(04-06-2021 11:27 AM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  

(04-06-2021 08:24 AM)dan10 Wrote:  

(04-04-2021 12:23 PM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  But a 16 seed is still a 16 seed. If the CAA is typically only producing a 15 or 16 seed champion, there is barely a lick of difference between us and the Big South. Meanwhile, their schools have tons of games on ESPN+ and we don't.

Dont disagree with the sentiment, but its also not based in reality. I think with the losses, we all knew this season would be one of the worst our conference put together. Add in the absurdities from the handling of the season by the league and that adds to the result. 15 and 16 seeds are not typical of this league, except in our worst years with major seeding upsets.

Since realignment in 2013:
16 seed- 2 times (2013 ,2021)
15 seed- 0 times
14 seed- 1 time (2015)
13 seed- 4 times (2014, 2016, 2018, 2019)
12 seed- 1 time (2017)

That means on average we have been a 13.75 since the top of the league left. Hardly close to a 15/16. Just saying.

I think we are all aware the CAA is a mesh of schools that dont particularly fit well, but it clearly does have potential (until the NCAA opens the floodgates on portal ie. free agency)

Right, but the norm going forward is likely going to be a 15/16 type conference like it was this season. Especially with so much talent getting poached via the transfer portal. Unless you see any teams in this league rising above that level any time soon.

I am usually the negative person since I am by nature a realist, and even I dont think its that doom and gloom. I do not think this season will be the norm at all. With Kelsey headed to CofC, Elon already on the rise, we appear to be keeping much of our young team in tact, JMU despite their losses appear on a good track. So yes even with defections, I see us back to our normal 13/14 range very soon if not next season.

Now if your question is whether this league will get back to '06-'12 time frame when an at large most seasons was attainable, I would say no. I think the portal and constant movement of players will prevent that. Because any top tier CAA player that is a JR or higher will likely bolt for power 5 conferences, where in those years they were pretty well stuck at their school. That dynamic will stop the league and most mid majors from ever getting back to true consistent success.