Big 12 Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

When a league has the top teams in the country, it is difficult to argue with them as being the number one conference in the nation. Kansas and Texas have arguably the most talent of any two teams, and will be battling for national and conference supremacy all season long. After those two, there are several quality teams in the league, led by Oklahoma. Kansas State has a chance to step up and make a leap forward in the standings, while Oklahoma State and Texas A&M are also threats. Missouri will take a step back, but don't count them out. A team in the bottom half to watch could be Iowa State, home to Craig Brackins and several quality perimeter players. What sets this league apart from the rest of the country -- aside from Kansas and Texas -- is the individual talent. Just look at the first-team all-conference squad; that could easily be an All-American team. This league will be more than just Kansas and Texas this season -- it will be the best conference in America. 

Player of the Year: Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

Newcomer of the Year: Avery Bradley, G, Texas

All-Conference Team:
G- Sherron Collins, Kansas
G- Willie Warren, Oklahoma
G/F- James Anderson, Oklahoma State 
F- Craig Brackins, Iowa State
C- Cole Aldrich, Kansas

Second Team:
G- Avery Bradley, Texas
G- Denis Clemente, Kansas State
G- Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas
G- Xavier Henry, Kansas 
F- Damion James, Texas

Third Team:
G- Cory Higgins, Colorado
F- Mike Singletary, Texas Tech
F- Jordan Hamilton, Texas 
F- Bryan Davis, Texas A&M
C- Dexter Pittman, Texas

Projected Order of Finish

1. Kansas: The preseason No. 1 team in the country, the Jayhawks have all the pieces necessary to win the title. If their off-court problems aren't a distraction during the season, there should not be anything stopping them. Prediction: NCAA
2. Texas: The Longhorns might be the deepest and most talented team in the country. They have weapons everywhere, and have one of the best benches around. The one thing that could hinder them is outside shooting. Prediction: NCAA
3. Oklahoma: Despite the loss of Blake Griffin, the Sooners are going to be a threat in the Big 12. Willie Warren returns, and freshmen Tommy Mason-Griffin and Tiny Gallon are a dynamite inside-outside duo. Prediction: NCAA
4. Kansas State: The Wildcats are hungry to get back to the NCAA Tournament, and have the backcourt in Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente. Freshman Wally Judge and UConn transfer Curtis Kelly are keys up front. Prediction: NCAA
5. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys run-and-gun style is back and will be a problem for opponents. James Anderson and Obi Muonelo form a an outstanding wing tandem, and Marshall Moses anchors the frontcourt. Prediction: NCAA
6. Texas A&M: The losses of Josh Carter and Chinemelu Elonu will hurt, but Donald Sloan and Bryan Davis will help lead the Aggies back to the NCAA Tournament. Role players will need to step up and provide support. Prediction: NCAA
7. Missouri: Last year's surprise Elite Eight team, the Tigers won't be as good as a season ago, but J.T. Tiller and Zaire Taylor are the best defensive backcourt in the country. They need help up front, though. Prediction: NIT
8. Baylor: The Bears always seem to have perimeter talent, and this year is no different with LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter, and freshman Nolan Dennis. Transfer Ekpe Udoh will make an impact up front. Prediction: NIT
9. Iowa State: Craig Brackins is one of the best players in the country, and he can carry the Cyclones on his back. JC transfer Marquis Gilstrap will help him up front, and Diante Garrett leads the backcourt. Prediction: CBI/CIT
10. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders have solid building blocks in assist-man extraordinaire John Roberson and forward Mike Singletary, but they don't have many other options to compete in the conference. Prediction: No Postseason
11. Nebraska: The Cornhuskers return no one who averaged more than eight points per game last season, but they have 12 players who did not see time last season coming into the program. Prediction: No Postseason
12. Colorado: The Buffaloes won just one Big 12 game last season, and they don't figure to be that much better. However, guard Cory Higgins gives fans a reason to watch them -- despite the struggles. Prediction: No Postseason

