Some final team takeaways:

Surprising zoid teams: UCLA, OSU, Pitt, Maryland.
Tenn playing like what we usually see in Houston.
Kentucky playing like Alabama last year.
Xavier, Rutgers, Creighton ranking low.

Notable non powers: Drake, Dayton, Utah St, Boise, VCU, UC Irvine

How important is it at this point in the season?
Its important but not end all be all.

This is a look at the 23/24 non conference. Teams will move in conference play but a lot of the high seeds that won in March ranked high: UConn, Purdue, Bama, Illinois, Tennessee, Clemson

It also isnt a "out = bad"

Teams that play super slow/fast (Bama last year) have advantages against opposite style teams if they can force those teams out of their comfort zone & into their style.

With right matchups, could make a run, with wrong ones, could get bounced early in March. Volatility.

Reminder on the Trapezoid's theory:

The faster/slower you play, the more elite you have to be to win a national title. The more adaptable you are, the better your chances.

Ex. 2019 UVA played at historically low pace for a champion but at a historically high net rating

A mid major focus:

*San Diego St is right behind Drake
UC Irvine defense is NO JOKE - allowing 58.8 ppg