That's true but that doesn't mean those conferences weren't better from top to bottom than the SEC in basketball. UC, Memphis, and Georgia Tech were tough teams to play in the Metro. Before that, it was the MVC which is the second oldest conference just behind the B1G conference. Before that was the years of playing independent.
Look, I realize this isn't any form of pride for you,....Your're wrong here, I grew up in Ky and was a big fan of UL & Crum. It's the hatred bred into the last generation of bb fans that appalls me... but I am very proud of the overall growth UofL has managed over the years without all the hand outs and political connections that UofK has enjoyed as the land grant state University. UofL did it on their own without any help from Kentucky politicians. The Cardinals basketball program is the ONLY program to win a national championship at every level of their growth as a program. Period. NOBODY else can say that. NOBODY. NAIA (considered NAIB today), NIT, and NCAA. From Division 2 to Division 1 to elite program status.
It's been growth thru sustained success in spite of the road blocks thrown up in Frankfort on UofK's behalf. In spite of everything UofK tried to do to keep UofL from succeeding, the Cardinals succeeded anyway. UofL could have joined the SEC decades ago but was blocked by UofK. UofL could have played UofK in basketball long before 1983, but was blocked by UofK. UofL could have played UofK in football long before 1994 but UofK wouldn't sign up for it without what they felt was a distinct advantage. No return games in Louisville until UofL built a stadium. The first 4 games in the modern day series were played in Lexington and the Cards still won 2 of those games. UofK has won 8 football games since 1994 as UofL's football program continues to grow and now owns a 14-8 record over UofK in spite of 13 of those games being played in Lexington. 5 in a row and counting.
Yes we are proud of our history. We grew from the bottom up. NOTHING was handed to the Cardinals. We earned it.