At the turn of every New Year, college basketball conference play begins. This is the heart and soul of every team’s schedule. Non-conference games are important but this is where the separation begins between good teams and great teams. Exceed expectations and there is a chance you can play your way into the NCAA tournament. Stumble along the way and there and your team will be right on the bubble come Selection Sunday. Do you want to go to the NIT or NCAA tournament? This is your team’s 2-month audition to prove they belong.
ACC Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Duke
With wins over Kentucky, Louisville, & Ohio State Duke has proven to be the best team in the country, let alone the ACC. Duke will mostly likely stumble along the way but the ACC regular season championship will run through Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Sleeper: Maryland
Since losing their first game to Kentucky, Maryland has won 12 in a row. None of their wins are overly impressive, however the confidence and familiarity has grown with this young team. Alex Len is the most important player for this team as the 7-footer can control both the offensive and defensive ends for Maryland. If he can remain effective the Terrapins could be in luck in the ACC season.
Coach who needs strong conference performance: Jeff Bzdelik
The Wake Forest has been down right atrocious in his 2 ½ season at Wake Forest. He has a 5-27 record so far in the ACC. Wake Forest has gone from average to irrelevant under his watch. And if they don’t turn it around this year, he has good chance of being unemployed come March.
3 Players to watch: Erick Green, Lorenzo Brown, & James Michael McAdoo
Erick Green has been phenomenal and is averaging 24.4 ppg for the Hokies this year. If he can keep playing at this high level, Virginia Tech has a chance to exceed expectations for this year. Brown has had disappointing so far but he has the potential to be an all-ACC player. If he can play up to his potential the Wolf Pack may be able to reach their pre-season expectations. McAdoo is the focal point for the Tar Heels and they will need him to be consistent as they try to rebound from losses to Butler and Texas. McAdoo will need to continue to be strong in the post if North Carolina wants to be competitive this year.
A-10 Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Temple
Fran Dunphy has been one of the most consistent coaches in any league. Playing a gauntlet of a non-conference schedule has Temple for the ready for the A-10. Khalif Wyatt is as good a player there is in the A-10 and Anthony Lee is an under rated big man. The Owls will look to win the A-10 in their last year before they head off to the Big East.
Sleeper: LaSalle
The Explorers have gotten better and better and this year may be their break through season. They play at a blazing pace and all their guards have the ability to score the basketball. Ramon Galloway is their leader as the senior guard does it all averaging over 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Coach who needs strong conference performance: None
New head coaches are plentiful in this league and the experienced ones have all had strong years. If there is one coach who may need a good year it is Phil Martelli. His job security is high and but he hasn’t produced much magic lately on Hawk Hill. This year was supposed to be his strongest team lately but some early defeats have raised questions concerning the Hawks.
3 Players to Watch: Troy Daniels, Chaz Williams, & Tyrone Garland
Daniels is a sniper for VCU who is shooting over 44% from 3. He has range as soon as he enters the gym and will need to be guarded as soon as he steps on the floor. Williams is an exciting guard who is worth the price of admission with small stature and fancy passing. Listed generously at 5”9, Williams has the ability to control the game and lead the Minutemen to victory. Garland is transfer for LaSalle who just became eligible for the 2nd semester. He provided a 3rd scoring threat that the Explorers needed.
Big East Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Louisville
The Cardinals are deep and talented at every position. Their 6-foot backcourt of Russ Smith and Peyton Siva will wreck havoc with speed and scoring ability. Smith is microwave and can score in a blink of an eye. Gorgui Dieng is an imposing center that makes life miserable for opposing frontcourt players.
Sleeper: Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish have quietly gone under the radar despite being 12-1. Their guard play is outstanding and they shoot the 3 as well as anybody. Jack Cooley is double-double waiting to happen and Jerian Grant is an explosive guard. Mike Brey has never been big on a deep bench and limited depth can pose a problem for the Irish. If a major injury occurs the Irish could be in trouble.
Coach who needs strong conference performance: Mike Rice
The Rutgers head coach has had tumultuous 3 years so far at the helm of the Scarlet Knights. His behavior has been a problem of concern was recently suspended for 3 games and fined by the University. With Rutgers move to the Big Ten, a new head coach may be needed for the fresh start. An NCAA tournament bid may be the only thing that can save Rice’s job.
3 Players to Watch: Sean Kilpatrick, Davante Gardener, & Travon Woodall
Kilpatrick is the leading guard for the Bearcats. He is a pure scorer who must kept on lock down for opposing teams. Davante Gardener is the center for Marquette who clogs up the lane with his presence. He must be consistent as is the Golden Eagle’s only true post option. Woodall is a senior point guard for Pittsburgh. Woodall must be provide leadership as the Panthers look to bounce back from their disappointing season last year.
Big 12 Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Kansas
The Jayhawks are soaring as they are performing at an elite level. All the pieces are in place for a magical season in Lawrence. The senior backcourt of Elijah Johnson and Travis Releford will looked upon to be consistent scorers and leaders as this is their last go around in the Big 12. They certainly want to close out their careers with another trip to the Final 4.
Sleeper: Baylor
The Bears lost 3 players to the NBA last June including 2 underclassmen. However they brought back Pierre Jackson who is an all Big-12 talent. The frontcourt is one of the most talented in the country. While they suffered some early season losses to Northwestern and College of Charleston, the Bears will continue to improve. This is dangerous team that you will not want to face in February.
Coach who needs strong conference performance: Travis Ford
Ford has led Oklahoma St. to the NCAA tournament his first 2 years in charge but hasn’t been back since. The past two years in Stillwater have been disappointing as Ford accumulated a 13-21 record in Big-12 play. This season marks his 5th season at the helm and one in which he will need to show significant improvements. So far the Cowboys are 10-2 with a national ranking of #22. They will need to keep this up if the Ford wants to keep his coaching seat cool.
3 Players to Watch: Myck Kabongo, Le’Bryan Nash, & Rodney McGruder
Kabongo is ineligible for Texas until February 13 for accepting impermissible benefits. He is the Longhorns top talent and if Texas can remain in the middle of the pack of the Big-12, Kabongo’s return could really benefit Texas down the stretch. Nash is 6-7 forward for Oklahoma who can do everything on the court. He has had consistency problems in the past, but he can put it all together, the Cowboys will be that much more dangerous. McGruder is the key player for the Kansas St. Wildcats. While his scoring numbers are down from last year, he has become a more complete player under Bruce Weber. Weber will need him to continue to perform if the Wildcats want to return the NCAA tournament.
