WCC: Gonzaga – duh? Not exactly going out on a limb picking a team that has won it seven years in a row. They return players like Matt Bouldin, Jeremy Pargo, and Josh Heytvelt. They should win the conference, if they don’t look for St Mary’s.
Colonial: VCU – They are probably the most talented team in this conference as they return Eric Maynor. People probably remember him from last March. Expect Drexel and George Mason to also compete for the championship.
Mountain West: UNLV – Byu may be a bit better, however I am taking the duo of Wink Adams and Curtis Terry. They are a leathel combo who can dominate from anywhere on the court. They have also added some size with some transfers coming in.
WAC: New Mexico State – They return most of their scoring from an NCAA tournament team last year. They lost coach Reggie Theus to the NBA, but with Nevada losing a lot to the NBA and Utah State’s inability to rebound, this team seems experienced and poised to represent the WAC in March again.
Conference USA: Memphis – And it wont be close
Atlantic 10: St. Joesephs – I like them over Xavier this year. They return four of their top 5 scorers, and are well coach by Phil Martelli. Expect them to be playing in the postseason this year after taking a year off.
Missouri Valley: Southern Illinois – This team won 29 games last year and they return three starters. So the talent is there, but even more important then that is their effort will be there with Chris Lowrey strolling on the sidelines. Expect this team to dive on the floor often, as well as win often.
Big 12: Kansas, they return a ton of talent that made the elite 8 last year. Expect them to be playing in late March/early April again this year. Losing in the elite 8 this year would be a huge disappointment for the Jayhawks.
Big Ten: Indiana - This team is loaded with potential NBA players. Freshman Eric Gordon will play from day 1 and will be ready to shoot when teams double team star big man DJ White. Michigan State will probably also be in contention.
SEC: Kentucky – I like them over Tennessee this year. They return some key players, gain a new head coach in Billy Gillispie. a key loss will be Randolph Morris, but if Patrick Patterson can be a presence down low, UK will be tough to beat.
Pac 10: UCLA – They are loaded again with talent all over the court. Freshman sensation Kevin Love will make an immediate impact. The pac 10 is getting loaded with young talent, but UCLA may be the best coached team in the conference. Expect Washington State to have a good year as well.
ACC: North Carolina – This team is stacked. Tyler Hansbrough is a monster and will be a tough task for everyone in the ACC. Look for the Tar Heels to get some competition from their rivals over on Tobacco road.
Big East: Georgetown - It will likely come down to them and Louisville for the Big East crown. Georgetown has experience after a nice final four run last year. They lose Jeff Green to the NBA, however big man Roy Hibbert is back, and should be poised to have a big year.
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