How/When does TSSAA determine Division 1 state tournament brackets?

[knightsfan]

How and when does TSSAA set up the Division 1 boys basketball brackets for the state tournament? I have heard that the state tournament brackets are a random draw, but I have also heard it was a predetermined bracket. Which one is it? If its a random draw then how come everyone knew the brackets before they even played their sectional games? Just would like clarification on this. Thanks!

[dirtydawg15]

It has been a blind draw in the past. This year and I believe recently the matchups have been determined after conclusion of the region tournament once sectional games had been determined. They make sure to put common region opponents on opposite sides of the bracket.

I'm old school and a fan of the blind draw. I would also be ok with someone seeding the state tournament but understand the the reality that there is no such thing as an unbiased 3rd party.

[knightsfan]

So does this mean the matchups stay the same every year if two teams do the exact same next year or would it be different matchups the following year?

[Swipes]

42 minutes ago, knightsfan said:

So does this mean the matchups stay the same every year if two teams do the exact same next year or would it be different matchups the following year?

No it means every year they do a blind draw and has nothing to do with the previous years blind draw.  They went ahead and did the blind draw before the substate games this year so after all the substate games you already knew who you were going to face at the Glass House.  In years pass they did the blind draw after all the substate games had been played.

[WestTNHoopsFan]

If they are going to continue to do a blind draw it needs to happen prior to the region tournament. that way everyone sees it is not hand picked. 

[UCSportsFan]

24 minutes ago, WestTNHoopsFan said:

If they are going to continue to do a blind draw it needs to happen prior to the region tournament. that way everyone sees it is not hand picked. 

What are you talking about?  What does it matter?  It’s a blind draw the only thing I would like to see is for them to televise it on YouTube or something that way all the teams, players and coaches involved and especially fans could watch it. I think that would be awesome.  But as far as backing it up to the region tournament when you have no idea who’s going to win makes no sense at all. 

[knightsfan]

1 hour ago, WestTNHoopsFan said:

If they are going to continue to do a blind draw it needs to happen prior to the region tournament. that way everyone sees it is not hand picked. 

I see what you mean, but I wouldn't do this because then region final results may change based on trying to avoid certain teams in state (this is assuming teams believe they are good enough to beat either possible substate opponent on the road). I think UCSportsfan's idea about broadcasting it and more public would be the better way to solve that. 

Edited March 7 by knightsfan

[knightsfan]

1 hour ago, Swipes said:

No it means every year they do a blind draw and has nothing to do with the previous years blind draw.  They went ahead and did the blind draw before the substate games this year so after all the substate games you already knew who you were going to face at the Glass House.  In years pass they did the blind draw after all the substate games had been played.

Thank you! So they did it after the region tournaments but before the substate games? I like that better so you know who you will play immediately. I just wish it had been better communicated they were doing that this year. I am glad they are still doing a blind draw.

[Swipes]

6 minutes ago, knightsfan said:

Thank you! So they did it after the region tournaments but before the substate games? I like that better so you know who you will play immediately. I just wish it had been better communicated they were doing that this year. I am glad they are still doing a blind draw.

Yes after the Region but before the substate this year.  Trust me I think everyone agrees the TSSAA should have communicated that better and it not just show up when they released the brackets before the substate games.

[dirtydawg15]

Doing it early does limit the draw. For example, in 4A Maryville could technically play Morristown East in the 1st or 2nd round because they are not in the same region. They were automatically placed on opposite sides due to Maryville playing Mo West who is in Mo East's district/region and Mo East playing Bearden who is in Maryville's district/region.

[WestTNHoopsFan]

3 hours ago, UCSportsFan said:

What are you talking about?  What does it matter?  It’s a blind draw the only thing I would like to see is for them to televise it on YouTube or something that way all the teams, players and coaches involved and especially fans could watch it. I think that would be awesome.  But as far as backing it up to the region tournament when you have no idea who’s going to win makes no sense at all. 

Televising it would work better. I'm talking about some process that can be more transparent and prevents people from feeling as if the brackets were not actually set up via a "blind draw".  so televise it. 

[CaptainGuru]

The TSSAA does not do much right anymore including these brackets. Bradley Female Bears and Cleveland Female Raiders are on opposite sides though so that is one good thing. At the end of the day the TSSAA does not care what anyone else thinks. I guarantee it. Does anyone want to bet me? I am Captain Guru and I approve this message.