Another transitive argument that doesn't work. It's all about match ups. Wisconsin is weak where we are, in the back court/athleticism in the back court. Licks teams had athletes in the back court. Lick's teams had some guards.
Peterson - Bohannon = push on offense. Bohannon shooting - Peterson dribble/drive. Edge Peterson on defense.
Gatens - Isaiah Moss = Edge Gatens all the way around.
Kelly - Baer = Big edge Kelly on offense. Edge kelly on defense too. Much better lateral quickness. nearly as long as Baer. Baer is a slightly better at rebounding.
Our current back court couldn't stay in front of that back court. They would score at will in a wide open game. And they had decent reserves in Anthony Tucker and Jermaine Davis. The equalizer would be the front court. And Cyrus Tate/Jaryd Cole were wide bodies, if short. The minute Fran went to his patented 1 guard - 4 forwards line up, That 2008-09 team would slice and dice.
Now, lets compare the 2008-09 conference to this year's. 08-09 had as many as 7 teams crack the top 25 at some point during the season. Had 7 teams in the NCAA tournament. 2 Sweet 16 teams and MSU made the NCAA title game. Right now, it looks like the 17-18 BIG conference will get between 4 and 6 teams into the NCAA tournament. My guess is 5 teams.