Big Ten Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE
 

The Big Ten is often looked at as one of the bottom leagues in the "Big Six" conferences. They play an unattractive brand of basketball for the most part, and they have a reputation of struggling when it counts. This year will be different. The Big Ten has a chance to be the best conference in the country. They have two Final Four contenders in Purdue and Michigan State, two others that could be top-15 teams in Michigan and Ohio State, two more top-25 caliber clubs in Illinois and Minnesota and two teams fighting for NCAA bids in Wisconsin and Northwestern. Even Penn State has Talor Battle and Indiana will be improved. The league isn't chalk-full of hyped newcomers like most other conferences, but they have some of the best returning talent in the country. This could be a banner season in the Big Ten.

Player of the Year: Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State

Newcomer of the Year: Royce White, F, Minnesota

All-Conference Team:
G- Kalin Lucas, Michigan State
G- Manny Harris, Michigan
G- Talor Battle, Penn State
G/F- Evan Turner, Ohio State 
F- Robbie Hummel, Michigan

Second Team:
G- E'Twaun Moore, Purdue
F- Kevin Coble, Northwestern
F- DeShawn Sims, Michigan
F- Mike Davis Illinois
C- JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Third Team:
G- Trevon Hughes, Wisconsin
G- Demetri McCamey
G- William Buford, Ohio State
G/F- Durrell Summers, Michigan State
F- Raymar Morgan, Michigan State

Projected Order of Finish

1. Purdue: Although Michigan State is likely the consensus favorite, if Robbie Hummel is healthy, the Boilermakers have the pieces to make a deep run in March. E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson also return. Prediction: NCAA
2. Michigan State: The defending national runners-up, the Spartans have one of the best point guards in the country in Kalin Lucas and plenty of scoring options. The only question mark is in the post -- who will step up? Prediction: NCAA
3. Michigan: With the return of the outstanding duo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims, coach John Beilein has solid building blocks. Throw in plenty of supporting talent and Beilein's system, and this team is tough. Prediction: NCAA
4. Ohio State: There might not be a better group of wing talent in the country than in Columbus. The Buckeyes have Evan Turner, William Buford, David Lighty and Jon Diebler -- and they all could play at the same time. Prediction: NCAA
5. Illinois: The Fighting Illini have a defense that gives opponents fits, and the offense should be improved this season behind the inside duo of Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale, and combo guard Demetri McCamey. Prediction: NCAA
6. Minnesota: The Golden Gophers return all five starters and nine rotation players from a team that reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago -- and they add heralded freshman Royce White, who will be a force. Prediction: NCAA
7. Wisconsin: Always a team in the mix, the Badgers have a very solid backcourt tandem in Trevon Hughes and Jason Bohannon, but they need help in the frontcourt. Look for Jon Leuer to increase his production. Prediction: NCAA
8. Northwestern: The Wildcats were in the at-large mix until late in the season, and that could be the case again this year. Kevin Coble is one of the best players that the rest of the nation has never heard of -- yet. Prediction: NIT
9. Penn State: As long as Talor Battle is still on the roster, the Nittany Lions have a chance against anyone. He can single-handedly carry this team to a victory on any given night. He loses his secondary options, though. Prediction: NIT
10. Indiana: The Hoosiers will undoubtedly be better than last season, when they went 1-17 in Big Ten play. Tom Crean brings in a deep and talented recruiting class to go with the return of their top three scorers. Prediction: No Postseason
11. Iowa: The Hawkeyes have a solid backcourt duo in Matt Gatens and Anthony Tucker, but there is little-to-no production returning in the frontcourt. Todd Lickliter will have his hands full this season. Prediction: No Postseason

ACC Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Atlantic Coast Conference had an exciting campaign last season, starting with the fact that it was home to the national champions, North Carolina. The conference as a whole received seven bids to the NCAA Tournament, and two more that just missed and were relegated to the NIT. After the Tar Heels, eight teams finished within four games of each other for second place, leading to an exciting finish to the season. This year, UNC and Duke are likely to be atop the league, but after that, it's wide-open. There are really no guarantees this year, and there will be up to 10 teams fighting for bids to the NCAA Tournament come March. One of the reasons for that is that the ACC might have lost more talent than any other league -- from North Carolina's stars and Wake Forest's duo to Florida State's Toney Douglas and Miami's Jack McClinton. A team to watch will be Georgia Tech, which could be one of the most improved teams in the country, and might have the most talent in the league. The league pecking order won't be decided until early March, which bodes well for the conference.

