" Graham Hays: Tough call. I could be wrong, but I think their profile is actually a little stronger this season than it was last season when they would have been squarely on the bubble without the auto bid. But I'd say they don't control their own fate. In my mind, the mid-major teams (not counting A-10 or MWC) that can afford to lose in the conference tourney and count on at-large bids is along the lines of: South Dakota State, Middle Tennessee State and maybe Gonzaga. The next tier would be Illinois State, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Bowling Green, Marist and Montana. That second tier would need the cards to fall exactly right everywhere else to garner at-large consideration.
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Tina (Danbury, Connecticut): what about Coach of the year?
Graham Hays: Sue Semrau deserves to get a lot of consideration. That might be where I'm leaning at the moment, although I'd also weigh coaches like Aaron Johnston at South Dakota State, Jeff Walz at Louisville, Harry Perretta at Louisville, and yes, Geno Auriemma. I'm sure I'm missing more than a couple. But that would be a rough list. "
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