It is kind of hard to believe that Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament is only five weeks away.  It is becoming time when college basketball teams are separating themselves as either tourney contenders or pretenders.  Here is The Sports Bank‘s latest Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 2/6/12

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 23-1 (SEC)
16. UNC-Asheville 18-7 (Big South)/Mississippi Valley State 11-11 (SWAC)

8. Notre Dame 15-8 (BE)
9. Illinois 16-7 (B10)

AT PORTLAND
5. San Diego State 20-3 (MWC)
12. VCU 20-5 (CAA)/N.C. State 17-7 (ACC)

4. St. Mary’s 22-2 (WCC)
13. Nevada 19-4 (WAC)

AT  OMAHA
6. Mississippi State 18-5 (SEC)
11. California 18-6 (P12)

3. Kansas 18-5 (B12)
14. Oral Roberts 21-5 (Summit)

AT COLUMBUS
7.  Virginia 18-4 (ACC)
10. Kansas State 16-6 (B12)

2. Michigan State 18-5 (B10)
15. Akron 16-7 (MAC)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Ohio State 20-3 (B10)
16. Norfolk State 16-8 (MEAC)

8. Wichita State 20-4 (MVC)
9. New Mexico 19-4 (MWC)

AT COLUMBUS
5. Louisville 18-5 (BE)
12. Miami FL 14-7 (ACC)

4. Murray State 23-0 (OVC)
13. Middle Tennessee 21-4 (Sun Belt)

AT PITTSBURGH
6. Indiana 18-6 (B10)
11. BYU 20-6 (WCC)

3. Marquette 19-5 (BE)
14. George Mason 19-6 (CAA)

AT OMAHA
7. Vanderbilt 16-7 (SEC)
10. Memphis 16-7 (CUSA)

2. Missouri 21-2 (B12)
15. Belmont 17-7 (A-Sun)

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 23-1 (BE)
16. Long Island 17-7 (NEC)/Stony Brook 15-7 (AEC)

8. Temple 17-5 (A10)
9. Harvard 20-2 (Ivy)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
5. Creighton 21-3 (MVC)
12. Minnesota 17-7 (B10)

4. Florida State 16-6 (ACC)
13. Long Beach State 17-6 (Big West)

AT NASHVILLE
6. Southern Miss 20-3 (CUSA)
11. Cincinnati 16-7 (BE)

3. Florida 19-4 (SEC)
14. Cleveland State 20-4 (Horizon)

AT GREENSBORO
7. UConn 15-7 (BE)
10. Iowa State 17-6 (B12)

2. Duke 19-4 (ACC)
15. Bucknell 18-6 (Patroit)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT GREENSBORO
1. North Carolina 20-3 (ACC)
16. UT-Arlington 17-5 (Southland)

8. West Virginia 16-8 (BE)
9. Alabama 15-7 (SEC)

AT PORTLAND
5. Wisconsin 18-6 (B10)
12. Seton Hall 15-8 (BE)/Xavier 15-8 (A10)

4. UNLV 21-4 (MWC)
13. Iona 19-5 (MAAC)

AT NASHVILLE
6. Michigan 17-7 (B10)
11. Washington 16-7 (P12)

3. Georgetown 18-4 (BE)
14. Davidson 17-5 (Southern)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
7. Gonzaga 18-4 (WCC)
10. St. Louis 18-5 (A10)

2. Baylor 21-1 (B12)
15. Weber State 18-4 (Big Sky)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Purdue 15-8 (B10)
Oregon 16-7 (P12)
Colorado 16-7 (P12)
Central Florida 17-6 (CUSA)
Arkansas 16-7 (SEC)
UMass 17-6 (A10)
Arizona 16-8 (P12)
Ohio 19-4 (MAC)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big East (9)
Big Ten (7)
ACC (6)
Big 12 (5)
SEC (5)
A10 (3)
MWC (3)
WCC (3)
CAA (2)
CUSA (2)
MVC (2)
Pac-12 (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

WCC (3)
CAA (2)
CUSA (2)
MVC (2)
Pac-12 (2)

The Big Ten is having one of the most memorable basketball seasons we’ve seen in some time. The conference leads the country with five top-25 teams and ranks number one in the RPI/Sagarin ratings.

Along with being regarded as the best conference in the nation, the Big Ten is full of intriguing stories. Here are the top five on the year thus far:
1.) Welcome Back Indiana Hoosiers

Not sure anyone, but Head Coach Tom Crean saw this one coming. The Hoosiers are ranked #20th in both polls and have a 17-7 record with wins over big-dawgs Kentucky and Ohio State. Yeah, they may 5-5 in the conference, but not even the Buckeyes are running away with the Big Ten title.

This Hoosiers team is nothing like you’ve seen the past few years, mostly because they can fill up the scoreboard. Just ask the Hawkeyes who yielded 103 points to the Hoosiers in a loss this past weekend. Indiana leads the conference with a robust 79.5 points per game.

2.) Big Ten is the Best Conference in the Country

From top to the bottom, the Big Ten has been the most competitive conference in the nation. Only the Big Ten has six teams with 16 or more wins and nine teams with an RPI in the top 51. Moreover, the Big Ten is the only conference in America to have each and every one of it’s teams ranked in the top 131 in RPI.

