Atlantic 10 St. Bonaventure- 15 wins in the second year of Mark Schmidt's regime were the most the Bonnies' have had in 6 years. Covered 7 out of 9 to close out the regular season last season, with one of the non-covers by a single point. F Andrew Nicholson is one of the best players you've likely never heard of and he should be all-conference as a sophomore this season. Opened this season with convincing home win over Cleveland St. and 1 point loss to St. John's.

Big East Pitt- Sure they won't be as good as last season's group, but with the Big East weaker overall, I think the Panthers have a good chance to suprise to finish in the conference's top 5 or 6. Jamie Dixon does an underrated job here, as Pitt has won 25 or more straight games 4 straight seasons. Dixon needs a true point guard to emerge from the group of Travon Woodall (injured last season, but 13 assists against Binghamton last week), Ashton Gibbs (is he a 1 or 2), and Chase Adams (transfer from Centenary). If one does, this team can be very tough as early as December once injured Gilbert Brown and Jermaine Dixon get back into the lineup. Panthers won't fall as far as some are predicting.

Big 10 Minnesota- Most have the Gophers picked 3rd or 4th in the Big 10, but I think they can take the next step under Tubby Smith, and perhaps challenge either Purdue or Michigan St. for conference honors. FR Rodney Williams adds to one of the nation's best, deepest frontcourts, and if a shooter can step up anywhere on this team, the Gophers can jump and defend with anyone.

Colonial William &Mary- The Colonial looks very deep, but of the "rest" behind the conference's Big 3 of VCU, George Mason, and ODU, I like the Tribe to provide the most line value. They are very experienced and play with a high basketball IQ. If PG Kendrix Brown can return to the lineup, and SR Sean McCurdy continues to play like he has in Brown's absence, this team can .500 or so and provide strong value all season. They've covered their first four games, including a win over Richmond and a 9 point loss to the UConn Huskies.

Horizon Detroit- The Titans appear to be a really improved team talent wise, as 6'9 250 lb. Eli Homan joins fellow Indiana transfer Xavier Keeling and SF Thomas Howard to form the Horizon's top frontcourt outside of Butler. If Mercy can get FR Jason Calliste eligible (could have played at some bigger name schools), this team should take a big step forward in the league. Off to a 4-0 (3-1 ATS)

Missouri Valley Indiana St.- The Sycamores went 7-2 SU and 10 -2 ATS down the stretch last season under former Creighton assistant Sean Mckenna. They add Jake Kelly, who could of been one of the top 7-8 guards in the Big 10 this season, to the conference's deepest and possibly it's best (or close behind Illinois St.) backcourt, which includes excellent 2-way SR Harry Marshall. Once these guards get a feel for each other, this team should move into the top half of the MVC this season. They are definitely a little thin up front, but will be a very tough matchup for many teams.

Mountain West TCU- This is mainly a bet on 2nd year HC Jim Christian, whose teams were so defensively tough, and seemed to bring at every night at Kent St. Christian brought in 6 newcomers that figure to be in the rotation this season, and as this team gains some maturity and cohesiveness, they should get stronger as the year progresses.

SEC Arkansas- This one comes with a bit of an asterick, as 4 of the Hogs' top 7 are out due to suspension, and another is injured. This team is extremely athletic and once PG Courtney Fortson gets back, they will be the real wild card in the SEC. This team can play inside, outside, and can go at least ten deep. Playing team ball and meshing in a talented recruiting class with the returnees will be HC John Pelphrey's challenge, but the Razorbacks' can be very dangerous. SG Rotnei Clark is one of the nation's purest shooters, and has the heart of a lion.