So, SDSU became just another pile of road kill that UConn dismantled in an early round in the NCAA Tournament.
That doesn't diminish what the Jackrabbits accomplished this season — particularly another NCAA Tournament win against the Big 12's third-best team Oklahoma State on Saturday — and nor should it change the way Aaron Johnston builds his teams and its seasons toward March.
That is the first takeaway of CBS Sports Network women's basketball analyst Missy Heidrick, who called SDSU's Summit League Tournament games for both Midco Sports and CBSSN.
But, now what?
"Aaron Johnston's phone has been ringing the last few years," from bigger-league programs, Heidrick says. Why is he an attractive candidate? Could he win big in a Power Four league, where he'd have to "play ball" in the transfer portal game? Why might it be a good idea for him to continue to stay put in Brookings?
And, should AJ continue to reign supreme in Brookings and the Summit League, is there anything he needs to change to make the Jacks a more viable competitor in the NCAA Tournament — so they can narrow the gap between SDSU and programs like UConn and get back to the Sweet 16 or even beyond?
Oh, and Oral Roberts coach Kelsi Musik has left for Arkansas while North Dakota's coach resigned (not under pressure to do so). What does that mean for a pair of programs were ascending the Summit League ladder this past year?
A former Kansas State player who still calls games in Big 12 territory yet covers the Summit League, as well, Heidrick is in a unique position to provide well-informed analysis.
But first — John Gaskins says the transfer era may help keep AJ in Brookings. But what about men's basketball coach Eric Henderson?
"Hendo" is listed by the Des Moines Register as a leading candidate to be the next Drake head coach. Why would this be a possibility Jackrabbits fans should be worried about?