Attendance today at Chattanooga was 2,633.
Post Season
Good article in today’s P&C about how the NCAA distributes units to the conferences. Yes, the article is mainly about women’s basketball, but it does have info that confirms the previous discussion on how much a unit is worth for the men’s tournament and how that money is distributed. By the way, kudos to Coach Dawn Staley for all she has done to grow women’s basketball. https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/c ... test_posts
it can be done... St Marys has been in NCAA last 4 years and 6 in last 10 years. Enrollment is 2004 and arena size of 3500(and not very nice) . SD beleives there are many things in common with Dins.
HOw did they do it?
Saint Mary's basketball program has risen to prominence through a combination of strategic coaching, player development, recruiting innovation, and a strong team culture. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors behind their success:
Randy Bennett’s Leadership: The turning point for Saint Mary's came with the arrival of head coach Randy Bennett in 2001. At the time, the Gaels were struggling, coming off a 2-27 season. Bennett, who had experience as an assistant at San Diego and other programs, brought a clear vision and a gritty, disciplined approach. Over his 24-year tenure (as of 2025), he’s become the program’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing 450 victories and earning seven West Coast Conference (WCC) Coach of the Year awards. His consistency has been crucial—Saint Mary’s has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 under Bennett, and has secured multiple WCC regular-season and tournament titles.
Australian Pipeline: One of Bennett’s masterstrokes was tapping into Australian talent, starting with Adam Caporn in 2001. This move was unconventional at the time but paid off as players like Daniel Kickert and Patty Mills followed, elevating the program’s profile. Mills, a standout freshman in 2007-08, later became an NBA star, putting Saint Mary's on the map. Since then, the Gaels have consistently recruited Australians—think Matthew Dellavedova and Jock Landale—who bring skill, toughness, and a unique playing style. This pipeline has given Saint Mary’s a competitive edge and a distinct identity.
Player Development and Continuity: Unlike many programs that rely heavily on one-and-done stars or transfer portal quick fixes, Saint Mary’s emphasizes developing talent over time. Players like Luke Barrett, a walk-on who became a key contributor, exemplify this approach. The Gaels often redshirt players or bring them along slowly, fostering a cohesive unit that peaks later in their careers. This continuity has led to a remarkable record: since 2001, Saint Mary's has had only one losing season and has made 14 straight postseason appearances as of 2022.
Defensive Identity and Grit: Bennett’s teams are known for their “gritty, not pretty” style, prioritizing lock-down defense, rebounding, and physicality. Posts on X and analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated highlight how Saint Mary’s grinds opponents down with elite defense and size. This was evident in their 2024-25 NCAA Tournament win over Vanderbilt (59-56), where they rallied despite foul trouble. Their ability to win close, low-scoring games has become a hallmark of their success.
Overcoming Early Struggles: Saint Mary’s resilience is another factor. Take the 2023-24 season: after a 3-5 start, they went 23-3 in their next 26 games, sweeping the WCC titles. This turnaround, noted by commentators like John Fanta on X, underscores Bennett’s ability to adapt and rally his squad. Historically, the program improved incrementally under Bennett—from 9-20 in 2001-02 to 19-12 by 2003-04—setting the stage for sustained success.
Rivalry with Gonzaga: Playing in the shadow of Gonzaga, a WCC powerhouse, has both challenged and motivated Saint Mary’s. While Gonzaga often grabs the spotlight, Saint Mary’s has carved out its own niche, beating the Bulldogs in key games (e.g., the 2010 and 2012 WCC Tournaments) and occasionally claiming the conference crown. This rivalry has pushed Bennett to build a program that’s consistently competitive, even if it’s less flashy.
Small-School Advantages: With a cozy 3,500-seat arena (University Credit Union Pavilion) and a tight-knit campus in Moraga, California, Saint Mary’s fosters a strong community feel. This environment, paired with small class sizes and personalized coaching, attracts players who thrive in a less high-pressure setting compared to Power 5 schools. It’s a formula that’s earned them recognition as a top non-Power 5 program.
