1. Arizona

The Wildcats made it to the Big 12 Tournament Championship Game and advanced to the program’s 21st Sweet 16.

The seven-point loss to Duke is the closest anyone has played the Blue Devils so far in the NCAA Tournament. The Cats were inconsistent all year but stepped up in March.

The win over Oregon in the Round of 32 was historic and the 28-point drubbing of Akron in the First Round put to bed any doubts about the team.

2. BYU

For the last six weeks of the season, BYU appeared to be the top team in the West.

But the 20-point loss to Houston in the Big 12 Tournament Semifinals and the 25-point loss to Alabama in the Sweet 16 changed the perception.

The margins of defeat were shocking and exposed the Cougars’ defensive flaws.

Nonetheless, the win over Wisconsin in the Round of 32 was highly respectable and the program is overflowing with momentum heading into next season.

3. UCLA

Mick Cronin salvaged UCLA’s season after a disastrous stretch to start Big Ten play.

The loss in the Second Round was roughly in line with expectations considering the circumstances.

The Bruins were under-seeded by the Committee and might have made the Sweet 16 with a different draw.

But the blowout victory over Utah State in the First Round was respectable and the program went undefeated against Arizona, Gonzaga, Oregon, USC, Washington, Michigan State, and Indiana.

4. Oregon

With their second-straight trip to the Round of 32, Dana Altman has the Ducks back on track.

Oregon dominated their nonconference schedule with respectable wins over Alabama, Texas A&M, and San Diego State.

The blowout victory over Liberty in the First Round was a statement win, too. But the defeat to Arizona was disappointing after jumping out to an early lead.

Still, UO basketball appears to be trending up after several years of treading water.

5. Gonzaga

The Zags’ nine-year streak of making the Sweet 16 was snapped at the hands of Houston. But despite the loss, Gonzaga regained respect.

The four defeats in WCC play were historically bad and resulted in the Committee making GU an eight-seed.

Yet, Mark Few’s team crushed Georgia and only lost by five to Houston. That implies the program would have made the Sweet 16 if it had a better draw.

Combined with winning the WCC Tournament, Gonzaga showed why it should still be respected.

6. New Mexico

The Lobos won a game in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012.

The nine-point victory over Marquette was respectable and gained some respect for the Mountain West.

For what it’s worth, the eight-point loss to Michigan State in the Second Round was marred by a questionable foul discrepancy in favor of the Spartans. Still, there’s no denying that New Mexico exceeded expectations.

The roster was strong and the nonconference wins over UCLA and USC remain noteworthy.

7. Saint Mary’s

It’s not just that Saint Mary’s failed to make the Sweet 16 and lost in the Second Round again. It’s the way they looked so outmatched by Alabama.

Granted, the Tide did make the Elite 8 and were one of the top teams in the country. But it was painfully clear that the Gaels were not anywhere near the same caliber.

Combined with the questionable three-point win over Vanderbilt in the First Round, the same questions surrounding the program come right back to the surface.

Moving forward, it’s probably going to take a different approach for Saint Mary’s to finally break through to the next level.

8. Colorado State

Make no mistake, Maryland’s Derik Queen traveled, robbing Colorado State of an appearance in the Sweet 16.

Still, ending the year as one of the hottest teams in the country, CSU exceeded all expectations.

In that context, the Rams had a historic year that should make the fanbase proud. The team went on a magical run that won’t be forgotten.

Yet, for better or worse, the end of that game in the Second Round will forever live in Colorado State lore.

9. UC San Diego

The Tritons showed they belonged in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan made the Sweet 16 and UC San Diego took them down to the wire.

The three-point loss helped change the perceptions of the Big West.

Programs are never built in a single season and a league’s reputation takes years to develop.

But based on their showing in the First Round and UC Irvine making the championship of the NIT, the prospects of a two-bid Big West have increased for 2026.

10. Boise State

The Broncos should have received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Boise State had a strong enough resume but the Committee decided to give the SEC 13 at-large bids instead.

The margin of defeat to Colorado State in the Mountain West Championship Game was a contributing factor. But BSU would have been a better option over both Utah State and San Diego State.

Winning the Crown would send a message to anyone still paying attention.