King of the Konference (Part 2)

Chef's Log: 12/30/08

The morning after #9 Georgetown toppled #2 UCONN to kick off conference play in fine fashion, we continue our conference breakdowns of the four remaining big conferences: Big 12, Big 10, Pac 10, SEC. Yesterday we threw the ACC and the Big East on the chopping block. Today we open up the kitchen and turn on the burners for latter four conferences.

After the Big East, it is difficult to determine which conference is 2nd best. The ACC is undoubtedly top heavy, with UNC & Duke in the top 5 of the nation, Wake not far behind, but the remaining teams weigh down the conference a bit. Some would say, especially those on the ESPN chat board, that the Big 10 is 2nd best, being that it has numerous teams throughout the conference that are off to a good start. I am going to go out on a limb and say that neither the ACC nor the Big 10 are 2nd to the Big East.

It is the Big 12. Oklahoma is flirting with a potential #1 seed, and will probably wind up with a #2 seed. Texas should lock up a #3 seed, but a #2 seed is not out of the question, pending the Big 12 Tournament. Kansas is rebuilding in a hurry with one of the most underrated, overlooked recruiting classes and a few remaining leaders. Look for the Jayhawks to secure a #4/#5 seed. Baylor & Texas A&M should sneak in with middle seeds. I'm not too sold on Kansas St. this year, without big name Beasley. Sure, the Big 10 has more potential bids, but I'm not too impressed by more than a few. If I were an ACC or Big East team, I'd fear Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas more than I would a Purdue or Michigan St. squad.

With that said, let's breakdown the Big 10. As of right now, the conference looks as good as it is going to look. Without disrespecting these squads and their coaches too much, Minnesota, Penn St., Ohio St, Michigan, Northwestern, and even Iowa look remarkable on paper. In fact, only Indiana has a losing record in this conference. But out of all these teams, I assure you that the two best teams that will emerge have not been mentioned in this stanza. Purdue & Michigan St, from the previous stanza, will arise as not only conference studs, but should serve as the best Big 10 representatives in the dance. Morgan & Coach Izzo will help the Spartans secure a #3 seed. The returning and more experience squad of Purdue, lead by Hummel, should secure a #4 seed. These two teams could flip flop seeds pending the Big 10 Tournament, or perhaps both earn #3 seeds or better. That's it. That is all. Sure, others will dance, but they will not represent. While I love delivery, these remaining stragglers will be the Papa John's to Famous Original Ray's Pizza. So which other teams will sneak in? Let's work backwards and eliminate the complete overachievers. Iowa, Northwestern & Penn St... out! I'm sorry, but "no soup for you!". I'll give all y'all Big 10 fans some satisfaction and say that Minnesota & Illinois will be between the bubble and mid-high seeds (#8-#12 seeds). Michigan & Ohio St. have been the most impressive of the stragglers. It's been a long time, but Michigan is finally turning some heads again, knocking off some top teams. Ohio St. is doing well after surviving the rebuilding period marred by the departure of a 2007 runner-up team. These two teams should snag middle seeds, Ohio St. #7/#8, Michigan #9/#10. But we'll have to see.

Next up, the west coast and the Pac 10. This conference is not the same it was last year. However, up until now, they're hanging around like raw meat in a butcher shop. In the end, despite the ASU-Harden-hype, it will be UCLA that rights the ship, wins the conference regular season and snags the conference tournament. This will raise their stock all the way up to a #2 seed, perhaps even a #1 seed. This may be an overstatement to some, but I'm not talking about now, I'm talking about then... March. They have what ASU does not have, tourny and big game experience. With that said, the Sun Devils should be the next best team. But I'm keeping them back at a #5/#6 seed in that until they continue the streak they're on, I'll continue to be reminded of the gradual demise of Beasley's Kansas St. a year ago and how they fell from a potential #3 seed to a #11 seed. Harden, though, is still the real deal. In all honesty, the rest of the conference is up for grabs. You have to figure the conference should get a minimum of four bids, and potentially 6. But between Stanford, Arizona, USC, WSU & Cal, who'll grab these spots. Stanford and Cal want them now, but look for them to cool off a bit. I still love WSU and their defensive presence, but they're a different team from last year without Weaver. But we have to make some kind of prediction so here goes: Arizona & USC #7/#8, Stanford & WSU bubble teams, Cal & Wash out.

Lastly, we have the SEC. Tennessee is off to a solid start, despite losing to Temple. They're by far the top of this conference since Florida is not meeting expectations. Tenn will snag a #4 seed, perhaps higher simply as an SEC top representative. Florida could turn things around but I still see them securing a #5 seed. That's not so bad Gator fans. Kentucky is starting to play a bit better, and their reputation alone will garner them a bid. I'll put them at a #8 seed. LSU will sneak in with a #9 seed. They're going to cool off quite a bit. It's cloudy after that. Vandy & Arkansas will fight to keep off the bubble. South Carolina and Bama will come up short. This is probably the worst of the big six conferences. Teams should fear Tennessee, but no one else.

Naked Chef