Player of the Year: Kyle Singler, F, Duke

Newcomer of the Year: Derrick Favors, F, Georgia Tech

All-Conference Team:
G- Greivis Vasquez, Maryland
G- Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech
F- Ed Davis, F, Duke
F- Kyle Singler, Duke
F- Trevor Booker, Clemson

Second Team:
G- Jon Scheyer, Duke
G- Sylven Landesberg, Virginia
F- Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
F- Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech
F- Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech 

Third Team:
G- Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech
G- Michael Snaer, Florida State 
F- Deon Thompson, North Carolina
F- Jeff Allen, Virginia Tech
C- Solomon Alabi, Florida State

Projected Order of Finish

1. North Carolina: The defending national champions lose four starters and three first-round draft picks, but they still have the deepest and most talented frontcourt in the country. Point guard is the big question. Prediction: NCAA
2. Duke: The Blue Devils lack backcourt depth and a go-to post player, but Jon Scheyer and Kyle Singler are experienced and form one of the best tandems around. Nolan Smith has to step up as a scorer. Prediction: NCAA
3. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets are poised to make an enormous leap from last place behind the arrival of freshmen Derrick Favors and Mfon Udofia, and the return of Gani Lawal and Iman Shumpert. Prediction: NCAA
4. Clemson: The Tigers are looking to take the next step and advance in the NCAA Tournament. Big man Trevor Booker is a load down low, but several role players need to step up and become productive. Prediction: NCAA
5. Maryland: The Terrapins finished last season on a high note, and will carry that momentum over to this season. Greivis Vasquez is an all-around star at guard, and two newcomers will try to solve the post problem. Prediction: NCAA
6. Wake Forest: With the loss of draft picks Jeff Teague and James Johnson, the Demon Deacons will take a step back in the ACC. However, Al-Farouq Aminu returns, and he is poised to become a star. Prediction: NCAA
7. Florida State: The Seminoles lose do-everything guard Toney Douglas, but freshman Michael Snaer will replace him. Frontcourt playears Solomon Alabi and Chris Singleton are ready for breakout seasons. Prediction: NCAA
8. Boston College: Never count the Eagles out, even when they lose a talent such as Tyrese Rice. Joe Trapani leads a solid crop of returnees, including wings Rakim Sanders and Corey Raji. Prediction: NIT
9. Virginia Tech: The Hokies have one of the best inside-outside combos in the country in Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen, but they couldn't make the Big Dance with those two and scorer A.D. Vassallo. Prediction: NIT
10. Miami (Fl.): At times last season, Jack McClinton was the only option for the Hurricanes. Now that he is gone, who will provide scoring? Freshman Durand Scott is solid, but someone else needs to step up. Prediction: CBI/CIT
11. Virginia: New head coach Tony Bennett is ready to bring his slow-down style to the ACC, and he has a spectacular scorer in Sylven Landesberg to help ease him in. Tristan Spurlock is an impact frosh. Prediction: No Postseason
12. North Carolina State: The Wolfpack finishing last is the only guarantee I will make for this wide-open league. They lose their top three scorers from last season, and will undoubtedly struggle. Prediction: No Postseason

Big East Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

For more on each of the Big East teams, click on each team name for in-depth previews I wrote for NBE Basketball Report, complete with quotes from the top players and coaches in the conference. 