This should bode well for the conference come tourney time, meaning the Big Ten will most likely see eight or nine teams go dancing.

3.) Draymond Green for Player of the Year

Everyone’s player of the year in the preseason was Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger. No disrespect to Sully, but Green has been better. Green has eleven double-doubles to Sullinger’s nine and has been instrumental in helping the Spartans reach the top ten in both polls. He also has 14 games of double-digit rebounds to Sullinger’s nine. Granted Sullinger hasn’t been healthy all season, that’s more of a reason to give Green the award at the end of the season.

Mark your calenders for February 11th because it marks the first meeting between Green and Sullinger when the Spartans travel to Columbus.

4.) Cody Zeller is No Boy, But Rather a Man

Who knew Zeller would have this much of an impact when he committed to play in Bloomington? He’s no doubt the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year, but more importantly he’s the key to the Hoosiers resurgence in 2012 (see story one). His inside game has opened it up for the Hoosiers sharpshooters on the perimeter.

He’s rough around the edges and can definitely improve on the defensive end, but what else can you expect out of a freshman. If Zeller decides to stay around another year or two, he will be the talk of the conference for some time to come.

5.) Conference Title Still Up for Grabs

What makes Big Ten basketball even more exciting is the fact that four or five teams are still in the mix for the conference title. While the Buckeyes appear to be the cream of the crop, they are not invincible, evident from their two road losses at Illinois and Indiana. They have another tough road venture when they travel to Wisconsin this weekend to take on the Badgers who sit just one game back in the standings. Michigan State is only a half game back from the Buckeyes while Michigan is a full game back. For these four teams, a strong finish in the conference could mean a number one or two seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Honorable Mention: Could this be the year that Northwestern Goes Dancing?, Minnesota’s Mbakwe Out for the Year, Badgers Do it On Defense Again

What do you think of these story-lines in the Big Ten this season? Did I miss something significant? Let me know by commenting below!

Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.

OTHER BIG TEN BASKETBALL RELATED ARTICLES:

- David Kay’s latest Bracketology with EIGHT Big Ten teams dancing
- Paul Banks’ latest Big Ten Power Rankings

It is kind of hard to believe that Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament is only six weeks away.  It is becoming time when college basketball teams are separating themselves as either tourney contenders or pretenders.  Here is The Sports Bank‘s latest Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 1/30/12

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 21-1 (SEC)
16. UNC-Asheville 16-7 (Big South)/Mississippi Valley State 9-11 (SWAC)

8. Southern Miss 19-3 (CUSA)
9. Illinois 15-6 (B10)

AT COLUMBUS
5. Wisconsin 17-5 (B10)
12. BYU 18-6 (WCC)/Notre Dame 14-8 (BE)

4. Murray State 21-0 (OVC)
13. Middle Tennessee 20-3 (Sun Belt)

AT  NASHVILLE
6. Florida State 14-6 (ACC)
11. New Mexico 17-4 (MWC)

3. Georgetown 16-4 (BE)
14. Davidson 15-5 (Southern)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
7.  California 17-5 (P12)
10. Wichita State 18-4 (MVC)

2. Baylor 19-2 (B12)
15. Weber State 16-4 (Big Sky)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Ohio State 19-3 (B10)
16. Norfolk State 16-6 (MEAC)

8. Kansas State 15-5 (B12)
9. Memphis 15-6 (CUSA)

AT PORTLAND
5. St. Mary’s 21-2 (WCC)
12. Oregon 16-6 (P12)/Ole Miss 14-7 (SEC)

4. Creighton 20-2 (MVC)
13. Nevada 18-3 (WAC)

AT PITTSBURGH
6. Virginia 17-3 (ACC)
11. Xavier 14-7 (A10)

3. Marquette 18-4 (BE)
14. George Mason 18-5 (CAA)

AT OMAHA
7. Michigan 16-6 (B10)
10. Alabama 13-7 (SEC)

2. Missouri 19-2 (B12)
15. Akron 14-7 (MAC)

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 22-1 (BE)
16. Long Island 15-7 (NEC)/Stony Brook 13-7 (AEC)

8. Temple 15-5 (A10)
9. Harvard 18-2 (Ivy)

AT NASHVILLE
5. Indiana 17-5 (B10)
12. UMass 16-5 (A10)

4. Florida 17-4 (SEC)
13. Iona 17-5 (MAAC)

AT COLUMBUS
6. San Diego State 18-3 (MWC)
11. St. Louis 16-5 (A10)

3. Michigan State 17-4 (B10)
14. Cleveland State 18-4 (Horizon)

AT GREENSBORO
7. UConn 14-6 (BE)
10. Iowa State 15-6 (B12)

2. North Carolina 18-3 (ACC)
15. Bucknell 17-6 (Patroit)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT GREENSBORO
1. Duke 18-3 (ACC)
16. UT-Arlington 15-5 (Southland)

8. West Virginia 15-7 (BE)
9. Minnesota 16-6 (B10)

AT PORTLAND
5. Vanderbilt 16-5 (SEC)
12. Washington 14-7 (P12)

