National title contenders don't go .500 in league play. Sure, Gonzaga could have been .500 or below in 2016 or 2014. But, if you're talking about the past 7 years or so? Not really. They've consistently been a top 10 team. They wouldn't be .500 in any league.
If you look at the recent years where they're getting a 1 or 2 seed (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022), they have a combined record of 28-7 against top 50 teams during the regular season. If you win 80% of your games against top 50 opponents, no conference is going to significantly hold you back.
This yr their league is significantly better than most years right?
They still own 13 quad 4 wins out of 27 games played. Literally every other game is a night off even with an upgraded league. They have 2 games vs quad 2. This is what I'm pointing at to explain why their entire experience is unlike p5 and it's significant to acknowledge.
KU has 2 Q4 games and 7 Q2.
Providence has 5 Q4 games and 10 Q2.
Wisky has 4 Q4 games and 10 Q2.
Auburn has 4 Q4 games and 7Q2.
13 Q4 hot damn Ipartiedwithhopgood might get some dunks while the front line guys blaze a J and chill.
That lack of Q2 competition + high quantity Q4 keeps them from getting pegged by those 6th and 7th place league teams in p5 and helps them avoid slumps nearly every team has to deal with. We have no idea how far the SOS improvement would weigh them down year by year.
This allows so many advantages that a computer isn't going to explain. They can rest guys banged up. Reduce minutes to stay fresh all year. Compile gaudy W/L record to improve a seed line by a level or two. That's gonna help big time that 1st game vs a 16 seed is significantly different than the 14 or 13. Opponents don't find film that exposes their weaknesses.
Without doing a ton of legwork I can imagine their schedule being even easier over the last couple decades.
I like 'em. Not saying they won't win a title. Hope they do would be great story. What they've accomplished is pretty amazing.