In short, Saint Mary’s basketball success stems from Bennett’s long-term vision, a knack for finding overlooked talent (especially from Australia), a focus on development over transfers, and a tenacious, defense-first mentality. They’ve turned a small Catholic school into a national contender, proving that consistency and culture can compete with bigger names.
HOw did they do it?
Saint Mary's basketball program has risen to prominence through a combination of strategic coaching, player development, recruiting innovation, and a strong team culture. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors behind their success:
Randy Bennett’s Leadership: The turning point for Saint Mary's came with the arrival of head coach Randy Bennett in 2001. At the time, the Gaels were struggling, coming off a 2-27 season. Bennett, who had experience as an assistant at San Diego and other programs, brought a clear vision and a gritty, disciplined approach. Over his 24-year tenure (as of 2025), he’s become the program’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing 450 victories and earning seven West Coast Conference (WCC) Coach of the Year awards. His consistency has been crucial—Saint Mary’s has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 under Bennett, and has secured multiple WCC regular-season and tournament titles.
Australian Pipeline: One of Bennett’s masterstrokes was tapping into Australian talent, starting with Adam Caporn in 2001. This move was unconventional at the time but paid off as players like Daniel Kickert and Patty Mills followed, elevating the program’s profile. Mills, a standout freshman in 2007-08, later became an NBA star, putting Saint Mary's on the map. Since then, the Gaels have consistently recruited Australians—think Matthew Dellavedova and Jock Landale—who bring skill, toughness, and a unique playing style. This pipeline has given Saint Mary’s a competitive edge and a distinct identity.
Player Development and Continuity: Unlike many programs that rely heavily on one-and-done stars or transfer portal quick fixes, Saint Mary’s emphasizes developing talent over time. Players like Luke Barrett, a walk-on who became a key contributor, exemplify this approach. The Gaels often redshirt players or bring them along slowly, fostering a cohesive unit that peaks later in their careers. This continuity has led to a remarkable record: since 2001, Saint Mary's has had only one losing season and has made 14 straight postseason appearances as of 2022.
Defensive Identity and Grit: Bennett’s teams are known for their “gritty, not pretty” style, prioritizing lock-down defense, rebounding, and physicality. Posts on X and analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated highlight how Saint Mary’s grinds opponents down with elite defense and size. This was evident in their 2024-25 NCAA Tournament win over Vanderbilt (59-56), where they rallied despite foul trouble. Their ability to win close, low-scoring games has become a hallmark of their success.
Overcoming Early Struggles: Saint Mary’s resilience is another factor. Take the 2023-24 season: after a 3-5 start, they went 23-3 in their next 26 games, sweeping the WCC titles. This turnaround, noted by commentators like John Fanta on X, underscores Bennett’s ability to adapt and rally his squad. Historically, the program improved incrementally under Bennett—from 9-20 in 2001-02 to 19-12 by 2003-04—setting the stage for sustained success.
Rivalry with Gonzaga: Playing in the shadow of Gonzaga, a WCC powerhouse, has both challenged and motivated Saint Mary’s. While Gonzaga often grabs the spotlight, Saint Mary’s has carved out its own niche, beating the Bulldogs in key games (e.g., the 2010 and 2012 WCC Tournaments) and occasionally claiming the conference crown. This rivalry has pushed Bennett to build a program that’s consistently competitive, even if it’s less flashy.
Small-School Advantages: With a cozy 3,500-seat arena (University Credit Union Pavilion) and a tight-knit campus in Moraga, California, Saint Mary’s fosters a strong community feel. This environment, paired with small class sizes and personalized coaching, attracts players who thrive in a less high-pressure setting compared to Power 5 schools. It’s a formula that’s earned them recognition as a top non-Power 5 program.
In short, Saint Mary’s basketball success stems from Bennett’s long-term vision, a knack for finding overlooked talent (especially from Australia), a focus on development over transfers, and a tenacious, defense-first mentality. They’ve turned a small Catholic school into a national contender, proving that consistency and culture can compete with bigger names.
BTW, I've been to Illinois State. 20k+ student public school. They are in Normal/Bloomingdale IL where State Farm Insurance is headquartered and get a lot of State Farm money. and their 10,200 seat arena has a naming rights with CEFCU which is a big Illinois Credit Union. It is every bit of a high major D1 looking facility. Football facility is nice too and they have a great two story box area on top of the home side.
