The traditional elites of the OVC are at it again, although Murray must replace Steve Prohm, Cam Payne, and several other strong performers. Belmont brings the most back from an NCAA tournament team, making them the clear favorite. 

New Mexico State should dominate the league, but the rising programs at Grand Canyon and UVU give this league some major interest in the future. 

SFA again looks like the best team in a disgustingly top-heavy conference. But don't sleep on Northwestern St., an incredibly fun team to watch featuring the nation's highest-scoring backcourt (and a possible NBA point guard). 

First of several abbreviated previews due to time constraints. Robert Morris didn't win the conference regular season title last year, but they went to the tournament and return the best player. Robert Morris, Mount St. Mary's, and both St. Francis schools appear to be the top teams, though I may be too low on Bryant. 

Will the AE have a four-peat champion? Albany has the backcourt to do it, but Stony Brook is just as talented (if not more). Vermont and New Hampshire are able challengers as well, but I'm betting on Stony Brook to settle a 2-year score with Albany. 

Dunk City is now completely bereft of the impact pieces from that amazing team. What remains is still an A-Sun contender, but defending champ North Florida and newcomer NJIT will be formidable competition. 

After producing a first round draft pick in two straight years (Elfrid Payton and RJ Hunter), the Sun Belt is slightly more wide open this year. Payton's old school, Louisiana-Lafayette, has the next pro prospect in big man Shawn Long, but that doesn't mean an automatic conference title is on the way. 

With the loss of Karl Cochran, one of the most do-everything players in the country, the SoCon is pretty open. Several contenders will push for the title, but please don't "Moc" my title pick (ha ha ha). 

One of last year's most intriguing conferences to me, the Big West should again be very interesting. I'll be missing Corey Hawkins, but there are a lot of fun teams to watch along with contrasting styles here. And of course, the mammoth Mamadou Ndiaye is still around!

The AAC is going to be sneaky-good this year, with my favorite NCAA title pick (odds-wise, at least). SMU, UConn, and Cincinnati should all be very solid, with Tulsa and Houston being wild cards. Josh Pastner brings in more talent at Memphis, but what can he do with it? The bottom of the conference will continue to experience a drop-off.