At this point in the season -- and perhaps in general -- RPI is based on Strength of Schedule. UCSB has played four PAC-12 teams, the best of them Cal, and has lost all by double digits except @ Arizona State, a 70-68 defeat. As I mentioned on the tournament thread, I know them well from the BWC, and they lost their only dominant player, "Big Al" Williams to graduation. He was two-time national rebounding leader, and a strong rim defender. This UCSB team has 10 freshmen! The two returners who can be trouble are both big guards (6-5 and 6-3). John Green, the 6-5 guard is athletic enough to score 15-20 pts most nights and is a good stand-up shooter. The same is true of Gabe Vincent, who scored about 25 vs Hawaii last year -- those guys are both very streaky shooters, who can stretch the floor to 20 ft. Since I haven't seen them (don't know how they haven't been on PAC-12 Net) this year, I can't really comment on any of the double-digit newcomers. UCSB's always a well coached team. Bob Williams has been the coach since Coleman Crawford was at the JAR. One more thing for those visiting to remember: If the Gaucho Locos head to Vegas for the Holidays, duck when the Gauchos score, because the tradition is to throw tortillas whenever they score a goal! Iona Gaels? They look form the sked like they would be below UCSB in rank -- and I don't think either of these teams could make the top half of the MAC.