We can afford that

Offensive talent is "expensive." There is high demand for it, and therefore it is scarce. However, defense and discipline are (relatively) cheap. There will be players available who fit those qualities. That is why teams like Loyola occasionally make it to the big time. They played good D. (Porter's teams always do.) They shot the ball well. Their big man played good fundamental ball. They did not have wall-to-wall five-star players, but they had good players who played good basketball. Little guys can afford that.