right, but I'd counter to that the B1G wasn't as strong that season top to bottom either. That team faced more cup cakes as well and there were some automatics against teams with horrible RPI's that season. I am positive someone with a Ken Pom subscription can verify that. So, while that team may have finished higher, you have to look at the entire field to judge accomplishment. It's skewed in ways that probably tip to this team as well.
But...the Kenpom, Sagarin, etc. ratings take into account SOS and difficulty of opponents. They aren't perfect, but they are very comprehensive, and objective. I think a difference of 10-15 spots across the different rating systems is enough to say the White/Uthoff teams are "better." It still remains to be seen where this current team finishes in the ratings (NOT the polls, those are BS).
I tend to think that this is one of if not the best offensive teams in that era, but that the unbelievably poor defensive play (which is supported by stats) offsets it enough to slide down the list.
I guess to me a team's record isn't enough
if we're strictly comparing two different teams. This team has needed two buzzer beaters against low-tier teams and a third game that barely squeaked by. If those are losses by chance, all of the sudden this season is in the crapper. If the record is enough in someone's mind to consider this team the best one, that's totally fine. I just think it's not based on anything other than gut hunch.
And since I know this will get you screaming mad, I feel the need for a disclaimer:
I don't hate the Hawkeyes
I love it when they win
I don't hate any Hawkeye players
The NW and Rutgers games were the most fun I've had watching a Hawkeye basketball game in years
I don't get happy when they lose and secretly wish for it so I can come to HN and rant
Signed while swearing on my dead mother's honor,
Fryowa.