First, I didn’t say we’re DESTINED for auto bids EVERY year. I said we PROBABLY get auto bids MOST years. That’s a notable difference.

This is simply based on our performance and consistency over the past decade. If you look at the last ten seasons, and take GU and BYU out, we finish 1st eight times, 2nd once, and 4th once (COVID year).

As long as Bennett is coach it’s reasonable that we’ll be in the running most years. I don’t guarantee anything. The WCC is getting better, but we have been dominant against teams not named Gonzaga or BYU for a long time.

Hypothetically, if BYU stayed instead and SMC and GU left (I know… the horror!!), I’d expect you guys to win a lot of auto bids too.

But fine. I concede I have no idea how we’d do. Probably not terrible though. I’m truly not worried about it. With Bennett we’ll be fine. When he retires who knows? SMC fans are preparing for that reality in the next decade or so. We’re a tiny tiny school with barely any funding punching well above our weight class. I don’t see any realistic path to being a perennial powerhouse (a whole other convo). The WCC is where we belong. No delusions of grandeur.

Regarding your other points:
1. Sure.
2. Not better in the abstract (I don’t claim we’re better people, more virtuous, etc), but objectively we have over a decade of being better at men’s basketball than anyone in the WCC not named Gonzaga. But our opponents are always one good coaching hire from changing that.
3. I didn’t see that particular post, but cool. I’ve enjoyed the increase in appreciation posts lately. I do respect the respectful fans (and they seem to get that if you read this thread) but I like to troll the trolls. If you really think my post was disrespectful rather than an honest assessment by someone who has struggled to like you guys, then I think you misinterpreted the post. I can’t say I love your fanbase in the general. In my opinion (I know, you didn’t ask) it’s the most toxic one I’ve personally interacted with by a lot and I don’t think some of you guys can acknowledge that. Your “fringe” voices do most of the talking. But there are good folks too and I’m hearing more of those voices since making the post. Good on ya, mates.