Tomorrow marks the eagerly anticipated return of College Basketball. A myriad of talent spans the nation, with promising young freshmen stepping into the spotlight and seasoned upperclassmen making their comeback, all aiming to secure a title. In this piece, I'll delve into my selections for the champions of each conference in the upcoming season.
Big 12
The Big 12 has slowly become the premiere conference in college basketball, overtaking the ACC in recent years. Many teams in this conference are contenders, but I believe that Texas will finish 1st. Yes, Kansas is really good, and the preseason number 1 team, but there is something special about this Longhorns squad. Oral Roberts transfer Max Abmas will be leading the team, and it will be exciting to see him perform on the big stage all year. The key factor for this team is resting on the growth and emergence of Dylan Disu and Dillon Mitchell. These two players will shoulder significant responsibilities in the frontcourt. Disu is expected to continue his impressive performance from March, particularly showcasing his efficiency in the paint. Meanwhile, Mitchell is anticipated to expand his skills on the perimeter, benefiting from increased playing time to further develop his game.
ACC
The ACC has not been the same in recent years, but there still are stars across the board. However, the path to an ACC has never been more clear for the Duke Blue Devils. Yes, this conference is solid but this Blue Devil team is much better than every other team. Duke has excellent talent every year, but the recurring problem is a lack of experience. The formula has been for guys to go straight to the league after only staying a short time in Durham. This year however, is different. The backbone of this team lies in the returning class. Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, Jeremy Roach, and Mark Mitchell are all returning, and we saw how dangerous this team was together at the end of last year. Pair that up with the amazing recruiting class with guys like Jared Mccain, and this team is going to be very scary.
Big 10
Choosing the champion of the Big 10 was probably the hardest choice I had to make. It was between Prudue, Michigan State, and Indiana for me, but I have to go with the Spartans. For the second consecutive season, Michigan State is opting not to incorporate any first-year transfers into their roster, maintaining a consistent lineup by retaining four of five starters. Placing emphasis on internal growth and the experience of players like Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard provides the Spartans with a strong foundation. The extent to which they can challenge Purdue for a league title may hinge on the legendary coaching prowess of Tom Izzo, who aims to maximize the potential of the Big Ten's top recruiting class. This incoming group includes three top-50 players, notably led by the five-star prospect Xavier Booker. If the 6-11 center excels in his role as a rim protector, it will elevate the team's defensive capabilities, propelling the Spartans into the national title contention.
SEC The SEC is another conference that has been on the rise in the last few years. Last year we saw multiple teams succeed in March Madness, and I think that Tennesee Volunteers are going to continue their momentum and win the SEC. The Vols are bringing back three of their top four scorers—Santiago Vescovi, Zakai Zeigler, and Josiah-Jordan James—from a team that clinched a tied fourth position in the SEC and secured a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Consequently, they've earned high rankings, even as high as fifth in some preseason computer analyses, positioning them as strong contenders for what could be Rick Barnes' second SEC title. Barnes, now in his ninth year at Tennessee after a 17-year tenure at Texas, has a team that appears poised for success.The pivotal factor determining Tennessee's season might be the health and effectiveness of Zakai Zeigler, who suffered an ACL tear last February. His condition and performance could be the deciding factor between a good and a great season for the Vols. When Zeigler played at his best last season, Tennessee showcased a formidable and unyielding defense, capable of triumphing over any opponent. However, his absence in some games resulted in offensive struggles, leading to losses in half of their final six matchups.
And there you have it. Forecasting anything in College Basketball is incredibly challenging, often akin to taking a shot in the dark due to its inherent unpredictability. Yet, this very unpredictability is what renders it so extraordinary. Get ready, everyone, as we gear up for yet another incredible season of college basketball. Fasten your seatbelts because the excitement is about to unfold.