4. Gonzaga 17-3 (WCC)
13. Long Beach State 16-6 (Big West)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
6. Louisville 17-5 (BE)
11. Purdue 15-7 (B10)

3. UNLV 20-3 (MWC)
14. Oral Roberts 20-4 (Summit)

AT OMAHA
7. Mississippi State 17-5 (SEC)
10. Seton Hall 15-6 (BE)

2. Kansas 17-4 (B12)
15. Belmont 15-7 (A-Sun)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Dayton 14-7 (A10)
Cincinnati 15-7 (BE)
Stanford 15-6 (P12)
N.C. State 15-7 (ACC)
Arkansas 15-6 (SEC)
VCU 18-5 (CAA)
Wyoming 17-4 (MWC)
Central Florida 15-6 (CUSA)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big East (8)
Big Ten (8)
SEC (6)
Big 12 (5)
ACC (4)
A10 (4)
Pac-12 (3)
MWC (3)
WCC (3)
MVC (2)
CUSA (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

I am well aware that the 2012 NBA Draft has not even occurred yet.  Still, we are looking ahead to the 2013 NBA Draft with insanely early projections on how it may unfold.  Team needs and outstanding trades have NOT been taken into consideration with this 2013 NBA mock draft.  Click on the players’ name for a complete, in-depth scouting report.

(By the way, The Sports Bank was graded as the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.)

CLICK HERE FOR THE SPORTS BANK’S 2012 NBA MOCK DRAFT

1. Charlotte- Shabazz Muhammed, SF, Undecided, 6-6, HS Sr.
Considered by many as the top recruit in the 2012 class, Shabazz Muhammed has a complete all-around game.

2. Washington- Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor, 6-9 Fr.
A gifted athlete especially in the open floor, Quincy Miller has a well-rounded game as he can stroke it from deep.

Go here for more on Quincy Miller

3. Detroit- Steven Adams, C, Pitt, 7-0, HS Sr.
The New Zealand native has the ideal size to be a true NBA center and a decent skill set to match.

4. New Orleans- Kyle Anderson, SF, UCLA, 6-7, HS Sr.
Kyle Anderson is a smooth, all-around talent who is capable of playing a point forward type role.

5. Toronto- James McAdoo, F, North Carolina, 6-9, Fr.
He is UNC’s sixth man this season but the combo forward might be the team’s best long-term prospect.

Go here for more on James McAdoo

6. Sacramento- Isaiah Austin, C, Baylor, 7-0, HS Sr.
The Baylor recruit is a rim protector due to his length and athleticism, but needs to get much stronger.

7. Golden State- Austin Rivers, SG, Duke, 6-4, Fr.
A pure scorer, Doc’s son can light it up from deep and is also extremely effective off the bounce.  He needs to get stronger though.

Go here for more on Austin Rivers

8. Phoenix- Cody Zeller, C, Indiana, 6-11, Fr.
The Hoosier freshman is a talented, athletic big man but needs to add weight and muscle before being ready for the next level.

Go here for more on Cody Zeller

9. New Jersey- Patric Young, PF, Florida, 6-9, So.
Patric Young is built like a house and very athletic, but limited with his offensive game.

10. New York- Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s, 6-8, Fr.
Moe Harkless is a skilled, lengthy, athletic wing who can you inside or outside.

11. Milwaukee- Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke, 6-10, Jr.
Athletically gifted, Mason Plumlee makes his biggest impact on the boards but also shown more aggression as a scorer in his junior season.

Go here for more on the Plumlees

12. Minnesota- Dario Saric, SF, Croatia, 6-10, 1994
The prototypical, versatile European, Dario Saric has great handles but has a long way to go in his physical development.

13. Memphis- Myck Kabongo, PG, Texas, 6-1, Fr.
A pure distributor, Kabonogo hasn’t lived up to expectations as a freshman but is still a big time talent.

14. Houston- Dion Waiters, G, Syracuse, 6-4, So.
The Orange sixth man is having a breakout season and is dangerous off the bounce or shooting the rock.

15. Cleveland- Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan, 6-5, So.
The Wolverine sophomore can score the basketball in a variety of ways.

Go here for more on Tim Hardaway Jr.

16. Boston- Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee, 6-8, Fr.
The Volunteer freshman enrolled in college a semester early and is already a beast down low.

17. L.A. Lakers- Adonis Thomas, G/F, Memphis, 6-6, Fr.
Already blessed with a NBA-ready build, the Tiger freshman is a tough match-up due to his strength, athleticism, and ability to shoot the ball.  An ankle injury ended his freshman season early.

Go here for more on Adonis Thomas

18. Utah- Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas, 6-7, Fr.
The former Mizzou commit just recently became eligible at North Texas.  His athleticism makes him attractive for the next level.

19. Dallas- LeBryan Nash, SF, Oklahoma State, 6-7, Fr.
The OSU freshman has incredible athleticism and strength but needs to work on his outside shot.

Go here for more on Lebryan Nash

20. Portland- Ryan Harrow, PG, Kentucky, 6-2, So.
The N-C State transfer will sit out this season but should greatly benefit playing the point for John Calipari next season.

