America East: Vermont
Another year, another America East tournament where the road to the tournament runs through Patrick Gym. John Becker and company have had the America East under their control for the better part of the last 7 years. Nothing changes this year for the Catamounts.
Atlantic Sun: Eastern Kentucky
When looking at Eastern Kentucky's numbers and how they stack up against other A-Sun teams, they feel like the logical pick here. Consistent across the board, ranking third in overall offense and third in overall defense, while also having the most impactful defensive player in the league in Isaiah Cozart.
Big Sky: Weber State
My pick came down to the top two teams in the conference in Eastern Washington and Weber State. Ultimately, I had to go with the team that has won eight of their last nine contests, including a 14 point victory over one-seed Eastern Washington on the road.
Big South: High Point
About as easy of a pick that can be made in this week's Jerome. Didn't want to overthink this one. High Point's offense is just too overwhelming for the rest of the conference to keep up with and scout, especially on short rest and limited scouting time.
CAA: Drexel
My only concern with Drexel heading into this season was if their offense could match their level of play on the defensive side of the ball. With what I have seen this year from the Dragons, these concerns are no longer necessary.
Horizon League: Youngstown State
Youngstown State has proven twice that they are capable of slowing down the high flying Wright State offense. Although, beating a team twice in any sport is a challenge (especially college basketball), I have enough faith in Jerrod Calhoun's defense to believe the Penguins go 3-0 against the Raiders.
Missouri Valley: Indiana State
I know, they're the popular pick, but I feel very safe picking Indiana State. Their offense plays at a very quick pace while still having the number one overall defense in the conference. My only concern is the Sycamores could match up with Bradley in the conference championship game, a team they have already beaten twice and it cannot be overstated how hard it is to beat a team three times in a season. (Obligatory #ValleyFever.)
Northeast Conference: Merrimack
Merrimack finished their season winning ten of their last eleven, with their only loss in that stretch being to Sacred Heart in their regular season finale. The Warriors defense is not only the best in the conference, but is ranked inside the top 80 in the nation. Their offense is not ranked as high, but in their 10-1 stretch to close out the season, they scored 70+ seven times, including each of their last four games, with two of those games having the Warriors eclipse 80. If Merrimack keeps their opponents below 70, more likely than not, they will win basketball games.
Ohio Valley: Little Rock
The Trojans ended their regular season campaign scorching hot, winning each of their last nine games, including wins over number one seed Morehead State, number three seed UT Martin, and number four seed Lindenwood (who are not yet tournament eligible). I am going to feed the hot hand and take the Trojans to win the Ohio Valley.
Patriot League: Colgate
Similar to Vermont, there isn't much discussion or thought that goes into picking the winner of the Patriot League: it's Colgate. It's always been Colgate. It will always be Colgate. The Red Raiders had as impressive of a conference play run as we've seen in college basketball this season, at one point having won 12 games in a row. I'm not overthinking this one. It's Colgate.
Southern Conference: Samford
Another conference I do not want to overthink: Samford has been the best team in the conference all season long. Their offense, spearheaded by Achor Achor, has been one of the best in the nation this year, sitting inside the top 60 in the KenPom rankings. I feel confident that their offense will continue to overwhelm the rest of the conference in tournament play.
Southland: McNeese State
McNeese State has won twenty-one of their last twenty-two basketball games. It cannot be overstated how incredibly impressive that is. They are led by the best player in the conference in Shahada Wells, the best coach in the conference in Will Wade, boast the number one offense in the conference by eight efficiency points, and boast the number one defense in the conference by five efficiency points. How 'bout them Cowboys?
Summit: South Dakota State
I know, I have gone chalk in most of my picks, which will hurt my points, but it's about picking what feels right and picking what feels comfortable. I found comfort in this: South Dakota state has won seven of their last eight, while boasting a five game win streak to close out the regular season (the second longest in the conference, behind UMKC with six).
Sun Belt: James Madison
The majority of America knows James Madison for beating preseason number four Michigan State at home. They SHOULD know James Madison for going 28-3 in the regular season. The Dukes have a chip on their shoulder after losing to App State twice and I expect them to come out on top, if we are lucky enough to see a third matchup.
West Coast: Gonzaga
Prior to last night's clash between Saint Mary's and Gonzaga, I was actually going to pick the Gaels. Instead, I decided to push my pick being made to after the game. It is incredibly hard for me not to pick Gonzaga after how they handled Saint Mary's.