College basketball has officially tipped off! We preview EVERY mid-major conference with a bit to know on the teams we may see in March Madness.
A-10 Conference Top 3 Projected
1. George Washington
A team coming into the A-10 with a lot of hype this year is George Washington. Head coach Chris Caputo has confidence in all of his guys, 1-10, especially star Rafael Castro, who will help try to facilitate the offensive efficiency and lead the team to a March bid.
2. Loyola Chicago
The Ramblers are no strangers to March magic, surprising many with their previous Final Four run. However, sadly, their “Captain” Sister Jean passed recently, and doom and gloom have struck the program. However, I never doubt Catholic institutions, especially around Lent. And with some Sister Jean, & Jesus magic, I think the Ramblers will easily play into the tournament either as an At-Large or Auto Bid.
3. Dayton
The Flyers have a strong culture around Ohio, and the buzz is high even after a mediocre year last year. They may not have the previous stars they once did, *cough cough* Obi Toppin, but they still play with high athleticism and intelligence that should give them an edge come tournament time.
ASUN Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Lipscomb
After tying for first in regular season play last year, I think Lipscomb will keep the momentum going. The firepower last year came out of nowhere to most, but the culture is strong in Tennessee, and I believe they will dance this year!
2. North Alabama
North Alabama, tying Lipscomb last year in regular season play, showcases not only talent but strong athleticism in little ole Alabama. The city has really rallied around these guys and makes their games a tough environment for any opponent. The team feeds on this energy, which I think will help lead to success during tough moments in close games.
3. North Florida
This may come as a shock to most after a low season last year, but I think the Ospreys can really shake things up this year. Led by Matthew Driscoll, they will play smart basketball with gritty defense. They don’t play glamorous games; they play tiny-gym dogfights showcasing their toughness and smarts.
AEC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Vermont
Led by coach John Becker, Vermont looks poised for yet another March Madness appearance. Coach Becker has built a powerhouse at this North-East gem, and his teams constantly play smart high-scoring basketball. They will be a threat to any foe come springtime.
2. Bryant
Though the Grasso/Kiss era may be long-gone at Bryant, these bulldogs still have plenty of bite! Trailing closely to the previously mentioned Vermont, Bryant plays a gritty style of basketball alongside a three-point barrage. This Rhode Island squad will have opposing teams going cold all season, and not just from the weather.
3. Maine
The Black Bears, projected to finish third this year, depend on a well-formed culture that has been previously built. Previous players/coaches have come and gone, but Maine basketball is still a healthy, viable threat. Don’t be surprised to see them knock off a “big dog” as seen in previous years.
AAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. South Florida
This may be a surprise to some, but I have the Bulls over the usual suspect of Memphis in our top spot. Thanks to newcomer coach Ross Hodge, the Bulls will have a new identity brought over from the previous Arkansas State lead man. I expect the Bulls to depend on scoring a lot of points, and the first team to 100 may win.
2. Memphis
Memphis comes in at number two, still led by Penny Hardaway. This Tigers team is constantly overhyped every season. Expect a few early-season wins, but as we get into the dog days of winter, I think the wheels will start coming off.
3. North Texas
This North Texas team will have beautiful ball movement leading to open threes from great shooters. I also think they will have one of the strongest defenses in the American, led by a play-style of hustle and grit.
Big Sky Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Montana
Led by Money Williams, the Grizzlies will have one of the best offenses in the conference. Their defense is nothing to slouch at either. The team will flow through Williams, who will depend on him as a leader.
2. Northern Colorado
UNCO will bring plenty of talent to a top-heavy Big Sky this season. This team will keep it competitive with many high-ranked out-of-conference teams. Expect a show when they face Omaha on 12/3.
3. Portland State
PSU will look for many marquee wins early in the season, facing big brands like Stanford and San Francisco. Though they may not win these matchups, their talent and depth will definitely be put on display.
Big South Conference Top 3 Projected
1. High Point
HPU will look to go dancing again in March, and they should do it handily. Led by great coaching and high scoring, it would not be out of the realm for them to advance to the second weekend.
2. Winthrop
Though a step below HPU, Winthrop still brings excitement and a great team culture this season. Expect them to win games and have fun while doing. Looking forward to seeing them in the first game of the season early at 8 a.m. to officially kick off the season.
3. Radford
Radford brings an experienced team with a great culture behind them. They have one of the most passionate fanbases in all of Mid-Major hoops while playing a solid brand of basketball that keeps them in almost every game.
Big West Conference Top 3 Projected
1. UC San Diego
UCSD will bring another talented group this season that is poised for a run in March. They bring great offense and experience to a stacked Big West conference.
