They play better defense and can have several starters off and still win games which is why they ve been able to grind out wins that last year couldn't.

Last years team had a much higher ceiling with star power that could compete with anybody if 2 of their big 3 were on and were nearly unbeatable if all 3 were on. If Yoeli got in foul trouble, the team struggled. But, they were capable of a very deep run in the tourney that this years team isn't capable of because of star power. But, they also could have lost in the 1st rd of the tourney if Yoeli were to get in foul trouble or Jake and TJ were off.

This team basically wins all the games they should and loses all the games they should. Last years team lost a couple they had no business losing and won a few over their heads. They probably are a mid seed that depending on matches makes it to rd of 32 maybe sweet 16 as a ceiling