top 50 Kenpom ranking:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/sec/men/2018.html
https://kenpom.com/index.php?y=2018
Unfortunately, he drew 9-seed Florida State in the first round (a team that was red hot and nearly reached the Final Four).
The record wasn't as good but the schedule was a lot tougher. Again, the 2018 team finished with a top 50 Kenpom ranking (which factors in SoS). Last year's team did not.
Also, our best player last year was a Cuonzo recruit.