<TABLE class=bdy cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=770 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>Predicting the field of 65: March in November
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=bdy cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=770 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=5></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=bdy cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=770 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10></TD><TD width=440><!-- search:</noindex> --><SCRIPT> if(fanid.length > 0 && typeof(nflDefaultLeague)!= "undefined") { leagueId = nflDefaultLeague; //find teamId of default league (if exists) for(var i=0; i < teamsInfo.length; i++){ if(teamsInfo[4] == leagueId){ defaultTeamId = teamsInfo[0]; } } var fantasyLeaguePlayerJsPath = 'http://msnfantasy.foxsports.com' + '/nugget/200002_' + leagueId + '|||' + fanid; document.write('<scr' + 'ipt language="JavaScript1.2" src="' + fantasyLeaguePlayerJsPath + '" type="text/javascript"></scr' + 'ipt>'); } </SCRIPT>The inaugural projection of the NCAA tournament field of 65 includes Northeastern and Northern Iowa — but excludes North Carolina and Notre Dame.
As the year progresses, check back for "March in December" and "March in January" to learn the impact of non-conference wins and losses.
As Northern Iowa and Indiana learned last March, non-conference records can make or break a team's fortunes on Selection Sunday.
Last five in: Creighton, Houston, Oklahoma State, Oregon and Xavier.
Last five out: Cincinnati, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Temple and Virginia Tech.
Atlanta Regional
1. Duke: Two preseason All-Americans and five Top 50 recruits lead the way for the deep, experienced and talented Blue Devils.
16. Alabama A&M/Hampton: The Southwestern and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conferences have, for three years running, ranked as the nation's two worst conferences. They're both likely tournament champions, meaning the Obie Trotter-led Bulldogs and Bruce Brown-led Pirates should square off in Dayton for the opportunity to be pummeled by a top-tier opponent.
8. Arkansas: Strong performances from Ronnie Brewer and Jonathon Modica will keep Stan Heath off the hot seat.
9. Old Dominion: Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year Alex Loughton is one of four returning starters for America's premier "mid-major," a 28-win squad from a year ago.
5. Indiana: Frontcourt depth will return the Hoosiers to the NCAA tournament.
12. Oral Roberts: Thanks to Caleb Green and Ken Tutt, this year's Golden Eagles will do what last year's couldn't: win the Mid-Continent tournament.
4. George Washington: A talented frontcourt, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and Omar Williams, and an explosive backcourt, Carl Elliott and J.R. Pinnock, make the run 'n' gun Colonials a fun team to watch and a tough team to beat.
13. Winthrop: All five starters return for a team that went 15-1 in the Big South last season.
3. Iowa: Efficient on both the defensive and offensive end, the Hawkeyes return an experienced, if not overly athletic, corps.
14. Penn: The more the Ivy changes, the more it stays the same.
6. West Virginia: The blue collar Mountaineers will again execute John Beilein's system to near-perfection.
11. Oklahoma State: JamesOn Curry, Byron Eaton and late signee Keith Brumbaugh will cowboy up and send OSU to a ninth consecutive NCAA tournament.
7. North Carolina State: The bad news? Julius Hodge is gone. The good news? Nearly everyone else returned.
10. Georgetown: Like father, like son ... in the NCAA tournament.
15. Davidson: Will continue working last season's magic.
2. Kentucky: With Rajon Rondo primed for a breakout year on the offensive end and junior college transfer Rekalin Sims impressive in exhibition play, the Wildcats should win the SEC — even if Randolph Morris is ineligible through the start of league play.
Oakland Regional
1. Texas: Thanks to a top-five quarterback, Daniel Gibson, running back, P.J. Tucker, and offensive line, Brad Buckman and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Longhorns should touch down in Indianapolis in April.
16. Gardner-Webb: Central Florida's departure from the Atlantic Sun is Gardner-Webb's gain. The Runnin' Bulldogs return all five starters.
