Archive - 2009 - Article

It's an odd year for mid-major college basketball. For one, there's a dominant non-traditional team, and it's not Memphis or Gonzaga. In fact, the three best teams not in a Power Six conference this year are a bunch of newer names to the power structure of college basketball. At the same time, there just aren't as many good mid-major teams this season as in years past, and it could be a very good year for fringe power conference teams to make the NCAA Tournament as a result.

The Big 12 showcased six teams in the NCAA tournament last year, two reaching the Elite Eight round. As usual, they were one of the best conferences in the nation, and things won’t be too different this year. Kansas is the unanimous #1 ranked team in the country coming into the season. Texas has as much depth as anyone and with a mix of proven returnees and an outstanding freshman class. Oklahoma loses the best player in the country, but still has a very good one in Willie Warren.

By Vladimir Radicevic, Superkosarka magazine - Croatia

Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams expects to see more parity in the ACC this season.