New Ways to Analyze NCAA Tournament Resumes
In the exciting week leading up to the championship in men’s college basketball, the focus shifts to assessing teams based on their tournament resumes without the bias of team names. This process involves diving deep into various metrics to compare the teams on an equal playing field.
Breaking Down the Metrics
When evaluating these anonymous resumes, several acronyms and abbreviations play a significant role:
- NET: The NCAA Evaluation Tool is crucial for sorting teams based on their quadrant records. While a team’s own NET ranking matters, the strength of the opponents also plays a significant role.
- RES: Resume or results-based metrics combine the Kevin Pauga Index (KPI) and strength of record (SOR). A lower RES value indicates a stronger resume.
- QUAL: Quality or predictive metrics average out KenPom and BPI rankings. Margin of victory influences this metric, with a lower score indicating a better position. RES is more crucial for determining a team’s eligibility, while QUAL comes into play for seeding.
- SOS/NCSOS: Strength of schedule and nonconference strength of schedule provide additional context. Teams with tougher schedules might receive some leeway, while those with poor nonconference strength could face scrutiny.
Understanding the Quads
The concept of quads categorizes opponents in different tiers based on game locations:
- Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4: Quads divide opponents based on their NET rankings and game locations. Teams earn quality wins in Q1 and face risks with losses in Q4. Q1A represents the elite tier within Quad 1, featuring the top-ranked opponents.
By delving into these metrics and understanding the significance of each component, it becomes easier to objectively compare teams and evaluate their worthiness for a spot in the NCAA tournament.