8. Ohio State: The prelude to Greg Oden's arrival.
9. California: Alongside Rod Benson and Richard Midgley, Leon Powe returns to action and immediately assumes Ike Diogu's mantle in the Pac-10.
5. Washington: Brandon Roy puts up All-American type numbers and leads the Huskies to another high seed.
12. San Diego State: The experienced Aztecs return Steve Fisher to the NCAA tournament.
4. Gonzaga: After consecutively being upset in the NCAA tournament and given early season losses in Maui and at Memphis, the Zags won't get a fair shake from the selection committee.
13. Western Kentucky: Strong perimeter play propels the Hilltoppers into March.
3. Stanford: The Cardinal won't impress on the boards. But Trent Johnson's a winner who will work wonders with Chris Hernandez, Dan Grunfeld and Matt Haryasz.
14. Cal State Fullerton: Bobby and Jamaal Brown will help the Titans overcome Pacific.
6. Nevada: Nick Fazekas is not all she wrote; Mo Charlo and Ramon Sessions are also worth the price of admission.
11. Ohio: Experienced and balanced, Tim O'Shea's club is good enough for an at-large bid — even if the Bobcats falter in the MAC tournament.
7. Kansas: The pundits rushed to judgment at last season's end. Thanks to the nation's best recruiting class, the Jayhawks will begin where Bucknell left off.
10. LSU: Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tasmin Mitchell will replace much of Brandon Bass' production.
15. Montana State: The Bobcats' experienced starting five makes them as good a bet as any in the Big Sky.
2. Boston College: The Eagles, already a three-headed monster, appear increasingly likely to get shot-blocker extraordinaire Sean Williams back in time for the bulk of ACC play.
Washington, D.C. Regional
1. Connecticut: Marcus Williams' January return will elevate the athletic and experienced Huskies to a whole different level.
16. Albany: An experienced backcourt, led by Jamar Wilson, will enable the Great Danes to dominate the America East.
8. Charlotte: Curtis Withers is among the best players in America.
9. Miami: Ditto for Guillermo Diaz.
5. Maryland: John Gilchrist is gone, but nearly everyone else returns in tip-top shape.
12. Oregon: Big and strong, would-be Cincinnati Bearcat Ivan Johnson will prove Ernie Kent's saving grace before Malik Hairston departs early for the NBA.
4. Alabama: If point guard Ronald Steele stays healthy, four quality forwards make the Crimson Tide a tough out.
13. Bucknell: Back for more.
3. Villanova: Even without Curtis Sumpter, the Wildcats have enough backcourt talent and experience to carry them though a difficult Big East.
14. Iona: An experienced backcourt, led by Steve Burtt, bodes well for the Gaels.
6. Texas Tech: As OutKast might sing: "I'm (not) sorry Ms. Jackson. Jarrius is for real."
11. Houston: "Turnaround Tom" Penders has the Cougars committing few turnovers and forcing many.
7. Syracuse: As goes Gerry McNamara, so does Syracuse. Terrence Roberts is the only other Orange player of note.
10. Florida: Corey Brewer and Al Horford give the Gators a better front line than you might expect.
15. Northeastern: Could Jose Juan Barea and the Huskies shock Old Dominion in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament?
2. Memphis: Rodney Carney and Darius Washington will engender support for the Tigers' heart-warming successes rather than their heart-breaking failures this season.
Minneapolis Regional
1. Oklahoma: A killer frontcourt, Taj Gray and Kevin Bookout, experienced point guard, Terrell Everett, and impact transfers, Nate Carter and Michael Neal, will help the Sooners to go on game-changing runs.
16. Fairleigh Dickinson: Gordon Klaiber and Chad Timberlake should replace much of Tamien Trent's leadership.
8. Wake Forest: "Gray" skies will clear up in Winston-Salem once Justin starts feeling more comfortable at the point.
9. Wisconsin: Bo Ryan always finds a way to win. This year's method includes plenty of Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor.
