During ESPN.com's 2002-03 Season Preview, the results of a national survey of Division I coaches and players (more than 170 responses) will be unveiled. The graphs below are broken down into three categories: Players, Coaches and Overall results. The comments were made with the assurance no names would be used, allowing those who must deal with the toughest elements this season to express their true feelings entering the 2002-03 season.

Toughest Mid-Major Program? (Not named "Gonzaga")

Overall Survey    Kent State (18%)    Creighton (16%)    Butler (15%)    Tulsa (10%)    Western Kentucky (8%)    Pepperdine (6%)    Ball State (4%)

Why?

"Made a lot of noise in the tournament, and should do so again ... and again." ----------------------------------- "Look for Kent to turn last year's surprising Eliete Eight finish into a Gonzaga-like run." ----------------------------------- "Can't ignore last year's tourney run. Latest example of its solid program." ----------------------------------- "2002 Tournament performance says it all."

"Have shown consistency over time, regardless of their schedule." ----------------------------------- "They seem to make it to postseason play every year ... and do something in The Dance." ----------------------------------- "Just a consistent program that's always solid."

"Great coaching and a good recruiting, plus a nice area and great fan support." ----------------------------------- "A high-level team who can knock off any major at any time." ----------------------------------- "Why? Because I can't say 'Gonzaga.' ... They are the next 'Gonzaga.'" ----------------------------------- "They've been making a lot of noise almost as long as the Zags -- under three different head coaches."

Toughest Mid-Major Program? (Not named "Gonzaga")

Coaches Survey    Creighton (17%)    Tulsa (14%)    Kent State (14%)    Butler (12%)    Western Kentucky (9%)

Why?

"Not only successful, but has also produced great coaches and players over the years." ------------ "A great coach, who always recruits good talent." ----------------------------------- "They just get it done during both the regular season and the postseason."

"Numbers tell the story: 30-6 last year, 17-1 in conference play and in the postseason the past four years."" ----------------------------------- "No matter who the coach is, they seem to keep winning and they always pull the upsets in the NCAA Tournament.

"Right now, they are the best in a league that always produces dangerous teams in the NCAA Tournament." ----------------------------------- "Going to the Elite Eight last season let everyone know how good the program is, but it's been a solid team for awhile."

Toughest Mid-Major Program? (Not named "Gonzaga")

Players Survey    Butler (22%)    Kent State (20%)    Creighton (16%)    Western Kentucky (8%)    Pepperdine (8%)    Tulsa (7%)

Why?

"The record last year should prove they are the next-best-thing among mid-majors." ----------------------------------- "Always in contention for a postseason bid." ----------------------------------- "Robbed in 2002 of a NCAA bid, they've got something to prove in 2003."

"Showed last year that a smaller schools can make it deep into the tournament with heart and defensive minds." ----------------------------------- "Has built up a successful program over the years. The next 'Zags for sure." ----------------------------------- "Reached Elite Eight last year ... which was further than the Zags."

"The Blujays continue to make their place in the dance not look like a fluke." ----------------------------------- "Great win over Florida in tourney, and they have everyone returning."