The NCAA Evaluation Tool, or NET, is a ranking system used in college basketball. It helps to determine which teams should play in the NCAA tournament at the end of the season.
How it Works
The NET looks at a team's performance throughout the season, giving them a score. Teams earn points for winning games, especially against other teams that are considered “good”. More points can also be earned by winning in away games.Various factors are considered by the NET computer program to calculate each team's score. These include:
- Strength of their opponents
- The margin of victory in games
- Location of each game (home, away, or neutral site)
Replacing the RPI
Before the NET, the NCAA used a different ranking system called the RPI (Rating Percentage Index).The RPI was simpler and only looked at a team's winning percentage and their opponents' winning percentage.
The NET is more advanced and provides a more accurate picture of a team's ability. It has been used in men's basketball since 2018 and women's basketball since 2020.
Importance of Tournament Selection
At the end of the regular season, the NCAA selection committee uses the NET rankings to help decide which 68 teams make the NCAA tournament. Teams with a higher NET ranking have a better chance of being selected.Although the NET is not the only factor considered, it is still considered an important tool.
Quadrant System
To further evaluate a team's resume, the NET group games into four "quadrants" based on the opponent's NET ranking and the location of the game.Quadrant 1 games are the toughest and most impressive wins, while Quadrant 4 games are the easiest.
The number of Quadrant 1 wins and Quadrant 3 or 4 losses a team has can greatly impact their chances of making the NCAA tournament and receiving a high seed.