2. UC Irvine
Irvine will look to showcase a squad full of talented defense and shooters. Their style of play is great for the back-to-back Big West matchups. They may even get an at-large bid come March.
3. UC Santa Barbara
UCSB has the opportunity to get back in the March Madness talk this season. Their program is an established culture filled with players who are great teammates and full of hustle.
CUSA Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Liberty
The Flames should easily lead the CUSA this season. Filled with a high-powered offense, it will be hard for opponents to keep up.
2. Middle Tennessee
MTSU is a program filled with lunch-pale dudes that come in and do their jobs without needing attention. They will give trouble to many conference teams this season. Expect a swarming defense.
3. Jacksonville State
The Gamecocks have a lackluster OOC schedule with no real big opponents. This lack of prep may come back to hurt when conference play starts. Expect low-scoring defensive matchups.
CAA Conference Top 3 Projected
1. UNC Wilmington
Th,e Seahawks, led by Takayo Siddle, will go back-to-back this season to reach the tournament once again. Led by great coaching, experienced leaders such as Nolan Hodge and Noah Ross, and big-time transfers such as CJ Luster and Madison Durr, I expect the Seahawks to reach the second weekend. They will also sweep Charleston.
2. Charleston
Charleston will once again fall below UNCW, cementing itself as “little brother”. It also doesn’t help that they lost experience and talent in the portal.
3. Towson
This team is always a pre-season favorite thanks to their esteemed Coach Pat Skerry. His coaching is very commendable, but they do not have the firepower to compete for the Conference Title.
Horizon Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Robert Morris
Robert Morris should make a tournament run this year, powered by good coaching and a high-powered offense. They will play with speed and hustle.
2. Oakland
After a slower year last season, I believe the Grizzlies head back to the dance. Their coaching and culture will help keep them neck and neck in the conference, possibly edging out RMU.
3. Youngstown State
Youngstown with the help of a few key additions, should have a very talented roster with good three-point shooting. I expect their games to be very high-scoring, but the defense may leave something to be desired.
Ivy League Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Yale
The Bulldogs are a familiar tournament face who I expect will be back once again. Powered by good inside play, they will also find open perimeter shooters. This will be a deadly combo against a big dog come March.
2. Princeton
The Tigers are known for good play and upsets during the tournament. Though they may not make it this year due to some transfers, they will still have a very well-coached and polished team.
3. Cornell
The Big Red will have another positive year, but it will not be enough to keep up with the other two. I expect Cornell to be made up of speed and fundamental basketball.
MAAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac will face a tough challenge come the first game of the season against St. John’s, but I believe it will help prepare them for the rest of the season. This will be a dangerous tournament team.
2. Mount St. Mary’s
MSM will get out to a hot start once again this year, but will simmer down come conference play. They will be powered by good defense and two-pointers.
3. Iona
The Gaels will shock many this year, playing better than anticipated. Their pre-built culture should help them to come together and have one of the best chemistry in the conference.
MAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Akron
The Zips will once again be the best team in the conference, backed by experience and speed. I expect their culture will help lead them to the second weekend.
2. Miami (OH)
The RedHawks will look to be atop the MAC this year, led by great shooting and hustle defense! I expect them to be very successful in conference play.
3. Kent State
The Golden Flashes will face many challenges early in the season against other Mid-Major foes. Their success for the rest of the season will be based on how they can handle these early tests. I expect them to come out of these mostly triumphant.
MEAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Norfolk State
The Spartans will lead the MEAC once again, powered by their well-roundedness in all facets of the game. They are the most polished team in the conference and will use their tournament experience to power them through.
2. South Carolina State
SC State, not far behind Norfolk, will also help lead a top-heavy conference. They will rely on a smothering defense and getting to the basket to help them in most games.
3. Delaware State
The Hornets, though coming in third in these projections, will be well below the previous two. They will be a solid squad but will be lacking in experience and offense.
MVC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Drake
The Bulldogs will lead this conference and once again prove that they are one of the toughest Mid-Majors in the country. Their explosive three-point play and discipline can take them far come March.
2. Bradley
Bradley, though not having the success of Drake, is still a very qualified team within multiple aspects of their game. Their efficiency in getting to the line and hustle defense will take them far this season.
3. Northern Iowa
UNI will always find themselves in contention because it always seems like they are in every game. They are very effective from deep and are we,ll coached which is a formula for success.
MWC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. New Mexico
The Lobos will find themselves atop this conference. They are a very strong team that can rebound efficiently and score. It also helps that they play in one of the toughest venues in the sport, The Pit.
2. San Diego State
SDSU will rely on its previously built culture this season, stemming all the way back to its Final Four run. They score very well in the paint and can crash the boards as well as anyone.
