(09-25-2020 03:23 PM)jedclampett Wrote:  

(09-25-2020 02:54 PM)bill dazzle Wrote:  I consider BYU and Gonzaga high-major programs that are members of a mid-major conference (the WCC).

Of the non-P6 in men's hoops, I consider the American a "major" conference (but definitely not a power league) that is part of the "Major 7." I view the Mountain West and Atlantic 10 as major conferences that are a notch below the AAC and a step above the West Coast Conference.

The American is home to what I feel are seven "high-major" programs but no "blueblood" or "power" programs such as Duke, UK, Syracuse, UConn, Indiana, Kansas, UNC, Villanova, etc.

The Mountain West offers three "high-major" programs: UNLV, San Diego State and New Mexico

The A10 offers high-major program Dayton and lots of very good major programs (like Davidson, Saint Louis, UMass, etc.).

Many disagree with me on this. That's fine.

Cincinnati's credentials are nearly identical to Villanova's, though both are a solid notch below Kansas, Duke, etc. If you consider Villanova a blueblood, which most probably do, it's hard to keep Cincinnati out of that category. Either they both go in, or they're both a notch behind the bluebloods.

They've both had approximately 25 AP Final Top 25 teams and have sent a very similar number of teams to the NCAA tournament. Villanova (3-1) has played in 4 NCAA championship games, but Cincinnati (2-1) is right behind them, having played in 3 NCAA championship games.

On paper, your points are well made, Jed. However, consider this: Villanova has enjoyed the bulk of its success (NCAA wins, sending players to the NBA, NIT wins, etc.) post-1980.

In contrast, Cincinnati has enjoyed most of its similar success prior to 1980.

And as we all know, college basketball became vastly more competitive after roughly 1980, the point at which full racial integration, TV/media coverage, recruiting and countless solid programs emerged.

In other words, Nova has accomplished more (some would argue "considerably" more) during a time when doing so was much more difficult and competitive (than prior to 1980).

And though I'm a UC fan and love the city of Cincinnati, I have to be fair and honest about this. That is why I put Villanova in a grouping above Cincy. I'm very optimistic UC is about to get "very good again and very quickly." And if UC elevates and, say, makes it back to the Final Four in the next five year or so and if Nova dips a bit ... how I view the two programs could change.