The Big East had one of the best seasons a conference could have asked for last season, as up to nine teams were ranked in the polls last season. Two teams, Connecticut and Villanova, reached the Final Four, and another two made it to the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh and Louisville. Overall, 12 teams reached the postseason. This season will certainly not be the same. The conference will be down slightly, as there are only two teams with a legitimate shot at reaching Indianapolis, maybe three with Connecticut, but the rest of the league is a crapshoot. Several of the league's marquee programs of the past few seasons will be down, as Pittsburgh and Marquette lose a ton from last year, while Seton Hall and Cincinnati could be ready to take the next step forward. There is a lot of talent across the board in the league, but not as much as a season ago. With 16 teams, though, there will be a war on a nightly basis in the Big East. Expect another excellent season. 

Player of the Year: Luke Harangody, F, Notre Dame

Newcomer of the Year: Lance Stephenson, G, Cincinnati

All-Conference Team:
G- Scottie Reynolds, Villanova
F- Devin Ebanks, West Virginia 
F- Da'Sean Butler, West Virginia
F- Luke Harangody, Notre Dame
C- Greg Monroe, Georgetown

Second Team:
G- Dominique Jones, South Florida
G- Kemba Walker, Connecticut
G- Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati
F- Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
F- Lazar Hayward, Marquette

Third Team:
G- Corey Fisher, Villanova
G- Jerome Dyson, Connecticut
G- Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall
F- Stanley Robinson, Connecticut
F- Samardo Samuels, Louisville

Projected Order of Finish


1. Viilanova: Coming off of a Final Four appearance, the Wildcats are anxious to get back. Three frontcourt players are gone, but senior Scottie Reynolds leads a deep and talented perimeter group. Prediction: NCAA
2. West Virginia: Bob Huggins has this team on the cusp of greatness. Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks form one of the best forward tandems in the country, and JC transfer Casey Mitchell can shoot. Prediction: NCAA
3. Connecticut: Despite the loss of four starters, the Huskies have the talent to contend. Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson are a quick backcourt, and Stanley Robinson is looking ready for a breakout. Prediction: NCAA
4. Louisville: If the Cardinals can get consistent point guard play from Edgar Sosa, they have the pieces to be a threat. Big man Samardo Samuels should live up to the billing he came into school with last year. Prediction: NCAA
5. Syracuse: The Orange will need to replace three starters, but Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson has a lot of hype, and Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson are a formidable inside duo for the Orange. Prediction: NCAA

6. Georgetown: One of last season's biggest disappointments, the Hoyas are anxious to avoid a repeat. Greg Monroe is a talented big man, and Chris Wright and Austin Freeman are a solid perimeter duo. Prediction: NCAA

7. Cincinnati: The arrival of Lance Stephenson could put this team over the top. The Bearcats already have one of the league's best tandems in guard Deonta Vaughn and big man Yancy Gates. Prediction: NCAA
8. Pittsburgh: No one loses more than the Panthers, but coach Jamie Dixon always has this team in the mix. Several freshmen will have to step up, as will returnees who were role players a year ago. Prediction: NIT
9. Notre Dame: The loss of transfer Scott Martin to injury will hurt, but Luke Harangody is back, and Tory Jackson is an all-around stud at the point. Transfer Ben Hansbrough brings shooting to the wing. Prediction: NIT
10. Seton Hall: The Pirates have some of the best offensive talent in the conference, and if it all comes together, look out. Jeremy Hazell and Robert Mitchell can score, and transfers Keon Lawrence and Herb Pope will be key. Prediction: NIT

