A Frustration That Builds Every Winter
I understand this is a very specific take. Almost like it has impacted me personally.
It hasn't, but it is a gripe that I have every November and December.
Why These Events Miss the Mark
Four-team, one game events need to announce the teams playing in the event in the offseason and then announce the matchups a week before the game is played.
The Jimmy V Classic Shows the Problem Clearly
The Jimmy V Classic is tonight, but the matchups were announced on June 4 by ESPN Events.
A Premier Matchup That Lost Its Spark
The reigning National Champion Florida Gators are playing UConn, the back-to-back National Champs the previous two years before the Gators won. It looked like a premier matchup.
The Undercard Deserved Better Planning
The prelim to that game is BYU against Clemson. The Cougars with projected top three pick AJ Dybantsa are pitted against projected tournament team Clemson.
Early Season Form Should Matter
Heading into the game Tuesday night, Florida is 5-3 with their best win coming against Miami (FL). They play 8-1 UConn.
The AP poll Monday has UConn and BYU ranked in the top 10, while Florida sits at 18 and Clemson is receiving votes.
When Scheduling Works Against the Product
The Huskies and Cougars played on Nov. 15 in Boston. They wouldn't have scheduled each other if the Jimmy V Classic announced that both teams would be represented in the event and possibly would face each other.
Flexible Matchups Would Create Better Games
This setup allows for intriguing matchups and the flexibility to adapt based on early season results.
Flexible Matchups Would Create Better Games
We all know preseason rankings are different from what actually happens in the season, even more so with the transfer portal.
Predictable Outcomes Do Not Help Anyone
If I had to guess the outcomes of the two Jimmy V Classic games, I think UConn and BYU both win by double digits. You can rearrange the matchups without stoping the rhythm of the season or any of the team's preparation for the events.
Fans Want Closer, More Competitive Showdowns
The fans would be more engaged with closer matchups, which would drive viewership up, event management would be happy to promote high-level, close games and the network carrying the games would be able to advertise the best possible game between the top two teams in the event.
A Simple Fix With Benefits for Everyone
This isn't just for the Jimmy V Classic. This would be for every event that is structured with the same format.
It is a win-win situation for all involved.