re: Would you consider Cal to be the Miles of NCAA Basketball?

Yes. They are the exact same.

Both coach in the same sport and face the same regular season and post season obstacles.

Both consistently get the #1 recruiting class in their respective sport.

Both consistently play in one of the weaker conferences in their respective sport.

Both go against five, maybe six other of the best coaches in their sport annually, several of which are in their same conference/division. Both of which must go undefeated or just lose one game against said coaches in order to make the post season. Both could end up winning out against said coaches, only to watch one rival coach get a mulligan when needed.(No sarcasm on this particular statement)

Both can lose multiple regular season games and still make the "playoff" format in their respective sports.

Both garner favorable officiating from their respective leagues in order to help win games.

Both have left sanctions in their paths from their former schools.

Yup. They are exactly alike.