Tues. morning will not. In other words, if the team is not focused on playing at game time, they can lose, but that has NOTHING to do with their preparation. Upsets in this tournment, in the earliest stages, are due to lack of focus, lethargic energy, and poor shooting. You don't lose to Central Connecticut State because your X's and O's are messed up. Even if a 1 does go out this year, it won't mean that they could have fixed it with more pick and roll practice earlier in the week. The 1 seeds are so much more athletic that they only need to show up, play hard, and pay attention. None of those things are coaching issues the week before.
If I was Roy WIlliams today, I would have spent a few hours watching Drew Nitzel. In fact, I might even forget who I am playing first up all together. Frankly, it doesn't matter. They can do all the planning they want, but my guys are faster, taller, and stronger. That won't be the case come the weekend.
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