Archive - Oct 2011 - Article

Goodbye East and West. The SEC will be one 12-team division beginning in 2011-2012, and in the name of schedule parity; good riddance. Logistical issues aside, the product on the court should be plenty strong. The league has four teams ranked in the top 17 and the influx of new talent is widespread. After sending 4 teams dancing in 2010 and 5 in 2011, anything short of 6 participants this season would be a disappointment.

1. Kentucky Wildcats

1. Steven Adams

Power Forward, New Zealand

Steven AdamsSteven Adams, 18, is the youngest and most talented international center potentially available in the '12 draft. However, NBA fans are not likely to see him on draft night until 2013; he is verbally committed to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2012-13.

Fresh off a newsworthy summer filled with surprises, added talent and sneaky escapes, the Big East is positioned to remain in the spotlight as another year of college hoops approaches. I think the 27-month notice period is a good thing, kind of like a two-minute warning for those who’ve appreciated the rivalries for so long.

Either way, all will be temporarily forgotten once January rolls around. If anything, the planned divorce will only enhance the rivalries and make for a more entertaining and competitive season.

The Pac 12 Conference hasn't been receiving much respect on the national scale in recent seasons in comparison to it's "power conference" counterparts. The conference will try to change that perception this year but it will take a much better non-conference performance then has been seen recently to earn some of that respect back.

1. Andre Drummond, UConn

Andre DrummondFew players at any level of basketball have Drummond’s combination of size, strength and athleticism.

Over the years, we've all come to expect a certain standard of competition, talent and excitement from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 2011-2012 season will be no different. Though North Carolina and Duke are on another level compared to their in-conference counterparts, everybody else is pretty much evenly matched and as we all know, upsets are immanent. Intense rivalries, high-level prospects and legendary coaches make up the most intriguing conference in the nation.

North Carolina Tar Heels

2011/12 Payroll: $72.4 million
2011/12 (Projected) NBA Salary Cap: $54 million
Roughly: $17.2 million over cap

The small forweard position is loaded this year with a number of top overall pick candidates and great depth.

1. James McAdoo, North Carolina