11. St. John's: The Red Storm suffered through an injury-riddled season a year ago, but they might be able to take a step forward this season. This is a big year for coach Norm Roberts' future. Prediction: CBI/CIT
12. Marquette: The perimeter trio of Dominic James, Jerel McNeal and Wesley Matthews were enormously important, but now they are all gone. Lazar Hayward leads a group that has more newcomers than returnees. Prediction: No Postseason
13. South Florida: The Bulls could finally have the talent necessary to compete every night. Dominique Jones is a big-time scorer, and JC transfer Jarrid Famous will make an immediate impact. Prediction: No Postseason
14. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights need to start taking strides forward. Guard Mike Rosario is one of the best scorers in the Big East, and Greg Echenique is a double-double threat down low. Prediction: No Postseason
15. Providence: The Friars have only three returnees who saw significant time last season, but a deep recruiting class will bring an influx of talent. PC will struggle immensely with size. Prediction: No Postseason
16. DePaul: The Blue Demons were winless last season, and don't figure to be much better this year. Mac Koshwal and Will Walker form a solid inside-outside duo, but there's not much else. Prediction: No Postseason

SEC Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The SEC is going to be one of the most interesting conferences in the country this season. They have some of the top freshmen in the country in John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins of Kentucky, Kenny Boynton of Florida and Mississippi State's Renardo Sidney. They made plenty of big-name coaching hires in the offseason, with John Calipari going to Kentucky, Anthony Grant to Alabama and Mark Fox to Georgia. Furthermore, they have a ton of returning talent and potential All-Americans in Kentucky's Patrick Patterson, Tennessee's Tyler Smith and South Carolina's Devan Downey. The SEC East figures to be a dominant division, with five teams in the mix for an NCAA Tournament bid. More likely than not, one of them will have to be left out. The West is going to be the weaker division, but there is a lot of young talent, and Mississippi State and Ole Miss will be contenders. Get ready for a wild season in the SEC.

Player of the Year: Patrick Patterson, F, Kentucky

Newcomer of the Year: John Wall, G, Kentucky

All-Conference Team:
G- Devan Downey, South Carolina
G- John Wall, Kentucky
F- Tyler Smith, Tennessee
F- Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
C- Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State

Second Team:
G- Terrico White, Ole Miss
G- Chris Warren, Ole Miss
F- Tasmin Mitchell, LSU
F- Michael Washington, Arkansas
C- A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt

Third Team:
G- Kenny Boynton, Florida
G- Courtney Fortson, Arkansas 
F- Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt
F- Wayne Chism, Tennessee
C- DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

Projected Order of Finish
East
1. Kentucky: With the arrival of new head coach John Calipari and the best recruiting class in the country, the Wildcats are a Final Four favorite behind freshman John Wall and junior Patrick Patterson. Prediction: NCAA
2. Tennessee: The Volunteers return everyone from last season, including forwards Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith. However, they need more consistent perimeter play in order to reach their full potential. Prediction: NCAA
3. Florida: The Gators are poised to get back to the Big Dance after settling for the NIT last season. Freshman guard Kenny Boynton and a talented and deep frontcourt will make sure of that. Prediction: NCAA
4. Vanderbilt: The Commodores are ready to make noise after going .500 in the SEC last year. Four double-figure scorers return, including A.J. Ogilvy, and frosh shooter John Jenkins will make an impact. Prediction: NCAA
5. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have the talent to get to the NCAA Tournament, but they will struggle to repeat their division title of a year ago. Devan Downey is an All-American at the point guard spot. Prediction: NIT
6. Georgia: Far and away the worst team in the SEC, the Bulldogs have a lot of work to do in order to make strides in the conference. Trey Thompkins is a bright spot at the forward position. Prediction: No Postseason

West
1. Mississippi State: If freshman Renardo Sidney is eligible, look out. The Bulldogs return five starters, including Jarvis Varnado, and have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Prediction: NCAA
2. Ole Miss: The Rebels are now healthy and will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. Chris Warren and Terrico White form one of the best backcourt duos in the country. They need inside help. Prediction: NCAA
3. Arkansas: The Razorbacks want to erase their memories of last season's 2-14 SEC campaign. They have plenty of talent across the board, including Courtney Fortson and Michael Washington. Prediction: NIT
4. Alabama: New head coach Anthony Grant hopes to continue the success he had at VCU with the Crimson Tide. JaMychal Green is capable of being a dominant big man, and there is perimeter talent. Prediction: CBI/CIT
5. Auburn: The Tigers won 24 games last season, but they lose three starters from that group. The backcourt of DeWayne Reed and Tay Waller will try to help them stay competitive, though. Prediction: No Postseason
6. LSU: The biggest slide in the conference will belong to the Tigers, who won the division title and got to the second round last season. Tasmin Mitchell is one of the country's best small forwards. Prediction: No Postseason

