SVP’s One Massive Factor: Gaming faculty basketball NET rankings

We dwell in a time in media the place one thing is both the most effective or it sucks. Absolutes solely. Nicely, typically occasions multiple factor might be true without delay.

Living proof: the Massive 12 is the most effective basketball convention. That is my opinion, I consider it to be a reality. They at present have 10 groups within the high 45 within the NET rankings. About that … the feedback from Clemson Tigers coach Brad Brownell level out one other reality. The Massive 12 has successfully manipulated these NET rankings in a means that advantages them considerably.

On WCCP radio, Brownell identified how the out-of-conference scheduling of the Massive 12 helps guarantee increased NET rankings so that when they play in-conference video games, everybody advantages since you’re solely head-to-head with extremely ranked groups.

Concerning that out-of-conference, Brownell mentioned, “They’re taking part in 300-level groups and successful by 40 and 50 factors to extend their offensive and defensive effectivity numbers, which is a giant a part of the NET device.” I’d interject to say that is not fully appropriate — the standard of the opponent is taken under consideration. Brownell added, “Our league has zero groups within the high 50 of the NET which have a nonconference power of schedule 250 or increased. The Massive 12 has six groups.”

I admire a coach being prepared to call names — which Brownell did. Particularly stating the Cincinnati Bearcats and Iowa State Cyclones as examples of out-of-conference schedules that had been — to make use of his phrase — terrible. Now, that’s an opinion … so I seemed. Onerous to argue it isn’t a reality.

This is the place followers get mad — so Cyclone followers, please hearken to me. I do know you are good since you are. However take a look at your out-of-conference and also you see precisely what Brownell is speaking about. Outdoors of a giant win over in-state rival Iowa, it is largely 40-point blowouts versus hopelessly overmatched groups. It additionally consists of losses to the Texas A&M Aggies and the ACC’s personal Virginia Tech Hokies. Which, no shock, Brownell talked about in noting the ACC is 9-3 towards the Massive 12 this season.

That features Clemson’s win over the TCU Horned Frogs. Once more quoting Brownell, “We performed TCU, beat TCU, TCU’s doing effectively within the Massive 12. And I bear in mind getting ready for the TCU recreation and telling my employees, ‘Look who they’ve performed.’ They have not performed anyone. Each recreation is Abilene Christian and Houston Baptist. We’re on the brink of play them and we have already performed a extremely arduous schedule. However take a look at their NET. Their NET rankings rise up after which once they beat one another up, they do not have dangerous losses.”

And that, as I discussed earlier, is the best way you recreation this one explicit information level the committee makes use of. You’ve got a cheat code if you happen to can artificially bump your NET rating out of convention, you are successfully depositing cash you draw down towards in convention play.

If this appears like preemptive bitter grapes from the Tigers coach, it isn’t. Clemson is 23 within the NET and 24 in KenPom — they are a event staff this yr. However he does assume it performed a job in holding Clemson out final yr.

As I mentioned initially, multiple factor might be true without delay. As I at all times say, there are info and opinions. My opinion is that the Massive 12 is the most effective convention. The nonconference schedule numbers are info. However you should use the bug within the system to your benefit, which they’ve.

I would add yet another reality to this: The ACC can do the very same factor subsequent season. No one is stopping you. Schedule accordingly.