Don't blame those four teams for doing what many "final four worthy" teams could not- actually win a game on the court.

Unlike college football, basketball does not give any of the "big boys" a free ride based on conference affiliation, reputation, athletic budget, or stadium size. No matter what the name is on your jersey, you can't hide from anyone and you have to prove it, over and over, between the lines.

The notion that "power" leagues should only have to play each other's representatives to win a title is a self-perpetuating fraud.