They do not have to spend on football.Sad Din wrote: ↑Sun Mar 23, 2025 6:50 pmit can be done... St Marys has been in NCAA last 4 years and 6 in last 10 years. Enrollment is 2004 and arena size of 3500(and not very nice) . SD beleives there are many things in common with Dins.
HOw did they do it?
Saint Mary's basketball program has risen to prominence through a combination of strategic coaching, player development, recruiting innovation, and a strong team culture. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors behind their success:
Randy Bennett’s Leadership: The turning point for Saint Mary's came with the arrival of head coach Randy Bennett in 2001. At the time, the Gaels were struggling, coming off a 2-27 season. Bennett, who had experience as an assistant at San Diego and other programs, brought a clear vision and a gritty, disciplined approach. Over his 24-year tenure (as of 2025), he’s become the program’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing 450 victories and earning seven West Coast Conference (WCC) Coach of the Year awards. His consistency has been crucial—Saint Mary’s has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 under Bennett, and has secured multiple WCC regular-season and tournament titles.
Australian Pipeline: One of Bennett’s masterstrokes was tapping into Australian talent, starting with Adam Caporn in 2001. This move was unconventional at the time but paid off as players like Daniel Kickert and Patty Mills followed, elevating the program’s profile. Mills, a standout freshman in 2007-08, later became an NBA star, putting Saint Mary's on the map. Since then, the Gaels have consistently recruited Australians—think Matthew Dellavedova and Jock Landale—who bring skill, toughness, and a unique playing style. This pipeline has given Saint Mary’s a competitive edge and a distinct identity.
Player Development and Continuity: Unlike many programs that rely heavily on one-and-done stars or transfer portal quick fixes, Saint Mary’s emphasizes developing talent over time. Players like Luke Barrett, a walk-on who became a key contributor, exemplify this approach. The Gaels often redshirt players or bring them along slowly, fostering a cohesive unit that peaks later in their careers. This continuity has led to a remarkable record: since 2001, Saint Mary's has had only one losing season and has made 14 straight postseason appearances as of 2022.
Defensive Identity and Grit: Bennett’s teams are known for their “gritty, not pretty” style, prioritizing lock-down defense, rebounding, and physicality. Posts on X and analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated highlight how Saint Mary’s grinds opponents down with elite defense and size. This was evident in their 2024-25 NCAA Tournament win over Vanderbilt (59-56), where they rallied despite foul trouble. Their ability to win close, low-scoring games has become a hallmark of their success.
Overcoming Early Struggles: Saint Mary’s resilience is another factor. Take the 2023-24 season: after a 3-5 start, they went 23-3 in their next 26 games, sweeping the WCC titles. This turnaround, noted by commentators like John Fanta on X, underscores Bennett’s ability to adapt and rally his squad. Historically, the program improved incrementally under Bennett—from 9-20 in 2001-02 to 19-12 by 2003-04—setting the stage for sustained success.
Rivalry with Gonzaga: Playing in the shadow of Gonzaga, a WCC powerhouse, has both challenged and motivated Saint Mary’s. While Gonzaga often grabs the spotlight, Saint Mary’s has carved out its own niche, beating the Bulldogs in key games (e.g., the 2010 and 2012 WCC Tournaments) and occasionally claiming the conference crown. This rivalry has pushed Bennett to build a program that’s consistently competitive, even if it’s less flashy.
Small-School Advantages: With a cozy 3,500-seat arena (University Credit Union Pavilion) and a tight-knit campus in Moraga, California, Saint Mary’s fosters a strong community feel. This environment, paired with small class sizes and personalized coaching, attracts players who thrive in a less high-pressure setting compared to Power 5 schools. It’s a formula that’s earned them recognition as a top non-Power 5 program.
In short, Saint Mary’s basketball success stems from Bennett’s long-term vision, a knack for finding overlooked talent (especially from Australia), a focus on development over transfers, and a tenacious, defense-first mentality. They’ve turned a small Catholic school into a national contender, proving that consistency and culture can compete with bigger names.
