10 years ago it was not uncommon for the MWC to be rated up with major conferences. I remember on ESPN.com when it talked about conferences the MWC was listed with the major conferences. I even believe there was one season the MWC got more teams in the tourney then the PAC 10.
Today the MWC and WCC are similar with the WCC being better but MWC used to be a good b-ball conference. Better then the WCC has ever been or will ever be