A Trip Around the Computer Rankings

Hey Andrew, do you know what we’re ranked?– ht UKAthletics

The coaches have spoken. The writers have spoken. And that’s all fine and dandy, but with all the arbitrary polling rules I tend to prefer what the computers have to say. I mean it’s 2014 and two robots just won the Grammy for best album so why can’t a computer tell me who the best basketball team is? Obviously, some computer rankings are more intricate than others but I thought I’d take the time right now to go through all of the major computer ratings to see if they make you feel better.

KenPom: 14th (6th offensively, 52nd defensively)

Sagarin PREDICTOR (based on pure points): 14th

Sagarin PURE_ELO (resume based): 32nd

Basketball Power Index: 5th

Daily RPI: 13th

Massey Composite Rating: 18th

These computer numbers obviously offer a wide spectrum of rankings but the thing that catches my eye most is the 5th place rating from ESPN’s BPI. The BPI claims to be the most accurate predictor of future success amongst all of the other computer rankings and gives the Cats a higher rating than any other rating does. The other thing that probably jumps out at you is the PURE_ELO model that has the Cats ranked 32nd, but if you think about it, the Cats don’t have that great of a resume when their best two wins are at home against Louisville and on the road against Missouri.

Where do you think the Cats rank?

@BWardKSR