Earlier this year, our sports editor, Zach Kennett, wrote a preseason college basketball preview. Now, with non-conference play finished, I will attempt to compare what that stretch has taught us and who I now think is going to win each of the power six conferences.
Atlantic Coastal Conference
Earlier Pick: Duke
New Pick: Duke
The North Carolina fans will be upset about this one, but Duke is now starting to play their best basketball of the season. Though the Blue Devils started the season slow, they have gone on a seven-game winning streak that includes a win over Baylor and three straight dominating ACC conference wins. North Carolina, on the other hand, has done nothing but win, and while they do currently have a 3-0 conference record in the ACC, I give the upper hand to Duke because of the way they have played so far.
Big 12
Earlier Pick: Houston
New Pick: Kansas
Ah, our first disagreement: while Houston currently sports a 14-1 record, they have not been adequately challenged this year. They recently lost their first game of the season, and they have not looked dominating in their wins so far. Kansas, on the other hand, has a major road win over Indiana and four ranked wins so far this year. The Feb. 3 matchup between these two teams is sure to be a great game and will be the true test for who is better. For now, I would give the edge to Kansas, because they are slightly more battle-tested than Houston at this point in the season.
Big 10
Earlier Pick: Purdue
New Pick: Purdue
As a diehard Indiana fan this pains me to say but Purdue is the best team in the country. Their only losses were a four-point loss at the hands of Northwestern in their first conference matchup and just recently, another big-ten road loss, this time to Nebraska. Purdue has five ranked wins this season and just beat the other top ten team in the Big Ten in Illinois.
Big East
Earlier Pick: UConn
New Pick: St. Johns
Hot take alert: St. Johns will get it done this year and win the Big East title. The Big East is a confusing race to predict, because one team can’t seem to separate from the rest. However, with Rick Pitino at the helm, this St. Johns team has started to play much better these past few weeks and will finish strong, winning the conference for the first time since 2000.
Pac-12
Earlier Pick: Arizona
New Pick: Arizona
This conference has mostly been a letdown, as several projected top teams have failed to live up to expectations. However, one team has stayed elite throughout the year: Arizona. This experienced roster with coach Tommy Lloyd behind the bench seems poised to easily win the Pac-12 with USC and UCLA struggling this year.
Southeastern Conference
Earlier Pick: Kentucky
New Pick: Auburn
This one might be more of a mild take but still probably surprising. Kentucky and Tennessee are the two consensus top teams in the SEC, but I like Auburns chances to make a surprise run and win the conference. This team is extremely deep, and behind two high scoring forwards and one of the most underrated freshman guards in the country, this team has all the makings of a conference winning team.
