Big Ten Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Indiana
The Hoosiers came into the year No. 1 and will look to redeem themselves in conference after losing to Butler earlier. They have tremendous talent throughout the roster and it starts with Cody Zeller. He is touted as the potential No. 1 draft pick this year and if he can play up to his billing, Indiana will be able to fend off Michigan for the league title.
Sleeper: Minnesota
Even as the No. 8 ranked team in the country, Minnesota has been under the radar on the national scene. Boasting no dominant player on their roster the Golden Gophers have won with balance. Minnesota has five players averaging over eight ppg. with Andre Hollin leading them at 13 per game.
Coach who needs strong conference performance: Bill Carmody
Carmody has been Northwestern’s coach for the since 2000. While Northwestern has some success, they have yet to break through and get into the NCAA tournament. This year, the trend will continue and the Wildcats might look for a change. While Carmody is good coach, a change may be better for both parties.
Three players to watch: Sam Thompson, Keith Appling, & Nik Stauskas
Thompson is an explosive forward for Ohio St. He is highlight play waiting to happen and he has already provided a few this year. Appling is the most important player for the Michigan St. Spartans. The Spartans will go as far as Appling takes them. Stauskas is a freshman guard for Michigan who is shooting over 50 percent from beyond the arc. He is an unconscious shooter from deep and will be the next great shooter for John Beilein.
Pac-12 Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Arizona
The Wildcats have easily been the Pac-12 best team. Mark Lyons, the transfer from Xavier, has come in and become an immediate impact. He leads them in scoring and has provided senior leadership for a team that was desperately seeking some. With their trio of talented freshmen forwards improving game by game, the Wildcats are head and shoulders above the rest of the conference.
Sleeper: UCLA
Bruins came into the season with a lot of hype, and they flatly disappointed with three early season losses. Now UCLA has reeled off seven in a row and Shabazz Muhammad is playing like he was expected as the No. 1 recruit. While Arizona is the clear No. 1 team in the conference, the second spot is up for grabs and Bruins are putting themselves in position to grab it.
Coach who needs a strong conference performance: Ken Bone
Kevin O’Neil would be on this list but since he was relieved of his duties this past Monday, Ken Bone of Washington St occupies this spot. Winning at Washington St. isn’t the easiest job but Tony Bennett proved it could be done and Bone has failed to replicate any of the success that Bennett had. This is his fourth season and he is not off to good start going 0-3 in the Pac-12 to start the season.
3 players to watch: Kyle Anderson, Jahii Carson, & Andre Roberson
Anderson is a versatile freshman at UCLA who’s game resembles someone else who played in LA — Magic Johnson. While he is no where the caliber of player that Magic was, the 6’9 forward can pass, rebound, and score just like Magic did. Carson’s game cannot be summed up in words. Playing for Arizona St. gives him limited attention, but if you watch him for a few minutes you’ll know why he is the Sun Devils best player. Roberson is a workhorse who will finish the game with a double-double and you’ll have no idea how that happened. He’s the main reason why Colorado advanced to the Sweet 16 last year.
SEC Conference Play Preview
Favorite: Florida
Florida has the ability to play like a top-five team at times and then other times it seems like the Gators forget their game on the bus. Kenny Boynton has never seen a shot he did not like and he when he plays like this, the Gators tend to get in trouble. Billy Donovan is one of the top coaches, so there is no doubt he will have team by the grip and have them focused on winning the SEC.
Sleeper: Texas A&M
The surprise team on the gridiron may also be the surprise on the hardwood. The Aggies struggled last year under Bill Kennedy in his first season at Texas A&M but this year they look like a completely different team. Elston Turner is having a terrific senior season and has already dropped 40 on Kentucky this past week. The Aggies playing with confidence and this could carry them through the season.
Coach who needs a strong conference performance: Andy Kennedy
Kennedy has been the coach at Ole Miss for the past six years and has not once gotten them to the tournament. This year he is expected as he has his most talented team in Oxford. So far the Rebels are off to a 3-0 start so he is living and exceeding expectations.
3 Players to watch: Phil Pressey, Patric Young, & Archie Goodwin
Pressey is the dynamic point guard for the Missouri Tigers. His small stature and his blazing speed make him impossible to guard and extremely fun to watch. Young who could also be mistaken for defensive end is built like a Mack Truck. He is the main post player for Florida and when his offensive game is clicking the Gators are impossible to beat. Goodwin is the next freshman guard to be great under John Calipari. He is relentless at getting to the hoop and plays much like former Calipari guard, Tyreke Evans.
Photo Credits: Associated Press