5. Illinois:Dee Brown and James Augustine won't allow the Fighting Illini to fall too far.
12. Creighton: This season, it will be Nate Funk who makes Dana Altman look good — and vice versa.
4. Arizona: Though Hassan Adams is a given, little else is guaranteed in Tucson.
13. Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Behind Joah Tucker, Rob Jeter picks up where Bruce Pearl left off.
3. Louisville: Sooner or later, David Padgett and Juan Diego Palacios will return to full health.
14. Murray State: The depth of Mick Cronin's bench will enable the Racers to speed ahead of their Ohio Valley competition.
6. UCLA: When healthy, the Bruins are as dangerous as any club out West.
11. Xavier: Balanced and experienced, the Musketeers will be worthy of an at-large bid in Sean Miller's second season at the helm.
7. Iowa State: Talented guard play will compensate for limited frontcourt contributions.
10. Northern Iowa: Unfamiliar with Ben Jacobson? You won't be for long.
15. Northwestern State: Four returning senior starters recall a different era of college basketball.
2. Michigan State: Paul Davis and Maurice Ager will direct the Spartans to another Big Ten Championship.
Why not ... ?
<LI>North Carolina: Tyler Hansbrough and Bobby Frasor may turn out to be the second coming of Sean May and Raymond Felton over time, but Roy Williams' cachet alone does not an NCAA tournament invite guarantee this season.
<LI>Cincinnati: Here's thinking off-court distractions send NCAA talent into the NIT.
<LI>Temple: In a just world, Mardy Collins would lead the Owls not only into March Madness, but also into the Sweet 16. As a result, John Chaney would, at NCAA tournament's end, announce his retirement. In the real world, Temple lacks the frontcourt to merit an at-large bid — not to mention Chaney's interest in departing before his time is up.
<LI>Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish were a disappointment last season. With Chris Thomas gone, there's little reason to believe Mike Brey's club will surprise anyone in a bigger and deeper Big East this season.
Virginia Tech: Last season's progress aside, Seth Greenberg's club doesn't have the bodies to bang on a night-in, night-out basis in the ACC.
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<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Story Tools: </TD><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=bdy cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=770 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD height=5></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=bdy cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=770 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=10></TD><TD width=440><!-- search:</noindex> --><SCRIPT> if(fanid.length > 0 && typeof(nflDefaultLeague)!= "undefined") { leagueId = nflDefaultLeague; //find teamId of default league (if exists) for(var i=0; i < teamsInfo.length; i++){ if(teamsInfo[4] == leagueId){ defaultTeamId = teamsInfo[0]; } } var fantasyLeaguePlayerJsPath = 'http://msnfantasy.foxsports.com' + '/nugget/200002_' + leagueId + '|||' + fanid; document.write('<scr' + 'ipt language="JavaScript1.2" src="' + fantasyLeaguePlayerJsPath + '" type="text/javascript"></scr' + 'ipt>'); } </SCRIPT>The inaugural projection of the NCAA tournament field of 65 includes Northeastern and Northern Iowa — but excludes North Carolina and Notre Dame.
As the year progresses, check back for "March in December" and "March in January" to learn the impact of non-conference wins and losses.
As Northern Iowa and Indiana learned last March, non-conference records can make or break a team's fortunes on Selection Sunday.
Last five in: Creighton, Houston, Oklahoma State, Oregon and Xavier.
Last five out: Cincinnati, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Temple and Virginia Tech.
Atlanta Regional
1. Duke: Two preseason All-Americans and five Top 50 recruits lead the way for the deep, experienced and talented Blue Devils.
16. Alabama A&M/Hampton: The Southwestern and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conferences have, for three years running, ranked as the nation's two worst conferences. They're both likely tournament champions, meaning the Obie Trotter-led Bulldogs and Bruce Brown-led Pirates should square off in Dayton for the opportunity to be pummeled by a top-tier opponent.
8. Arkansas: Strong performances from Ronnie Brewer and Jonathon Modica will keep Stan Heath off the hot seat.
9. Old Dominion: Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year Alex Loughton is one of four returning starters for America's premier "mid-major," a 28-win squad from a year ago.
