you already knew who would be coming back the next season (those who didn't graduate), and you knew who would be joining the team (signed HS players or mission returnees)? Life was simpler back then, and many agree much more enjoyable. No NIL. No transfer portal. Back then a large percentage of players on the team had some kind of connection to BYU (family had gone there, LDS, live in Utah or surrounding states, etc.). Back then you could generally expect most players to stay at BYU for 4 years (or 5 if they redshirted). There was continuity in the program, and as long as BYU got some of the better LDS kids, they were typically pretty good, occasionally ending up in the rankings, and occasionally getting an NCAA Tourney invite. The downside was that the best LDS kids almost always went elsewhere (Duke, Kentucky, etc.) to play for blueblood programs with a track record of getting players drafted. It was only when a generational player like Ainge or Jimmer came to BYU that they exceeded a 1st-round NCAA exit or an occasional ranking in the high 20s. The exciting part of the new world is that BYU may actually be able to compete with the blue bloods. It is yet to be seen, but the chances seem to be greater than in the past. But the reality is that college basketball has changed completely. There is much less loyalty to a particular school by a player, much less continuity in most programs, and declining interest by fans because of the constant turnover, and unfettered or unregulated NIL and transfer portal. Most observers describe the current state of college basketball as an unsustainable free-for-all. It will be interesting to see what the future brings.