With "Lonzo-mania" moving across town to the Staples Center, a new crop of young talent is set to take the stage for the Bruins. Even with a laundry list of offensive weapons leaving Westwood this summer, UCLA should take only a minor step back in 2017-18, especially if Aaron Holiday proves he's ready for the spotlight.
Read more#27 Oregon Preview 2017-18
After coming up one game shy of the Final Four two years ago, Oregon finally took that next step to reach college basketball's biggest stage last season. Despite a massive roster overhaul, Dana Altman has quickly replenished the talent pool with a blue-chip recruit in Troy Brown and two gems via the transfer wire in Elijah Brown and MiKyle McIntosh.
Read more#29 Providence Preview 2017-18
After a crushing 2nd half collapse in last year's First Four showdown against USC, the Friars are chomping at the bit to avenge their recent postseason shortcomings. Ed Cooley will now fuse together a top-20 recruiting class with the formidable core from last year's roster, making Providence a deep sleeper to contend for the Big East crown.
Read more#34 Rhode Island Preview 2017-18
If not for two devastating daggers from Tyler Dorsey in URI's 2nd round matchup with Oregon, there's no telling where Rhody's late-season magic would've ended last year. Now, with a loaded backcourt returning this season, can Dan Hurley lead the Rams back to the Sweet-16 for the first time since 1998?
Read more#36 SMU Preview 2017-18
Now in his 2nd season at the helm, Tim Jankovich looks to maintain last year's momentum with an injection of new talent via the transfer wire, along with a hyper-talented playmaker in Shake Milton back to lead the "Pony Show" in Dallas.
Read more#37 Butler Preview 2017-18
A new coach, along with a handful of fresh new faces will test just how strongly fortified "the Butler Way" persists in the Bulldogs this year. Can senior Kelan Martin lead a young nucleus back to the Big Dance for a fourth straight season? Or will LaVall Jordan's inaugural campaign as head coach be remembered as a rebuilding stepping stone for a new era of Butler basketball?
Read more#39 Creighton Preview 2017-18
Without their primary point guard/maestro, Mo Watson, and paint protector, Justin Patton, no longer in the fold, the Jays have some major shoes to fill in 2017-18. Can a talented incoming freshman class, coupled with the return of two all-conference performers in Marcus Foster and Khryi Thomas keep Creighton in the thick of the Big East standings?
Read moreChampionship Game 2016-17 Preview
There's no shortage of storylines for Monday night's national championship showdown between the North Carolina Tar Heels and Gonzaga Bulldogs. Will the Tar Heels find redemption from last year's heartbreaker against Villanova? Or will Mark Few and the Zags break down the barrier many thought would never be breached...
Read moreElite 8 2016-17 Preview: Midwest Regional
After beginning the season ranked in the top-5 of the AP Poll, Kansas and Oregon now find themselves just one step away from a trip to Phoenix. With two premier coaches and a plethora of talent set to face off tonight in Kansas City, the Midwest Regional Final has all the makings of an instant classic.
Read moreSweet 16 2016-17 Preview: East Region
Both Villanova and Duke are sitting on their couches, contemplating their NBA decisions and/or their mortality, leaving several upstarts with a shocking shot at the Final Four...
Read moreSweet 16 2016-17 Preview: Midwest Region
Two bonafide matchups are set to square off Thursday evening in Kansas City, where the top-seeded Jayhawks will have the closest thing to a home-court advantage outside of their true home in Allen Fieldhouse. Can Kansas continue rolling through the Midwest? And if so, will they run into the unstoppable force that is the March magic of Michigan?
Read moreA Salute to the Seniors
An editorial on why we shouldn't forget what makes the annual tradition of March Madness so great...
Read more2016-17 NCAA Tournament Preview: East Region
Home of the #1 overall seed, the East looks like a collision course between Villanova and Duke...or does it? The first round has some upset potential with a few talented double-digit seeds, and an underseeded Wisconsin team lurks in the 8/9 game.
Read moreMountain West 2016-17 Tournament Preview
Nevada officially locked up the MWC regular season title at home last Saturday with a 13-point victory over Colorado St. Despite an impressive 25-6 overall record, the Wolfpack are by no means a lock to hear their name called on Selection Sunday, and will need to fend off a competitive MWC tournament field in Las Vegas to secure their spot in the Big Dance.
Read moreSEC 2016-17 Tournament Preview
Despite some midseason hiccups, John Calipari and a new wave of freshmen phenoms were once again too much for the SEC to handle. However, SEC coach of the year Mike White and his lock-down Gator defense finished just two games back of Big Blue Nation and will look to de-throne the Wildcats this weekend in Nashville.
Read moreBig Sky 2016-17 Tournament Preview
After Weber St. - the defending conference champions - faltered down the stretch, North Dakota seized a rare opportunity to snag the Big Sky regular season crown. Can the Fighting Hawks hold off a number of worthy challengers and secure their first ever trip to the NCAA tournament?
Read moreACC 2016-17 Tournament Preview
Fueled by an undefeated home record in ACC play, the Tar Heels emerged victorious from one of the deepest leagues in college basketball history. All eyes turn to Brooklyn, where 12 of the ACC's 15 teams will have their NCAA tournament fate decided over the next week.
Read moreMAC 2016-17 Tournament Preview
The Zips took down the regular season MAC crown yet again, earning them the number 1 overall seed for the 2nd straight year. However, the back-to-back conference tournament champion Buffalo Bulls are once again in the hunt, as they look to crash the NCAA tournament party for the 3rd consecutive year and spoil the top seeds' plans.
Read more2016-17 SoCon Tournament Preview
A 3-way tie atop the standings, followed by a 2-way tie for 4th place, means this year's SoCon championship is wide open. Will one of the three favorites - ETSU, UNC Greensboro or Furman - maintain their momentum? Or will the preseason favorite Mocs finally put it together for one last run?
Read moreMissouri Valley Conference 2016-17 Tournament Preview
After steamrolling through the Valley, Illinois St. and Wichita St. finished tied atop the leaderboard, each sporting a gaudy 17-1 record entering 'Arch Madness'. Will the Redbirds or Shockers prevail in a potential rubber match? Or will an unsuspecting challenger crash the party?
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