5. Indiana: Frontcourt depth will return the Hoosiers to the NCAA tournament.
12. Oral Roberts: Thanks to Caleb Green and Ken Tutt, this year's Golden Eagles will do what last year's couldn't: win the Mid-Continent tournament.
4. George Washington: A talented frontcourt, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Mike Hall and Omar Williams, and an explosive backcourt, Carl Elliott and J.R. Pinnock, make the run 'n' gun Colonials a fun team to watch and a tough team to beat.
13. Winthrop: All five starters return for a team that went 15-1 in the Big South last season.
3. Iowa: Efficient on both the defensive and offensive end, the Hawkeyes return an experienced, if not overly athletic, corps.
14. Penn: The more the Ivy changes, the more it stays the same.
6. West Virginia: The blue collar Mountaineers will again execute John Beilein's system to near-perfection.
11. Oklahoma State: JamesOn Curry, Byron Eaton and late signee Keith Brumbaugh will cowboy up and send OSU to a ninth consecutive NCAA tournament.
7. North Carolina State: The bad news? Julius Hodge is gone. The good news? Nearly everyone else returned.
10. Georgetown: Like father, like son ... in the NCAA tournament.
15. Davidson: Will continue working last season's magic.
2. Kentucky: With Rajon Rondo primed for a breakout year on the offensive end and junior college transfer Rekalin Sims impressive in exhibition play, the Wildcats should win the SEC — even if Randolph Morris is ineligible through the start of league play.
Oakland Regional
1. Texas: Thanks to a top-five quarterback, Daniel Gibson, running back, P.J. Tucker, and offensive line, Brad Buckman and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Longhorns should touch down in Indianapolis in April.
16. Gardner-Webb: Central Florida's departure from the Atlantic Sun is Gardner-Webb's gain. The Runnin' Bulldogs return all five starters.
8. Ohio State: The prelude to Greg Oden's arrival.
9. California: Alongside Rod Benson and Richard Midgley, Leon Powe returns to action and immediately assumes Ike Diogu's mantle in the Pac-10.
5. Washington: Brandon Roy puts up All-American type numbers and leads the Huskies to another high seed.
12. San Diego State: The experienced Aztecs return Steve Fisher to the NCAA tournament.
4. Gonzaga: After consecutively being upset in the NCAA tournament and given early season losses in Maui and at Memphis, the Zags won't get a fair shake from the selection committee.
13. Western Kentucky: Strong perimeter play propels the Hilltoppers into March.
3. Stanford: The Cardinal won't impress on the boards. But Trent Johnson's a winner who will work wonders with Chris Hernandez, Dan Grunfeld and Matt Haryasz.
14. Cal State Fullerton: Bobby and Jamaal Brown will help the Titans overcome Pacific.
6. Nevada: Nick Fazekas is not all she wrote; Mo Charlo and Ramon Sessions are also worth the price of admission.
11. Ohio: Experienced and balanced, Tim O'Shea's club is good enough for an at-large bid — even if the Bobcats falter in the MAC tournament.
7. Kansas: The pundits rushed to judgment at last season's end. Thanks to the nation's best recruiting class, the Jayhawks will begin where Bucknell left off.
10. LSU: Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tasmin Mitchell will replace much of Brandon Bass' production.
15. Montana State: The Bobcats' experienced starting five makes them as good a bet as any in the Big Sky.
2. Boston College: The Eagles, already a three-headed monster, appear increasingly likely to get shot-blocker extraordinaire Sean Williams back in time for the bulk of ACC play.
Washington, D.C. Regional
1. Connecticut: Marcus Williams' January return will elevate the athletic and experienced Huskies to a whole different level.
