Hello, 2015

I looked at the A-10 a few days ago, let's dig into some other conferences as we have begun conference play.

AMERICAN

Final Four Contenders: NONE

KenPom Top 25: NONE

The American has been a hot mess. SMU is the highest ranked of the teams, checking in at 28th in KenPom. UConn is staggering at 6-5, Cincinnati lost its coach to health issues for the remainder of the year and Memphis has continued its habit of puzzling play. Don't expect another UConn like run from any of these teams come March.

ACC

Final Four Contenders: Duke, Virginia, Louisville, North Carolina

KenPom Top 25: Duke, Virginia, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame

Yeah, i included North Carolina as a Final 4 contender simply because they're in KenPom's top 10 as of today. It's doubtful any conference is as top heavy as the ACC. That being said, league play is going to be a battle. Syracuse, Pitt, NC State & Miami will make up the middle and be capable of winning any night. Don't be shocked if Wake, FSU, BC or Clemson pull off an upset here and there as well. It's not as good as the Big East of a few years ago but it's getting close.

Big 12

Final Four Contenders: Texas

KenPom Top 25: Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor, Kansas, Iowa State, West Virginia

I think Texas is the best bet to represent the Big 12 this year. Kansas is young as usual but shouldn't be discounted. Baylor is 11-1 and TCU is undefeated but I don't see either keeping it up through conference play. OU is actually 10th in KenPom, just ahead of Texas. Texas gets PG Isaiah Taylor back for conference play. They'l vault the Sooners. Kansas State has been a disappointment. Top-to-bottom, this is the most competitive league in the land.

Big East

Final Four Contenders: Villanova

KenPom Top 25: Villanova, St. John's, Xavier

The Big East is much better than a year ago but as for teams likely to make a deep run in March, I don't know who that'll be other than Villanova. Seton Hall lost Isaiah Whithehead but got a nice win to start conference play over St. John's. The top 7 will be tough games and Creighton & Marquette are capable of springing some upsets. DePaul probably got their win for the year.

Big 10

Final Four Contenders: Wisconsin

KenPom Top 25: Wisconsin, Maryland, Ohio State, Michigan State

I think when it's all said and done, Maryland ends up the 2nd best team in the league. I don't think the conference is as good as the last few years. If Wisconsin doesn't win the conference, it'll be the biggest upset in college hoops this year. Might end up with the most bids but that won't make it the best league. Still, 2-12 will be really competitive. Good luck picking how they'll finish. Should be fun.

Pac-12

Final Four Contenders: Arizona

KenPom Top 25: Arizona, Utah

Yeah, about the Pac-12. I don't foresee a banner year for the league. Arizona is a real good team but I still question them offensively. Utah seems like a sure bet and then after that, its a free-for-all. Colorado is a mediocre 7-5 after being picked to finish 2nd or 3rd in the league. Right now, Washington looks like the 3rd best team in the league and they just lost to Stony Brook. UCLA has the talent but have lost 3 in a row to enter league play. Those losses are to Gonzaga, a rout against Kentucky where they were down 41-7 at half and at Alabama. Their best non=conference win is Long Beach St. Long year again for the Pac-12

SEC

Final Four Contenders: Kentucky

KenPom Top 25: Kentucky, Florida

The SEC isn't going to set the world on fire but there's no doubt the top dog in the land resides here. Florida has one of the worst records heading into conference play but still reside in KenPom's top 25. Arkansas & LSU are sitting good right now to get back to the dance. The popular opinion is Kentucky will go undefeated but there are a few land mines in conference play. It's a year away from being a top conference but it's trending that way. LSU is currently holding next year's best recruiting class.

Others

Final Four Contenders: Gonzaga

KenPom Top 25: Gonzaga, Wichita State

Brian and I are in the camp that Gonzaga is a legit Final 4 team and I stick by that. Wichita State probably isn't but winning a few games in March shouldn't surprise anyone. Northern Iowa stands at 26th in KenPom. A more competitive Valley should only help Wichita State and it's much better this year.