21. San Antonio- Christian Watford, SF, Indiana, 6-9, Jr.
Christian Watford is a versatile, athletic combo forward with great size.

Go here for more on Christian Watford

22. L.A. Clippers- Fab Melo, C, Syracuse, 7-0, So.
The Orange big man has shown steady improvement and is in much better shape this season, but is still developing as a post player.

23. Orlando- Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn, 6-0, Soph.
His size is a concern, but Shabazz Napier’s natural feel as a point guard, ability to shoot the ball, and peskiness as a defender is hard to overlook.

24. Indiana- Allen Crabbe, SG, Cal, 6-6, So.
A talented shooter, Allen Crabbe needs to improve his dribble attack game.

25. Philadelphia- C.J. Lesile, F, N.C. State, 6-9, So.
A ridiculous athlete who excels above the rim, C.J. Lesile will need to develop the other areas of his game in his second year with the Wolfpack.

26. Atlanta- Rodney Hood, SF, Mississippi State, 6-8, Fr.
The athletic lefty has a smooth stroke from the perimeter.

27. Denver- Royce White, PF, Iowa State, 6-8, So.
He has had his share of issues during his collegiate career, but is a big body who handles the ball well for his size.

Go here for more on Royce White

28. Miami- Fuquan Edwin, G/F, Seton Hall, 6-6, So.
Edwin is an athletic wing who could become a terrific perimeter at the next level.

29. Chicago- Khris Middleton, SF, Texas A&M, 6-7, Jr.
The Aggie junior battled injury early this season but has a nice inside/outside game.

30. Oklahoma City- Alex Oriakhi, PF, UConn, 6-9, Jr.
The Husky big man has the size and strength to be a serviceable post player in the league.

Second Round
31. Charlotte- Maalik Wayns, PG, Villanova, 6-2, Jr.

32. Washington- Aaric Murray, C, West Virginia, 6-10, Jr.

33. Detroit- Mouphtaou Yarou, PF/C, Villanova, 6-10, Jr.

34. New Orleans- Aziz N’Diaye, C, Washington, 7-0, Jr.

35. Toronto- Elias Harris, F, Gonzaga, 6-7, Jr.

36. Sacramento- Lucas Noguiera, C, Brazil, 7-0, 1992

37. Golden State- J’Covan Brown, G, Texas, 6-1, Jr.

38. Phoenix- Jared Cunningham, G, Oregon State, 6-4, Jr.

39. New Jersey- Raul Neto, PG, Brazil, 6-2, 1992

40. New York- Zeke Marshall, C, Akron, 7-0, Jr.

41. Milwaukee- Rodney Williams, SF, Minnesota, 6-7, Jr.

Go here for more on Rodney Williams

42. Minnesota- Michael Snaer, SG, Florida State, 6-4, Jr.

43. Memphis- Tony Mitchell, SF, Alabama, 6-6, Jr.

44. Houston- Jeff Withey, C, Kansas, 6-11, Jr.

45. Cleveland- Elijah Johnson, G, Kansas, 6-4, Jr.

46. Boston- C.J. McCullom, SG, Lehigh, 6-3, Jr.

47. L.A. Lakers- Keith Clanton, PF, UCF, 6-8, Jr.

48. Utah- Dexter Strickland, SG, North Carolina, 6-3, Jr.

49. Dallas- Arsalan Kazemi, SF, Rice, 6-8, Jr.

50. Portland- Erick Green, PG, Virginia Tech, 6-4, Jr.

51. San Antonio- Kenny Boynton, G, Florida, 6-2, Jr.

52. L.A. Clippers- Matthew Dellavedova, PG, St. Mary’s, 6-4, Jr.

53. Orlando- Tim Frazier, PG, Penn State, 6-1, Jr.

Go here for more on Tim Frazier

54. Indiana- Andre Dawkins, SG, Duke, 6-4, Jr.

55. Philadelphia- Brandon Paul, G, Illinois, 6-3, Jr.

Go here for more on Brandon Paul

56. Atlanta- Wally Judge, PF, Rutgers, 6-9, Jr.

57. Denver- Solomon Hill, SF, Arizona, 6-6, Jr.

58. Miami- Ryan Kelly, PF, Duke, 6-10, Jr.

59. Chicago- Isaiah Canaan, PG, Murray State, 6-1, Jr.

60. Oklahoma City- Peyton Siva, PG, Louisville, 5-11, Jr.

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

With conference play underway, we begin to get a better feel for how college basketball teams stack up in our Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 1/23/12

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 19-1 (SEC)
16. UNC-Asheville 14-7 (Big South)/Mississippi Valley State 7-11 (SWAC)

8. Southern Miss 17-3 (CUSA)
9. Dayton 14-5 (A10)

AT COLUMBUS
5. West Virginia 15-5 (BE)
12. Iona 15-4 (MAAC)

4. Indiana 16-4 (B10)
13. Mississippi 13-6 (SEC)/Oregon 15-5 (P12)

AT  NASHVILLE
6. Vanderbilt 14-5 (SEC)
11. Minnesota 15-5 (B10)

3. Georgetown 16-3 (BE)
14. Middle Tennessee 19-2 (Sun Belt)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
7. Florida State 13-6 (ACC)
10. California 16-5 (P12)

