Taking chances

Phil Beckner nails it: "When there is a culture & standard set for your program, it is easier to scratch guys off the list versus finding guys to put on!"

At the WAC level and with similar conferences, many more chances are taken simply because of the numbers each conference  team can actually access. It's a possible payoff versus possible damage dilemma.

The Dukes and North Carolinas simply don't face such a challenge.

But win some games and titles, establish a certain rep and the talent pool opens up, not dramatically but well enough.