We live in a time in media where something is either the best or it sucks. Only absolutes. Well, many times more than one thing can be true at a time.
An example: the Big 12 is the best conference in basketball. That's my opinion, I think it's a fact. They currently have 10 teams in the top 45 of the NET rankings. About that… Clemson Tigers coach Brad Brownell's comments point out another truth. The Big 12 has effectively manipulated those NET rankings in a way that benefits them significantly.
On WCCP radio, Brownell pointed out how the Big 12's non-conference programming helps ensure higher NET ratings so that once they play games in the conference, everyone benefits because you're only going toe-to-toe with highly ranked teams. .
Regarding that non-conference, Brownell said, “They're playing 300-level teams and winning by 40 and 50 points to increase their offensive and defensive efficiency numbers, which is a big part of the NET tool.” I would say that is not entirely correct: the quality of the opponent is taken into account. Brownell added: “Our league has no teams in the NET top 50 that have a non-conference strength of 250 or more. The Big 12 has six teams.”
I appreciate a coach being willing to name names, which Brownell did. Specifically pointing to the Cincinnati Bearcats and Iowa State Cyclones as examples of non-conference schedules that were, to use his word, horrible. Now, that's an opinion… so I looked. It's hard to argue that it's not a fact.
This is where fans get angry, so Cyclone fans, hear me out. I know you're good because you are. But watch his off-lecture and you'll see exactly what Brownell is talking about. Aside from a big win over in-state rival Iowa, these are mostly 40-point blowouts against hopelessly outmatched teams. It also includes losses to the Texas A&M Aggies and the ACC's own Virginia Tech Hokies. Which, not surprisingly, Brownell mentioned when noting that the ACC is 9-3 against the Big 12 this season.
That includes Clemson's win over the TCU Horned Frogs. Quoting Brownell again: “We played TCU, we beat TCU, TCU is doing well in the Big 12. And I remember preparing for the TCU game and telling my staff, 'Look who they played.' They haven't played anyone. Every game is Abilene Christian and Houston Baptist. We're getting ready to play them and we've already played a very tough schedule. But look at their NET. Their NET ratings go up and then when They beat each other up , they don't have bad losses.”
And that, as I mentioned earlier, is the way you play with this particular data point that the committee uses. You have a cheat code if you can artificially increase your NET ranking outside of conference, you are effectively depositing money that you withdraw in conference play.
If this sounds like a precautionary approach from the Tigers coach, it isn't. Clemson has 23 years in NET and 24 in KenPom; This year they are a tournament team. But he does believe it played a role in keeping Clemson out last year.
As I said at the beginning, more than one thing can be true at a time. As I always say, there are facts and opinions. My opinion is that the Big 12 is the best conference. The non-conference schedule numbers are facts. But you can use the bug in the system to your advantage, which they have.
I would add one more fact to this: the ACC can do the exact same thing next season. Nobody stops you. Schedule accordingly.