2. Baylor 17-2 (B12)
15. Weber State 15-3 (Big Sky)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Ohio State 17-3 (B10)
16. Norfolk State 15-5 (MEAC)

8. Temple 13-5 (A10)
9. Alabama 13-6 (SEC)

AT PORTLAND
5. St. Mary’s 19-2 (WCC)
12. Iowa State 14-5 (B12)

4. Creighton 18-2 (MVC)
13. Long Beach State 14-6 (Big West)

AT PITTSBURGH
6. Virginia 15-3 (ACC)
11. Central Florida 15-4 (CUSA)

3. Marquette 16-4 (BE)
14. Belmont 13-7 (A-Sun)

AT OMAHA
7. Michigan 15-5 (B10)
10. New Mexico 15-4 (MWC)

2. Kansas 16-3 (B12)
15. Akron 12-7 (MAC)

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 20-1 (BE)
16. Long Island 14-6 (NEC)/Stony Brook 12-7 (AEC)

8. Illinois 15-5 (B10)
9. Harvard 15-2 (Ivy)

AT NASHVILLE
5. Florida 15-4 (SEC)
12. St. Louis 15-4 (A10)/BYU 17-5 (WCC)

4. Murray State 20-0 (OVC)
13. Davidson 14-4 (Southern)

AT COLUMBUS
6. UConn 14-5 (BE)
11. Xavier 13-6 (A10)

3. Michigan State 16-4 (B10)
14. Cleveland State 17-4 (Horizon)

AT GREENSBORO
7. Mississippi State 16-4 (SEC)
10. Louisville 15-5 (BE)

2. Duke 16-3 (ACC)
15. Bucknell 15-6 (Patroit)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT OMAHA
1. Missouri 18-1 (B12)
16. UT-Arlington 13-5 (Southland)

8. Wisconsin 16-5 (B10)
9. Wichita State 17-3 (MVC)

AT PORTLAND
5. San Diego State 17-2 (MWC)
12. Purdue 14-6 (B10)

4. Gonzaga 16-3 (WCC)
13. Nevada 16-3 (WAC)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
6. Kansas State 14-4 (B12)
11. Cincinnati 15-5 (BE)

3. UNLV 18-3 (MWC)
14. Oral Roberts 18-4 (Summit)

AT GREENSBORO
7. Seton Hall 15-4 (BE)
10. Memphis 13-6 (CUSA)

2. North Carolina 16-3 (ACC)
15. George Mason 15-5 (CAA)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Stanford 15-5 (P12)
N.C. State 15-5 (ACC)
Marshall 13-6 (CUSA)
Colorado State 13-5 (MWC)
Arkansas 14-5 (SEC)
Colorado 13-6 (P12)
Northwestern 12-7 (B10)
Texas 12-7 (B12)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big East (8)
Big Ten (8)
SEC (6)
Big 12 (5)
ACC (4)
A10 (4)
CUSA(3)
MWC (3)
WCC (3)
MVC (2)
Pac-12 (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

With conference play underway, we begin to get a better feel for how college basketball teams stack up in our Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 1/16/12

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 20-0 (BE)
16. Long Island 12-6 (NEC)/Stony Brook 10-7 (AEC)

8. Harvard 15-2 (Ivy)
9. Wisconsin 14-5 (B10)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
5. Murray State 18-0 (OVC)
12. Dayton 13-5 (A10)

4. Vanderbilt 13-4 (SEC)
13. Long Beach State 12-6 (Big West)

AT PITTSBURGH
6. Florida 14-4 (SEC)
11. Marshall 13-4 (CUSA)

3. UConn 14-3 (BE)
14. Belmont 12-6 (ASun)

AT COLUMBUS
7. Kansas State 12-4 (B12)
10. Temple 11-5 (A10)

2. Michigan State 15-3 (B10)
15. Akron 11-6 (MAC)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT ALBUQUERQUE
1. Baylor 17-0 (B12)
16. UT-Arlington 11-5 (Southland)

8. California 15-4 (P12)
9. Louisville 14-5 (BE)

AT PORTLAND
5. UNLV 16-3 (MWC)
12. Iona 14-4 (MAAC)

4. Gonzaga 14-3 (WCC)
13. Davidson 12-4 (Southern)

AT NASHVILLE
6. Creighton 15-2 (MVC)
11. Southern Mississippi 16-3 (CUSA)

3. Georgetown 14-3 (BE)
14. Middle Tennessee 17-2 (Sun Belt)

AT LOUISVILLE
7. Alabama 13-4 (SEC)
10. BYU 15-4 (WCC)

2. Ohio State 16-3 (B10)
15. George Mason 13-5 (CAA)

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 17-1 (SEC)
16. UNC-Asheville 12-6 (Big South)/Texas Southern 5-11 (SWAC)

8. San Diego State 15-2 (MWC)
9. Memphis 12-5 (CUSA)

AT NASHVILLE
5. Seton Hall 15-3 (BE)
12. Florida State 11-6 (ACC)

