It’s Tourney Time and a guaranteed wild ride is ahead
- Gerry Fey
- Mar 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 16
The Little Ball of Hate has a lot to say about the NCAA Tournament bracket released. So let’s get into it.

The Little Ball of Hate's bracket. Ok one of many, but this is the first.
First off, teams struggling heading into the tournament
Yes the Jayhawks are one of them. So I get it, KU a 6th seed in the Big 12 tournament (lowest seeding ever) loses in the first round, very disappointing way to end the season.
But why are we not talking about Kentucky and Tennessee, who lost in their first SEC tournament games? KU was without their two top scorers, what excuse does UK and Tenn have?
Iowa State isn’t even the top 2-seed? Highly questionable. I think Iowa State could beat UConn.
Trev might want to get advice from Valentine.
Can you say awkward?
Nebraska as an 8-seed, definitely seems too low to me. I was thinking a 6 or 7 seed. I’d almost rather be a 10 seed than an 8 seed. You win the first-round game and you have to play a No. 1 seed. But playing A&M in the first round is hilarious. Oh and Nebraska women got matched up with A&M too! A coincidence, I think not. New AD Trev Alberts will be in an interesting spot. He’ll need to hide AKA Bobby Valentine.
Kansas vs. Samford first round matchup
I like it, but a possible matchup with Gonzaga in the second-round matchup would be a tough battle. Sounds like a popular upset is Samford over Kansas. That’s fine, I like being an underdog, and if Dickinson and McCullar are healthy, could be a good reset time.
We know that Hall of Fame coach Bill Self can gameplan when he has a week. But the question is can he get this team out of the first weekend?
The frustrating thing about this team is Kansas has beaten the top No.1 seed, two 2 seeds and a No. 3 seed. I could see them in the sweet 16 and I could see them losing in the first game.
KU wins if Dickinson is doing damage down low, and the Jayhawks are getting turnovers and running the floor. They need to rebound the ball on the defensive side of the ball as well.
As Bill Fey says, Creighton's starting five is as good as any team, but bench depth is not a strength just like KU.
Creighton Final Four Bound?
Creighton could be a scary team in the tournament. Their road definitely looks doable. As the Little Ball of Hate’s brother Billy Fey said, they have a similar issue to KU, a great starting five with limited depth. But if Creighton hits threes they can beat anyone, like when they beat UConn.
Creighton came close to the Final Four last year, could this be the year?
It is very interesting that Nebraska and Creighton can have the same success if they hit their threes. KU is the opposite of this. They aren’t known as a three-point shooting team at all. Furphy has been cold for the last five games, McCuller is really the only consistent three point threat.
Which no. 1 seed will drop out first?
The Little Ball of Hate’s pick is UNC losing to Michigan State in the second round.
Final Four prediction
UConn, Baylor, Houston, Tennessee
Is Dan Monson giving the Long Bach AD the one finger salute after getting canned?
Tidbits
I am cheering for Long Beach State Head coach Dan Monson. After 17 years, he was given the boot as the 49ers finished the season on a five game losing streak. Then the team caught fire and won the Big West conference championship to punch their NCAA tournament ticket. I wonder if the Long Beach AD is wishing he didn’t make that decision. Would love to see them upset Arizona to keep their magical season going.
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