Pac-10 Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

After a season in which the Pac-10 sent six teams to the NCAA Tournament, including five that won at least one game in the Big Dance, the conference is undoubtedly headed for a down year. While Washington and California are the clear-cut favorites, even they are not serious national title contenders yet. After them, the conference is going to be wide-open. UCLA and Arizona are reloading, while USC and Arizona State are headed for a major fall this season after losing key cogs. With that said, there is room for a couple of teams, namely Oregon and Oregon State, to make strides forward in the league standings. It is a surprise to see only three teams projected to reach the NCAA Tournament, but it is very difficult to place another team as solidly in the Big Dance. We will have to wait and see to see if any team can step up and nab an extra bid.

Player of the Year: Jerome Randle, G, California

Newcomer of the Year: Abdul, Gaddy, G, Washington

All-Conference Team:
G- Isaiah Thomas, Washington
G- Jerome Randle, California
G- Patrick Christopher, California
G- Nic Wise, Arizona
F- Quincy Pondexter, Washington

Second Team:
G- Dwight Lewis, USC
G- Klay Thompson, Washington State
G- Abdul Gaddy, Washington
F- Landry Fields, Stanford
C- Roeland Schafternaar, Oregon State 

Third Team:
G- Calvin Haynes, Oregon State
G- Tajuan Porter, Oregon
G- Malcolm Lee, UCLA
F- Theo Robertson, California 
F- Nikola Dragovic, UCLA

Projected Order of Finish

1. California: The Golden Bears have the league's best backcourt in Jerome Randle and Patrick Christopher, and Theo Robertson is a gunner on the wing. They need someone to step up down low, though. Prediction: NCAA
2. Washington: If Abdul Gaddy makes the impact that is expected of him, he and Isaiah Thomas will form a dynamite guard tandem. Quincy Pondexter is poised for a breakout season in the frontcourt. Prediction: NCAA
3. UCLA: Although the Bruins are young, they are still very talented and still have Ben Howland at the helm. Sophomore Malcolm Lee will be a scorer in the backcourt and Nikola Dragovic can shoot the three. Prediction: NCAA
4. Arizona: This could be the year that the Wildcats' streak of 25 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances comes to an end. Nic Wise and a crop of newcomers need to step up early and often. Prediction: NIT
5. Oregon State: The inside-outside duo of Calvin Haynes and Roelanad Schafternaar is an underrated tandem, and freshman Roberto Nelson is expected to make an impact in the backcourt. Prediction: NIT
6. Oregon: The Ducks are going to try to run-and-gun their way to a postseason berth. Tajuan Porter is still around in the backcourt, and sophomore Michael Dunigan has plenty of potential down low. Prediction: CBI/CIT
7. Washington State: The young (13 freshman or sophomores) Cougars lose head coach Tony Bennett, but they have a budding sophomore tandem in Klay Thompson and DeAngelo Casto. Prediction: CBI/CIT
8. Arizona State: Without James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph, the Sun Devils will struggle. However, Derek Glasser and Rihards Kuksiks played key roles in their 25-win season a year ago. Prediction: No Postseason
9. USC: The Trojans had a tumultuous offseason, and will try to stay out of the Pac-10 cellar this season. Dwight Lewis and UNC transfer Alex Stepheson will have to carry the load. Prediction: No Postseason
10. Stanford: The Cardinal finished next-to-last a year ago, but they might not get that high this season. Landry Fields is one of the Pac-10's best players, but they don't have much else. Prediction: No Postseason