4. Indiana 15-3 (B10)
13. St. Louis 14-4 (A10)/Oregon 13-5 (P12)

AT  OMAHA
6. Michigan 14-4 (B10)
11. Cincinnati 14-4 (BE)

3. Kansas 14-3 (BE)
14. Weber State 14-3 (Big Sky)

AT GREENSBORO
7. West Virginia 13-5 (BE)
10. Purdue 13-5 (B10)

2. North Carolina 15-3 (ACC)
15. Bucknell 13-6 (Patriot)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT GREENSBORO
1. Duke 15-2 (ACC)
16. Norfolk State 13-5 (MEAC)

8. Xavier 12-5 (A10)
9. New Mexico 15-2 (MWC)

AT PORTLAND
5. Mississippi State 15-3 (SEC)
12. Northwestern 12-5 (B10)/Iowa State 12-5 (B12)

4. Marquette 15-4 (BE)
13. Nevada 14-3 (WAC)

AT COLUMBUS
6. Virginia 14-2 (ACC)
11. Stanford 15-3 (P12)

3. Illinois 15-3 (B10)
14. Oral Roberts 16-4 (Summit)

AT OMAHA
7. St. Mary’s 17-2 (WCC)
10. Wichita State 15-3 (MVC)

2. Missouri 17-1 (B12)
15. Milwaukee 13-6 (Horizon)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Central Florida 13-4 (CUSA)
Minnesota 12-5 (B10)
Texas 12-5 (B12)
Colorado State 12-4 (MWC)
N.C. State 13-5 (ACC)
Arizona 12-6 (P12)
Notre Dame 11-7 (BE)
Northern Iowa 13-6 (MVC)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big East (9)
Big Ten (8)
Big 12 (5)
SEC (5)
ACC (4)
A10 (4)
Pac-12 (3)
MWC (3)
CUSA(3)
WCC (3)
MVC (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

With conference play tipping off, we begin to get a better feel for how college basketball teams stack up in our Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 1/2/12

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 15-0 (BE)
16. Robert Morris 10-4 (NEC)/Vermont 6-8 (AEC)

8. Harvard 12-1 (Ivy)
9. Temple 9-3 (A10)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
5. Kansas State 11-1 (B12)
12. Arizona 10-4 (P12)

4. Alabama 10-3 (SEC)
13. Cleveland State 12-3 (Horizon)

AT NASHVILLE
6. Wisconsin 12-3 (B10)
11. Stanford 12-2 (P12)

3. Georgetown 12-1 (BE)
14. Charleston 10-3 (Southern)

AT OMAHA
7. Murray State 14-0 (OVC)
10. Wichita State 10-3 (MVC)

2. Missouri 13-0 (B12)
15. South Dakota State 12-4 (Summit)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT PITTSBURGH
1. UConn 12-1 (BE)
16. Coastal Carolina 10-3 (Big South)

8. Illinois 12-3 (B10)
9. St. Mary’s 13-2 (WCC)

AT PORTLAND
5. Michigan 12-2 (B10)
12. Texas A&M 9-3 (B12)

4. Gonzaga 11-2 (WCC)
13. George Mason 9-4 (CAA)

AT COLUMBUS
6. Virginia 12-1 (ACC)
11. Pittsburgh 11-4 (BE)

3. Indiana 13-1 (B10)
14. Nevada 10-3 (WAC)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
7. Creighton 11-2 (MVC)
10. San Diego State 12-2 (MWC)

2. Baylor 13-0 (B12)
15. Weber State 10-3 (Big Sky)

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 9-1 (SEC)
16. Lamar 9-5 (Southland)/Alabama State 3-9 (SWAC)

8. West Virginia 10-4 (BE)
9. Xavier 9-4 (A10)

AT PORTLAND
5. Kansas 10-3 (B12)
12. Virginia Tech 11-3 (ACC)/UCF 10-3 (CUSA)

4. UNLV 15-2 (MWC)
13. Iona 10-3 (MAAC)

AT COLUMBUS
6. Vanderbilt 9-4 (SEC)
11. Texas 10-3 (B12)

3. Michigan State 13-2 (B10)
14. Long Beach State 7-6 (Big West)

AT GREENSBORO
7. Purdue 12-3 (B10)
10. Cincinnati 11-3 (BE)

2. North Carolina 13-2 (ACC)
15. Bucknell 9-6 (Patriot)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT GREENSBORO
1. Duke 12-1 (ACC)
16. Norfolk State 10-5 (MEAC)

8. Southern Mississippi 13-2 (C-USA)
9. California 12-3 (P12)

AT OMAHA
5. Florida 11-3 (SEC)
12. St. Louis 12-2 (A10)/New Mexico 12-2 (MWC)

4. Marquette 12-2 (BE)
13. Ohio 12-1 (MAC)

AT NASHVILLE
6. Mississippi State 12-2 (SEC)
11. Minnesota 12-3 (B10)

3. Louisville 12-2 (BE)
14. Belmont 9-5 (A-Sun)

AT LOUISVILLE
7. Seton Hall 12-2 (BE)
10. Memphis 8-5 (CUSA)

2. Ohio State 13-2 (B10)
15. Middle Tennessee 13-2 (Sun Belt)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Oklahoma 10-2 (B12)
Indiana State 10-3 (MVC)
Northern Iowa 10-4 (MVC)
Washington 8-5 (P12)
Northwestern 11-3 (B10)
Florida State 8-5 (ACC)
Iowa State 10-3 (B12)
VCU 10-3 (CAA)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big East (9)
Big Ten (8)
Big 12 (7)
SEC (5)
ACC (4)
Pac-12 (3)
A10 (3)
MWC (3)
CUSA(3)
WCC (2)
MVC (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.

