If you look at the criteria for both programs I think you’ll find it looks correct. Forget easy vs not easy; think more about market (this is a message board, my original answer is tailored to purpose).
Indiana is serving and attracting accross the state. They have Notre dame, Purdue, Indiana, st, and some smaller satellites.
We have UMN - serving the highest concentration of high level business outside of NY (or it at least, was in the last decade). Thus our market and that specific program is tailored to our local business community demand.
That is likely to get better over time just like Carlson doubled in size, as a school like Madison was becoming more selective. It’s relatively new program here, and is likely being built out.
Additionally, it consistant with Ben and Dave T to have considered Battle’s ultimate intrests. I knew those guys a long time ago; I can attest that they are not small men. They would absolutely not hesitate to tell Battle not to hold himself back for a year of basketball vs something that would serve him for a lifetime.
He likely knows he has limited future in basektball. There will be other work to do. He got two degrees already. If its true we didn’t have his degree from GW, and he’s in the analytics program I wouldn’t put it past them to have encouraged him to see his options, while simultaneously inviting him back. All of this is speculation, but it all also does fit the reality.