Wichita State joined the American Athletic Conference timed to fit perfectly with the 2017-18 men's basketball theme of power at the top.
In their second season, the Shockers fit just as neatly with the 2018-19 outlook of transition and uncertainty.
Even the top teams feature new looks, as Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin described on Monday's conference call with the 12 coaches. His team's inconsistency frustrates him, yet when he watches last season's video to prepare for a game, he understands where it comes from.
"You realize that the kids we're relying on now were role players or were sitting on the bench," he said.