One of my all time favorite The Simpsons quotes:

“Mr. Simpson, this is the biggest case of false advertising since my suit against the film the Never Ending Story” –Lionel Hutz

The legendary lawyer played by the late, great Phil Hartman refers to a 1984 film with a running time of 94 minutes. Illinois escaping 81-72 in 2 OT over the Minnesota Golden Gophers ran about 2 hours, 40 minutes. It was a game in which no one ever seemed to want to take it, until finally, the Illini dominated the final four minutes of the final OT.

Now that it’s over I still can’t tell you if I just watched two future 7-11 in Big Ten teams slug it out with each other, or two future 11-7 in conference play teams. That’s how unpredictable the Big Ten will be.

Minnesota had a chance to ice it when they were up 64-62 with 15.9 left to play, but Julian Welch (the Gophers leading scorer at 9.9 ppg) missed the front end of a one-in-one and Meyers Leonard made both free throws at the other end to tie it.

And later in the second overtime, Leonard had a spin and score that just screamed…well, if you don’t own any Meyers Leonard NBA Draft stock, as your broker, I advise a STRONG BUY on it. Yes, Leonard is probably as good as gone to the pros after this year, as he put up another double double (20 points, 11 rebounds.)

Pneumonia kept me from watching this game at my usual seat at press row, so I instead watched the game on my Droid Bionic. For smartphone users, this B1G game was available live on Verizon Video, as are three more games tomorrow night: Ohio State vs. Northwestern, Indiana at Michigan State and Purdue at Iowa.

The Illini have looked absolutely vulnerable in their last four home wins (St. Bonaventure, Coppin St., Cornell and this one) but they are 9-0 at Assembly Hall for the third straight year nonetheless. They’re also 28-2 in the last 30 versus Minnesota, and they’ve only lost at home to the Gophers once since 1996.

Maybe Illinois needed Crandall Head in this one? (Well, probably not as he didn’t do much during his Illini career) However, the announcement of his leaving the program today could have been a distraction.

Prior to this game I wondered why MN had a RPI of 17. It seemed absurd given how easy their schedule was, but maybe Minnesota is better than we thought?

Whether they’re better or Illinois is worse I have a feeling every Illini loss will be narrow, and that every win will be ugly and grindy from here on out. If you’re an Illini fan with stress-induced health issues, hypertension, cardiac disease etc. I suggest you consult your doctor before deciding to keep watching this season.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines, I am disclosing that I have received a Motorola Droid Bionic from Verizon Wireless free of charge, in return for my agreement to blog about my experiences with the Droid Bionic. Although I have a material connection to Verizon Wireless, any publicy stated opinions of Verizon Wireless and their products remain my own.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Since Christmas fell on a Sunday this year, today is a day NO ONE is at work. There’s no Federal services, no trading on the stock market this Monday. It’s December 26th, so if you’re a mindless-zombie-worker bee-corporate drone-lemming, I know exactly where you are today- at the mall making your Christmas gift returns. (Remember to take the receipts!)

I’m guessing I know what you did on the day after Thanksgiving too, door busters! But for those of us who actually have a shred of individuality, let’s move on to the Big Ten basketball POWER rankings. The cupcake/puff scheduling is over. You ever wonder why the weak mid/low-majors get referred to as pastries? Baked goods are considered sugary and weak I guess. Now it’s time for the “meat and potatoes” of Big Ten conference play. Enjoy!

1.) #2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-3, 2-2)

I think the Buckeyes aren’t just the best team in the conference, but also the nation. Why? Because now they have an Aaron Craft to complement a Jared Sullinger.

2.) #13 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0)

So what’s changed? Well a lot of things, but the main addition is Cody Zeller, McDonald’s All-American. More on that here

3.) #11 Wisconsin Badgers (11-2)

Teams can’t really figure out a way to score 50 on these guys. When they play Illinois, seriously expect that game to finish in the 30s. From 11 Warriors:

They held MVSU to a paltry 29.2% from the field and 20 points fewer than their season average. In regard to the Delta Devils, Bo Ryan looked on and coldheartedly declared, “if he dies, he dies.”⁴

4.) #18 Michigan Wolverines (10-2)

Trey Burke and Jordan Morgan have been a pleasant surprise, Evan Smotcryzxyxysysssyq, oh I don’t feel like looking up the spelling right now, has been the biggest surprise of all.

5.) #16 Michigan State Spartans (11-2,)

Same ‘ol Spartans. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Especially with the rebounding efforts. Not so much with the free throw shooting thus far. Or the defense versus Lehigh. No Tom Izzo teams give up points like that- unless you’re playing the 2009-09 North Carolina Tar Heels.

