Twenty years ago, Ball State University and Butler University were rivals.
Since then, the programs have gone different ways. Ball State hasn't won a tournament game since 1990. Butler just came within two points of winning the national championship.
And Butler should be commended for their performance. Not only does everyone love to root for the underdog, but this dog is right in Muncie's backyard.
Even though the gap seems wide, Butler is doing things that Ball State can follow. The Cardinals have a solid coach in Billy Taylor, who wants to play the same style of basketball Butler employs.
The Cardinals blew the MAC West title this year. Last year, Ball State made the semifinals of the MAC Tournament. If the first goal is to make the NCAA Tournament, the team isn't that far away.
Since the rivalry days, Butler has pulled ahead and put more time and effort into basketball than Ball State. We tend to focus more on football. And every time Ball State changes head coaches, it creates turmoil, while Butler has maintained consistency in its coaching changes.
We should be happy for Butler for making it to the championship game, let alone almost winning. But don't think Ball State is comparable to where they are right now or that it can happen to us in the next five years. It could have been us in the top two, but not after 20 years of neglect.
It's all about building with a coach who is increasing the team's ability slowly. But, arguably, Ball State can improve and end up where Butler is now.
It's not impossible. Everyone loves a Cinderella story.
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