Louisville has dominated the Big East Tournament in its short time here. What is this, their 4th finals appearance? In 9 years? That's impressive.
Everything is cyclical, but Louisville has consistenly been the best team in the league over the past 7-8 years now.
They have 3 McDonald's guys on their team.
It shouldn't come as a surprise, though. They have a great history and crazy fanbase.
My guess is that they spend the most money by far for basketball: coaches salaries, operating expenses, recruiting expenses.
I think this is finally their year to win it all.
I agree they've been the most consistent, so if by best you also mean most consistent, UL is it. On the other hand, since 2004, UConn has fielded 4 teams which were better than Louisville, and the overall accomplishments are better because of those teams. But then you look at UConn in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, and they get knocked in comparison. It depends on the metric you use. Personally, I'd rather be UConn.
On the other side, that ends 18 years in the BE for ND in which, despite having some good teams, never advanced to a BET final. They are tough during the regular season, but just not built for post-season basketball.
Marquette is the only team to win 10 or more Big East games every season since the merger. That's pretty impressive
Sadly I have to root for Syracuse. Wish Georgetown knocked them off. Can't accept a non original BE team winning the BET this year.