3. Boise State
The Broncos will capitalize on a run-and-gun style of play this season, relying on quick points and transition defense. I expect their games to be very high scoring.
NEC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. CCSU
CCSU will easily hold the top spot in the conference again based on their experience and sheer talent above everyone else.
2. St. Francis PA
SFPA will finish second but not close to CCSU. They can shoot the three well but I fear their athleticism may hinder them at some points.
3. FDU
This is a heart pick, but I believe FDU can get back close to the top of the conference and make some noise. They will rely on their athleticism and basketball IQ frequently this season.
OVC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. SIUE
SIUE will shock many this season, propelling itself to the top of the conference behind good coaching and offensive efficiency.
2. SEMO
SEMO will face many early-season tests this season, which will affect them throughout the year. I think their chemistry will help propel them through conference play and will showcase a fast-paced offense.
3. Little Rock
The Trojans will find themselves in the top 3 this season behind great coaching providing creative offense schemes/plays as well as hustle defense.
Patriot Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Colgate
This is a year Colgate takes the world by storm once again, depending on their three-point play and inside presence. They will be a popular Cinderella come tournament time.
2. Navy
Navy will be one of the best Service Academies this season, using their discipline and size to score easy points that will help propel them during close games.
3. American
American will once again be a dominant team in the conference, raining down threes on their opponents while being very well-coached. I also expect their defense to take a step up from last year.
SWAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Bethune-Cookman
Bethune will shock many this season, achieving a March Madness bid for the first time in school history. This will be due to many talented transfers who, if they can stay on track, will be very successful!
2. Southern
Southern will play many high-scoring games this season, showcasing a fast-paced offense and should score at-will in conference play.
3. Jackson State
JSU will be similar to Southern though they may not have as much firepower. They also may find themselves in many close games due to defensive flaws.
SOCON Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Chattanooga
The Mocs will be atop the conference backed by their size and dominant offense. They have guys who can go for 30 any night and rebound to compete against many.
2. Samford
The Bulldogs have a culture that is unmatched in the conference. Everyone in that building wants to win and it helps that they can shoot the ball better than most.
3. UNC Greensboro
UNCG is a usual suspect atop the SOCON, mostly due to team discipline and deep ball offense. I expect them to keep that same identity this season at around the same level of success.
Southland Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Lamar
Lamar will face many early season tests this season, but will come out successfully due to their experience and defense. They will also jump McNeese who has lost mostly all production and coaching.
2. McNeese
McNeese will not return to the top of the conference due to a complete overhaul of the program, but I believe the footsteps are there for them to still continue some level of success.
3. Nichols
Nichols will be a solid team this season, specializing in hustle play and transition defense. I expect them to limit opponent abilities and capitalize on mistakes.
Summit Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Omaha
Omaha will be in the tournament once again, thanks to its culture and coaching staff. They are all bought-in and want to improve on last year badly!
2. St. Thomas
St. Thomas will be impressive this season with their three-point abilities as well as team-building. Their fanbase is also bought in, pledging more support than ever.
3. Denver
I think Denver will shock many this season, having one of their best years in recent memory right before they leave the conference. I think this will be a Cinderella-like team, counting on luck.
Sun Belt Conference Top 3 Projected
1. James Madison
James Madison will lead the conference this year and be the auto-bid. They have an amazing coaching staff and can score very well in the paint with physical play.
2. Troy
The Trojans will be a very fast-paced team this season, raining down threes and being able to get back on defense. They will score a lot of points!
3. Coastal Carolina
This will be a shock to many, but something special is brewing in Conway. The players believe in their head coach Justin Gray, and the culture that is being built. They lost many winnable games last year just due to silly mistakes. They will be well improved this season.
WAC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Utah Valley
UVU is a veteran team that will be very polished and efficient scorers in this conference. They will be hard to slow down and will be a leader in the conference.
2. Grand Canyon
GCU will be a prominent Mid-Major again this year with a solid defense, quick players, and the ability to shoot the ball.
3. Tarleton State
TSU will face multiple big brands early this season, but I believe they will surprise many! They need to count on their defense and take the easy points.
WCC Conference Top 3 Projected
1. Saint Mary’s
The Gaels will reign supreme this year, backed by effective three-point shooting and a culture that is one of the strongest in the country! I can honestly see them as a Final Four team this season.
2. Gonzaga
The Zags, though technically a Mid-Major, will always be a popular pick come tournament time. Don’t get me wrong, they will be very good this year, but I don’t think they’re the best in the conference.
3. San Francisco
The Dons are always reliable to shock the world and upset one of the first two with their three-point shooting and team discipline. However, I think they lack the size to dominate their predecessors.