Big Ten

After going over the teams expected to win their regular season titles, we move on to talking about the top freshmen in each conference. Will all automatically take over and become the stars of their respective teams and leagues? It's tough to say at this point in the season, but that doesn't mean that we can't discuss it. Below are the picks for each of the 32 conferences.

America East: James Kennedy (Boston University)

With the college basketball season finally on the horizon, the game that's been overlooked by many in conference realignment will once again have the center stage. Perennial contenders will once again make a run at a national title while some new faces will pop up as well. The first four-part preview will focus on the conferences, and more specifically who will win each of the 32 leagues.

America East: Albany

In the latest installment in his "Coaching Greats" interview series CHN writer spent some time with former Nebraska head coach Danny Nee. During his time in Lincoln, Nee led the Cornhuskers to five NCAA Tournament berths and an NIT title in 1996. Nee is now the head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Jon Teitel: One of your teammates at Power Memorial HS was Lew Alcindor, who said that you were "a tough guy ("he thought he was the reincarnation of Jack Dempsey"). What was it like to play with Alcindor, and what made you so tough? 

In the latest installment in his "Forgotten Legends" interview series CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with Lou Hudson, one of the all-time great players in the history of the University of Minnesota. After a fine collegiate career "Sweet Lou" played 13 years in the NBA.  

Jon Teitel: You were nicknamed "Sweet Lou" due to your smooth jump shot. Who gave you the nickname and how did you like it? 

Lou Hudson: Bill Russell and Sam Jones called me that, and it stuck.  When I was in college, it was "Louie".

In the latest installment in his "Coaching Greats" interview series, CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with author Marc Hugunin discussing the career of former Minnesota head coach Louis "Doc" Cooke. During his time at Minnesota the late Cooke won five conference and three national titles. Hugunin is the co-author of the book "Minnesota Hoops: Basketball in the North Star State".  

The final region is the West, which is where Connecticut began their run to the national title. While some of the departures in this region will steal the majority of the ink there are a number of teams who should feel good about their prospects in 2011-12. Below is a quick breakdown of each of the 16 teams.

(1) Duke: lost to Arizona in the Sweet 16

Next up in the short series of looking ahead to next season is the Southwest region, where things essentially went haywire the first weekend. Advancing to San Antonio was the top seed Kansas and seeds 10 through 12, and when the dust settled VCU won the region. A number of teams have some important personnel issues to address, but the Jayhawks won't be the lone team expected to contend for their league title out of this region in 2011-12.

Next up is the Southeast region, which contributed to the craziness of the NCAA Tournament beginning with Butler knocking off top-seed Pittsburgh in the third round. The question now is what's next for the entire region beginning with the Panthers, who welcome a solid recruiting class while also waiting to see what Ashton Gibbs' decision in regards to staying in the NBA Draft will be.  

With the NCAA Tournament now over and many resting up for a couple days before hitting the spring recruiting circuit (the Nike EYBL Boo Williams Invitational is this weekend), why not take a look at all 68 teams in this year's field and their early prospects for next season? With the NBA Draft deadline (May 8th) still a month away, here's a look at each of the teams in the East Region and what they'll likely have in 2011-12.

(1) Ohio State: lost in Sweet 16 to Kentucky

Countless times over the past few weeks Kentucky head coach John Calipari has noted that his upperclassmen deserve some of the credit for the Wildcats' improved play as many rush to credit the highly-touted freshman class. Friday night was just the latest example of what the veterans mean to the team but when the game is on the line the basketball will end up in the hands of a freshman. Just as he did in the second round against Princeton Brandon Knight struggled offensively, shooting 2-for-9 over the first 39 minutes of the game.