Atlantic-10 Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2009-2010 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Atlantic-10 Conference featured a very exciting conference race last season, despite Xavier never falling more than a half-game out of the league race. The Musketeers won the title by one game, with three teams tying for second place behind them: Dayton, Rhode Island and Temple. A quartet of teams finished at 9-7 and Saint Louis was 8-8. Temple made a run in the conference tournament and won the automatic bid, while Xavier and Dayton received at-large bids. Once there, Temple was knocked off in the first round, but Dayton and Xavier each advanced, with the Musketeers getting to the Sweet Sixteen. Rhode Island and Duquesne went to the NIT and Richmond was sent to the CBI. This season, Xavier might fall back a notch, and there are several teams looking to take its place. 

1. Dayton: The Flyers are ready to take the next step and win the conference title this season, behind high-flying Chris Wright, Marcus Johnson and plenty of role players. Prediction: NCAA
2. Xavier: The Musketeers lose their top three scorers from last season, but get Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford and return several guys looking to have breakout seasons. Prediction: NCAA
3. Richmond: The Spiders could be a contender in the A-10 this season; guards Kevin Anderson and David Gonzalvez form an outstanding backcourt, and Dan Geriot is also back. Prediction: NIT
4. La Salle: This is a team poised for its best season in almost two decades. Rodney Green leads four double-figure scorers, and freshman Aaric Murray will make an impact down low. Prediction: NIT
5. Duquesne: The Dukes lose do-everything guard Aaron Jackson, but all-around forward Damian Saunders, Bill Clark and Melquan Bolding form a solid core trio. Prediction: NIT
6. Temple: Without Dionte Christmas, the Owls will have to rely on guards Ryan Brooks and Juan Fernandez, and big man Lavoy Allen, a double-double threat. Prediction: CBI/CIT
7. Charlotte: The arrival of Boston College transfer Shamari Spears will help the frontcourt, and assist-man extraordinaire DiJuan Harris anchors the backcourt. Prediction: No Postseason
8. Rhode Island: The Rams are very likely to take a step back from last season because of the loss of Jimmy Baron and Kaheim Seawright, but they still have talent. Prediction: No Postseason
9. Massachusetts: Ricky Harris and Anthony Gurley return in the backcourt, but freshman Terrell Vinson and Memphis transfer Hashim Bailey have to make an impact. Prediction: No Postseason
10. St. Bonaventure: Behind the return of center Andrew Nicholson and two double-figure scorers on the perimeter, the Bonnies are ready to take some steps forward. Prediction: No Postseason
11. Saint Joseph's: The Hawks are undoubtedly going to fall in the league, as they lose Ahmad Nivins and Tasheed Carr. Darrin Govens will have to be the go-to-guy. Prediction: No Postseason
12. Saint Louis: Guard Kwamain Mitchell is a potential all-conference guard, but he is going to need some support from the role players if the Billikens are going anywhere. Prediction: No Postseason
13. George Washington: The Colonials finished next-to-last a year ago, and lose forward Rob Diggs. All-conferene forward Damian Hollis has to carry the load. Prediction: No Postseason
14. Fordham: The Rams were just 3-25 last season, and Mike Moore and Trey Blue transferred. Jio Fontan is back, though, and he has a chance to lead the league in scoring. Prediction: No Postseason

Player of the Year: Chris Wright, F, Dayton

All-Conference Team:
G- Rodney Green, La Salle
G- Ricky Harris, Massachusetts
G- Kevin Anderson, Richmond
F- Chris Wright, Dayton
F- Lavoy Allen, Temple

Second Team:
G- David Gonzalvez, Richmond
G- Jordan Crawford, Xavier
G- Marcus Johnson, Dayton 
F- Damian Saunders, Duquesne
C- Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure 

Third Team:
G- Jio Fontan, Fordham
F- Shamari Spears, Charlotte 
F- Damian Hollis, George Washington 
F- Dan Geriot, Richmond
C- Jason Love, Xavier