Which tool does the NCAA use to evaluate the overall strength of a basketball program?

The NCAA Evaluation Tool, commonly referred to as NET, is a comprehensive system utilized by the NCAA to assess and rank basketball programs. It takes into account various factors such as game results, the quality of opponents, and the location of games. The purpose of NET is to create an objective measure of a team's performance in relation to others, which is instrumental in determining seeding for the NCAA tournament.

NET was introduced as a replacement for the previous Rating Percentage Index (RPI) and incorporates advanced metrics that allow for a more nuanced evaluation of team performance. The formula for calculating NET includes both offensive and defensive components, which helps show a more complete picture of how teams perform throughout the season. Using this tool, the NCAA aims to ensure that the evaluation of teams is fair, transparent, and reflective of their actual performance on the court.

Other options, while they may sound plausible, are not recognized NCAA tools for evaluating the strength of basketball programs. They may refer to various metrics or analytical approaches, but none have the official endorsement and extensive database that NET provides.