They do not have football.
They do have baseball.
Plenty of schools out there do not play FB - and still don't make the NCAA BB Tournament. Football is not the culprit.
"Women, Wind, and Fortune change quickly."
FUBeAR likes to be data-driven...Here are the Ball-less 101...good name for a school's Marching Band...well, maybe for Spelman College...Davemeister wrote: ↑Mon Mar 24, 2025 11:45 amPlenty of schools out there do not play FB - and still don't make the NCAA BB Tournament. Football is not the culprit.
22 of them have NEVER made the NCAA Tournament.
An average of ~11 per year have made the tournament since 2000. That means an average of ~90 of them have NOT made the tourney since 2000.
...and some additional data at the bottom reflecting these non-football teams historical (all-time and since 2000) participation/success in the NCAA Tournament and their chances of participation in & success(es) in the NCAA Tournament as 1 of 101 non-football playing team.
School Conference # S16 E8 F4 CG CH
Bellarmine ASUN 0 0 0 0 0 0
California Baptist WAC 0 0 0 0 0 0
Chicago State Northeast 0 0 0 0 0 0
Denver Pioneers Summit 0 0 0 0 0 0
High Point Big South 0 0 0 0 0 0
IU Indy Horizon 0 0 0 0 0 0
Kansas City Summit 0 0 0 0 0 0
Le Moyne Northeast 0 0 0 0 0 0
Maryland Eastern Shore MEAC 0 0 0 0 0 0
NJIT America East 0 0 0 0 0 0
Omaha Summit 0 0 0 0 0 0
Purdue Fort Wayne Horizon 0 0 0 0 0 0
Queens (NC) ASUN 0 0 0 0 0 0
Quinnipiac MAAC 0 0 0 0 0 0
SIU Edwardsville Ohio Valley 0 0 0 0 0 0
South Carolina Upstate Big South 0 0 0 0 0 0
Southern Indiana Ohio Valley 0 0 0 0 0 0
UC Riverside Big West 0 0 0 0 0 0
UC San Diego Big West 0 0 0 0 0 0
UMass Lowell America East 0 0 0 0 0 0
Utah Valley WAC 0 0 0 0 0 0
UTRGV Southland 0 0 0 0 0 0
Binghamton America East 1 0 0 0 0 0
Cal State Bakersfield Big West 1 0 0 0 0 0
Lipscomb ASUN 1 0 0 0 0 0
North Florida ASUN 1 0 0 0 0 0
UT Arlington WAC 1 0 0 0 0 0
Cal State Northridge Big West 2 0 0 0 0 0
Longwood Big South 2 0 0 0 0 0
Loyola (MD) Patriot 2 0 0 0 0 0
Portland West Coast 2 0 0 0 0 0
UC Irvine Big West 2 0 0 0 0 0
UMBC America East 2 0 0 0 0 0
American Patriot 3 0 0 0 0 0
Cleveland State Horizon 3 1 0 0 0 0
Fairfield MAAC 3 0 0 0 0 0
Florida Gulf Coast ASUN 3 1 0 0 0 0
Grand Canyon WAC 3 0 0 0 0 0
Niagara MAAC 3 1 0 0 0 0
Northern Kentucky Horizon 3 0 0 0 0 0
Radford Big South 3 0 0 0 0 0
Rider MAAC 3 0 0 0 0 0
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Southland 3 0 0 0 0 0
UIC Missouri Valley 3 0 0 0 0 0
Cal State Fullerton Big West 4 1 1 0 0 0
Canisius MAAC 4 3 2 0 0 0
Coppin State MEAC 4 0 0 0 0 0
Hofstra CAA 4 0 0 0 0 0
Loyola Marymount West Coast 4 2 1 0 0 0
Milwaukee Horizon 4 1 0 0 0 0
Oakland Horizon 4 0 0 0 0 0
UNC Greensboro SoCon 4 0 0 0 0 0
Wright State Horizon 4 0 0 0 0 0
Drexel CAA 5 0 0 0 0 0
Evansville Missouri Valley 5 0 0 0 0 0
Green Bay Horizon 5 0 0 0 0 0
Jacksonville ASUN 5 1 1 1 1 0
Little Rock Ohio Valley 5 0 0 0 0 0
New Orleans Southland 5 0 0 0 0 0
Saint Peter's MAAC 5 1 1 0 0 0
UNC Asheville Big South 5 0 0 0 0 0
Detroit Mercy Horizon 6 1 0 0 0 0
George Mason Atlantic 10 6 1 1 1 0 0
Mount St. Mary's MAAC 6 0 0 0 0 0