6.) #RV Illinois Fighting Illini (11-2)

I guess we do know their identity now: a team that plays up and down to its competition. Which means they’ll fit right in in this wide open Big Ten. More on this here

7.) Purdue Boilermakers (10-3)

The Butler loss was perplexing. This will be a down year in West Lafayette. But how will “down year” be defined? It could be like Michigan State last year, and still include a trip to the NCAAs, or it could mean 13+ losses.

8.) Northwestern Wildcats (10-2)

Blew their two chances to build up their RPI for their tourney profile. Will need a 10-8 in conference or better to have a shot at an at-large bid

9.) Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-1)

Don’t be fooled by that record- they barely escaped versus DePaul, and will have get eaten alive inside in the Big Ten without Trevor Mbwake

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio shows all across the world. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

With the 2011-2012 college basketball season tipping off tonight, what better time to unveil our first Bracketology?  I have more than held my own the past couple of years against ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and with my extreme college hoops nerdom, plan to do so again this year.  Check back every week for an update.

UPDATED: 12/19/11

EAST REGIONAL-Boston        

AT PITTSBURGH
1. Syracuse 11-0 (BE)
16. Robert Morris 8-3 (NEC)/Vermont 4-7 (AEC)

8. Minnesota 11-1 (B10)
9. Florida State 8-3 (ACC)

AT NASHVILLE
5. Indiana 10-0 (B10)
12. Oklahoma 8-1 (B12)

4. Florida 8-2 (SEC)
13. Indiana State 8-2 (MVC)/Temple 6-3 (A10)

AT COLUMBUS
6. Michigan 9-2 (B10)
11. Vanderbilt 6-4 (SEC)

3. Pitt 10-1 (BE)
14. Charleston 9-1 (Southern)

AT GREENSBORO
7. Texas A&M 8-2 (B12)
10. St. Louis 10-1 (A10)

2. North Carolina 9-2 (ACC)
15. Coastal Carolina 9-1 (Big South)

WEST REGIONAL-Phoenix

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Ohio State 10-1 (B10)
16. Denver 8-2 (Sun Belt)

8. California 9-2 (P12)
9. West Virginia 7-2 (BE)

AT COLUMBUS
5. Mississippi State 11-1 (SEC)
12. Cleveland State 10-1 (Horizon)

4. Xavier 8-1 (A10)
13. George Mason 7-3 (CAA)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
6. UNLV 11-2 (MWC)
11. Memphis 5-4 (CUSA)

3. Kansas 7-2 (B12)
14. Nevada 8-3 (WAC)

AT OMAHA
7. Illinois 10-1 (B10)
10. St. Mary’s 8-1 (WCC)

2. Marquette 10-0 (BE)
15. Weber State 6-3 (Big Sky)

SOUTH REGIONAL-Atlanta

AT LOUISVILLE
1. Kentucky 9-1 (SEC)
16. Lamar 8-3 (Southland)/Alabama State 2-7 (SWAC)

8. Murray State 12-0 (OVC)
9. Texas 9-2 (B12)

AT PORTLAND
5. Michigan State 9-2 (B10)
12. Arizona 7-4 (P12)/UCF 8-2 (CUSA)

4. Georgetown 9-1 (BE)
13. Iona 9-2 (MAAC)

AT ALBUQUERQUE
6. Alabama 8-3 (SEC)
11. San Diego State 9-2 (MWC)

3. Baylor 9-0 (B12)
14. Long Beach State 4-5 (Big West)

AT NASHVILLE
7. Creighton 8-1 (MVC)
10. Southern Miss 8-2 (CUSA)

2. Louisville 10-0 (BE)
15. Oakland 8-4 (Summit)

MIDWEST REGIONAL- St.Louis

AT GREENSBORO
1. Duke 9-1 (ACC)
16. Norfolk State 7-5 (MEAC)

8. Seton Hall 9-1 (BE)
9. Harvard 9-1 (Ivy)

AT PORTLAND
5. Kansas State 7-1 (B12)
12. Stanford 9-1 (P12)

4. Wisconsin 10-2 (B10)
13. Kent State 7-1 (MAC)

AT OMAHA
6. Gonzaga 7-2 (WCC)
11. Purdue 9-3 (B10)

3. Missouri 11-0 (B12)
14. Belmont 7-4 (A-Sun)

AT PITTSBURGH
7. Virginia 9-1 (ACC)
10. Northern Iowa 9-1 (MVC)

2. UConn 9-1 (BE)
15. Bucknell 7-4 (Patriot)

Wrong Side of the Bubble:
Dayton 8-3 (A10)
BYU 8-3 (WCC)
Northwestern 10-1 (B10)
Oregon State 8-2 (P12)
Virginia Tech 8-3 (ACC)
Wichita State 8-2 (MVC)
New Mexico 8-2 (MWC)
Marshall 7-2 (CUSA)

Multiple Bid Conferences:
Big Ten (8)
Big East (8)
Big 12 (7)
SEC (5)
ACC (4)
Pac-12 (3)
A10 (3)
MVC (3)
CUSA(3)
WCC (2)
MWC (2)

Click here for a list of RPI and SOS

David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.  He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.  David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu.  He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.

You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.