Predetermined regionals

[GatorVball]

Anyone else think this is the last year for that? Outside of Omaha, the attendance at the other 3 was just downright pathetic. Those in favor argued it was a way to help the sport grow. Obviously, outside of maybe Nebraska fans(and Hawaii), fans at these other schools just won't show up if their team isn't playing. I think it's time to go back to giving the top 4 seeds hosting rights, as long as they have the facility size. And if one of the top 4 falls before the regionals, then the next highest seed in that bracket hosts. It may not provide a neutral court environment, but it's not like they were very neutral to begin with. So, might as well make sure as many people show up. Of course, that leaves it up to the committee to determine who the top 4 seeds are that will host and that's another nightmare, but I could at least live with bad seedings if the arenas were filled. That's the best thing for the sport.

I'd also have no problem if they went the way of soccer. Have 16 host sites for the 1st 2 rounds, then the highest seeds remaining host the next round. You could do a Friday-Sunday or Thursday-Saturday "regional". For example, Florida would've hosted Louisville on Friday, Nebraska hosted UCLA. The 2 winners advancing to play on Sunday, at the higher seed. Teams travel to different sites all season long on a single weekend during conference play, I don't see why they couldn't during the postseason. The NCAA just puts too many limits on travel in the postseason, but it's ok during the season. Makes no sense. Or, if a team has to fly cross country, make it Thursday-Sunday. Something like that.

Or, how about the final 16 teams spread out over 2 sites, so you have 2 sites of 8 teams. Make it a full weekend of volleyball, still only having to win 2 matches to advance, but with 8 teams at one site, it should up the attendance, whether the host team is there or not.

Any other thoughts? I don't know what system will work, but I do know this predetermined site doesn't, judging by lack of attendance.

[beachman]

They also need to scrap this ridiculous travel rule.....it is patently unfair and biased and exacerbates the problems with a lack of attendance!

[ugopher]

GatorVball,
While you plan of 3rd and 4th rounds at the higher seed sounds good, it would be a logistical nightmare for fans trying to follow their team on the road.

I would be in favor of seeding teams similar to basketball, holding the 1st/2nd rounds at the highest seeds in the regions and the 3rd/4th rounds at the highest seed left in the regional.

I do believe they need remove the travel rule and seed all teams with 1 playing 64, 2 playing 63, etc.

[IdahoBoy]

I'm with Gator. I never really liked the idea of pre-existing regionals, but was ok as long as they were well-attended.

[2c]

ugopher said:

GatorVball,
While you plan of 3rd and 4th rounds at the higher seed sounds good, it would be a logistical nightmare for fans trying to follow their team on the road.

I would be in favor of seeding teams similar to basketball, holding the 1st/2nd rounds at the highest seeds in the regions and the 3rd/4th rounds at the highest seed left in the regional.

I do believe they need remove the travel rule and seed all teams with 1 playing 64, 2 playing 63, etc.

Hell, I'd be happy if they just remove local restrictions up to the first 32 teams and just try to seed them accordingly (fudge seeds slightly as you like to create more local matchups but only by 2-4 spots at most). That should definitely remove any Hawaii v Texas matchups (however Top 16 seeding should have prevented that). By defining top 32 seeds, you'll get closer true matchups in the R2 thus providing a much more accurate Sweet 16.

(No way does any committee put down in writing a #26 seed on Texas this year.)

You may still end up with a USC/UCSB, BYU/Pep sub-regional with possible #12 USC and #21 BYU with Pep and UCSB just outside the Top 32 seedings however but still better than what we got. Or UCLA/USD/LBSU/Kansas even could have been avoided if you felt USD and LBSU were clear Top 32 seeds.

[ugopher]

I agree with you, Gator, that seedings should go further than the top 16. I understand some of the financial reasonings behind the localized regionals. However, as has been stated several times on this board, that method isn't in the best interest of the sport. But that would take a lot of effort by the committee, something that I think we are in agreement is the committee's strength.

[FreeBall]

2c said:

Hell, I'd be happy if they just remove local restrictions up to the first 32 teams and just try to seed them accordingly (fudge seeds slightly as you like to create more local matchups but only by 2-4 spots at most). . . . By defining top 32 seeds, you'll get closer true matchups in the R2 thus providing a much more accurate Sweet 16.

This general idea has been mentioned on this board numerous times and it makes so much sense that I don't see the NCAA ever using it.

As I recently stated in another thread, this is pretty much the system that I followed in SaltNPepper's "Better Bracket" thread. While my bracket was not perfect (given the restrictions of SNP's ground rules), I think many agreed that it was better than the actual bracket created by the Committee. And, mine involved less travel overall!

[beachman]

A VERY BAD IDEA WHO'S TIME HAS COME.......AND GONE!