Siena MAAC 6 0 0 0 0 0
UNC Wilmington CAA 6 0 0 0 0 0
Boston University Patriot 7 1 1 0 0 0
Charleston CAA 7 0 0 0 0 0
Fairleigh Dickinson Northeast 7 0 0 0 0 0
Long Beach State Big West 7 1 0 0 0 0
Oral Roberts Summit 7 2 1 0 0 0
UC Santa Barbara Big West 7 0 0 0 0 0
Belmont Missouri Valley 8 0 0 0 0 0
Loyola Chicago Atlantic 10 8 5 2 2 1 1
Manhattan MAAC 8 1 0 0 0 0
St. Bonaventure Atlantic 10 8 3 1 1 0 0
Bradley Missouri Valley 9 4 3 2 2 0
Northeastern CAA 9 0 0 0 0 0
Pacific West Coast 9 3 1 0 0 0
Saint Louis Atlantic 10 10 2 1 0 0 0
Vermont America East 10 0 0 0 0 0
George Washington Atlantic 10 11 1 0 0 0 0
Santa Clara West Coast 11 7 5 1 0 0
Seattle WAC 11 5 1 1 1 0
Winthrop Big South 11 0 0 0 0 0
La Salle Atlantic 10 12 3 2 2 2 1
Pepperdine West Coast 13 3 1 0 0 0
Saint Mary's West Coast 13 2 1 0 0 0
Seton Hall Big East 14 4 2 1 1 0
Iona MAAC 15 0 0 0 0 0
Wichita State American 16 6 4 2 0 0
San Francisco West Coast 17 12 7 3 2 2
DePaul Big East 18 9 3 2 0 0
VCU Atlantic 10 19 1 1 1 0 0
Saint Joseph's Atlantic 10 20 9 3 0 0 0
Providence Big East 22 6 4 2 0 0
Creighton Big East 25 7 1 0 0 0
Gonzaga West Coast 26 14 5 2 2 0
St. John's Big East 29 9 6 2 1 0
Xavier Big East 29 9 3 0 0 0
Marquette Big East 36 17 7 3 2 1
All-Time 645 160 73 29 15 5
? 11.76% 10.74% 8.53% 8.82% 5.88%
Since 2000 271 44 20 7 2 0
17.07% 11.46% 10.42% 7.29% 4.17% 0.00%
Chances among 101 Teams 11.18% 1.82% 0.83% 0.29% 0.08% 0.00%
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,
For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother
For he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother
"Football is not the culprit."
Whether that changes in the future is an open question. Prior to the last few years, cost per athlete was largely a predictable, fixed amount. Once schools are allowed to buy players, that dynamic changes (think free agent pros).
So whether a school is funding 63 or 105 kids to play football, any bidding war that maximizes the talent there competes with the extra dollars needed to maximize the quality of the 15 needed to keep you competitive in basketball. For those schools with mediocre histories on the gridiron, it's hard for me to see how they avoid the pressure to deemphasize football and focus their funding on basketball, where financially attracting just a handful of players can make all the difference in the world.
Whether that changes in the future is an open question. Prior to the last few years, cost per athlete was largely a predictable, fixed amount. Once schools are allowed to buy players, that dynamic changes (think free agent pros).
So whether a school is funding 63 or 105 kids to play football, any bidding war that maximizes the talent there competes with the extra dollars needed to maximize the quality of the 15 needed to keep you competitive in basketball. For those schools with mediocre histories on the gridiron, it's hard for me to see how they avoid the pressure to deemphasize football and focus their funding on basketball, where financially attracting just a handful of players can make all the difference in the world.