For the competitors, unlike those programs that have established a monopoly on the best players, it takes a good measure of LUCK in order to put together a great season. I would say the Force factors more heavily than most other things. The competing programs, which have solid coaching, must avoid key injuries. This is the first thing. The competitors cannot sustain key injuries. Monopolies will bury them. The competitors have to get some favorable calls along the way. This is not easy while playing against a monopoly. Who will forget the force-fed flurry of bad calls at ISU,, which led to the KU monopoly to retain it's monopoly on Big XII championships? In a world where transfers are the norm, and immaturity flourishes, competitors must be able to build experience. This is not an easy thing to do. Last, but not least, the force must shine well upon the competitor who dares to spar with the monopoly. A crucial three pointer must fall at the right time. The ball must bounce the right way at the right time.
This is not to belittle hard work, good coaching and team work. No team will deserve the name of "competitor" without possessing these things.