Last years team ended the year #8 in KenPom with the #52 offense and the #1 defense.Team last year was #5 on Torvik.
Team this year is #11 and who knows where it is going with a sick Jones and hobbled Gilbert.
Lipsey and his thumb is a ticking timebomb, too.
Both are objectively excellent college basketball teams. I don't think this team sucks.
But if you're splitting fine hairs... I think Big Rob's senior year might be slightly better. It was certainly more consistent and played better defense night in and night out than this team does.
This years team is #9 with the #18 offense and #10 defense.
I think, objectively, they are similar quality teams but the improvement on the offensive end raises the ceiling (given historical trends).
I also don't think last year's team was a disappointment in any way If we end up in a coin flip 2/3 game in the Sweet 16 again, hopefully we pull it out, but those games go either way, it's just what happens and I'm glad we are in that position again