Fansided

March Madness 2016: Overrated/underrated teams

By Connor Muldowney

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Dec 9, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) looks to pass against Incarnate Word Cardinals guard Shawn Johnson (41) in the second half at Haas Pavilion. Cal won 74-62. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) looks to pass against Incarnate Word Cardinals guard Shawn Johnson (41) in the second half at Haas Pavilion. Cal won 74-62. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

1. California Golden Bears (23-10)

Seed: 4

vs. RPI 51-100 teams: 7-1

It felt like a lot of the seeding in this year’s tournament by the committee was based off potential and the California Golden Bears were the perfect example of that.

As a very young team with two potential NBA Lottery picks on the roster — Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown — the Golden Bears were solid against teams with RPIs ranging from 51 to 100, but against RPI top 50 squads, they were just 8-8.

Earning a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament isn’t easy. Usually teams have to be ranked in the top-15 range with a handful of quality wins and no really poor losses, but the young Golden Bears weren’t the most deserving four seed, at all.

In fact, Cal was ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, had a 23-10 record and suffered bad losses to Richmond and Stanford this season, but moved up to the four-seed line even with just one win in the Pac-12 Tournament.

Their non-conference strength of schedule was 91st in the country and they were an awful road team, going 4-7, and just as bad on a neutral court, finishing 1-3. The NCAA Tournament might spell trouble for this overrated No. 4 seed.

Now we move along to the teams that need a little more respect.

Next: Don't doubt Mr. March

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