SDSU hadn't even ever won an NCAA tournament game or appeared in the Top 25 prior to 2011.
UNLV didn't win an NCAA Tournament game between 1991 and 2006.
New Mexico hasn't been to a Sweet 16 since the early 1970's.
People remember the 2007-2011 period as though the MWC was always at its peak.
It was really good for a few years though, the general lack of postseason success in the league notwithstanding.