16. Albany: An experienced backcourt, led by Jamar Wilson, will enable the Great Danes to dominate the America East.
8. Charlotte: Curtis Withers is among the best players in America.
9. Miami: Ditto for Guillermo Diaz.
5. Maryland: John Gilchrist is gone, but nearly everyone else returns in tip-top shape.
12. Oregon: Big and strong, would-be Cincinnati Bearcat Ivan Johnson will prove Ernie Kent's saving grace before Malik Hairston departs early for the NBA.
4. Alabama: If point guard Ronald Steele stays healthy, four quality forwards make the Crimson Tide a tough out.
13. Bucknell: Back for more.
3. Villanova: Even without Curtis Sumpter, the Wildcats have enough backcourt talent and experience to carry them though a difficult Big East.
14. Iona: An experienced backcourt, led by Steve Burtt, bodes well for the Gaels.
6. Texas Tech: As OutKast might sing: "I'm (not) sorry Ms. Jackson. Jarrius is for real."
11. Houston: "Turnaround Tom" Penders has the Cougars committing few turnovers and forcing many.
7. Syracuse: As goes Gerry McNamara, so does Syracuse. Terrence Roberts is the only other Orange player of note.
10. Florida: Corey Brewer and Al Horford give the Gators a better front line than you might expect.
15. Northeastern: Could Jose Juan Barea and the Huskies shock Old Dominion in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament?
2. Memphis: Rodney Carney and Darius Washington will engender support for the Tigers' heart-warming successes rather than their heart-breaking failures this season.
Minneapolis Regional
1. Oklahoma: A killer frontcourt, Taj Gray and Kevin Bookout, experienced point guard, Terrell Everett, and impact transfers, Nate Carter and Michael Neal, will help the Sooners to go on game-changing runs.
16. Fairleigh Dickinson: Gordon Klaiber and Chad Timberlake should replace much of Tamien Trent's leadership.
8. Wake Forest: "Gray" skies will clear up in Winston-Salem once Justin starts feeling more comfortable at the point.
9. Wisconsin: Bo Ryan always finds a way to win. This year's method includes plenty of Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor.
5. Illinois:Dee Brown and James Augustine won't allow the Fighting Illini to fall too far.
12. Creighton: This season, it will be Nate Funk who makes Dana Altman look good — and vice versa.
4. Arizona: Though Hassan Adams is a given, little else is guaranteed in Tucson.
13. Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Behind Joah Tucker, Rob Jeter picks up where Bruce Pearl left off.
3. Louisville: Sooner or later, David Padgett and Juan Diego Palacios will return to full health.
14. Murray State: The depth of Mick Cronin's bench will enable the Racers to speed ahead of their Ohio Valley competition.
6. UCLA: When healthy, the Bruins are as dangerous as any club out West.
11. Xavier: Balanced and experienced, the Musketeers will be worthy of an at-large bid in Sean Miller's second season at the helm.
7. Iowa State: Talented guard play will compensate for limited frontcourt contributions.
10. Northern Iowa: Unfamiliar with Ben Jacobson? You won't be for long.
15. Northwestern State: Four returning senior starters recall a different era of college basketball.
2. Michigan State: Paul Davis and Maurice Ager will direct the Spartans to another Big Ten Championship.
Why not ... ?
<LI>North Carolina: Tyler Hansbrough and Bobby Frasor may turn out to be the second coming of Sean May and Raymond Felton over time, but Roy Williams' cachet alone does not an NCAA tournament invite guarantee this season.
<LI>Cincinnati: Here's thinking off-court distractions send NCAA talent into the NIT.
<LI>Temple: In a just world, Mardy Collins would lead the Owls not only into March Madness, but also into the Sweet 16. As a result, John Chaney would, at NCAA tournament's end, announce his retirement. In the real world, Temple lacks the frontcourt to merit an at-large bid — not to mention Chaney's interest in departing before his time is up.
<LI>Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish were a disappointment last season. With Chris Thomas gone, there's little reason to believe Mike Brey's club will surprise anyone in a bigger and deeper Big East this season.
Virginia Tech: Last season's progress aside, Seth Greenberg's club doesn't have the bodies to bang on a night-in, night-out basis in the ACC.
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