Usually we do some kind of predictions here. I am going to toss some into the ring.
1. Gonzaga - duh. Nobody else on their level. Sucks about Tillie missing their non-conference games they need for a good seed. But then they might get underseeded in the Dance, maybe like 4-5. They tend to do well as an underdog. I think an Elite 8 team should be realistic. Got them at around 15-1 because Tillie will be back at conference time.
2. BYU - I think their talent eventually climbs to the top because St. Mary's is shaky. Also I think their non-conference schedule will have them more prepared. I think Rose is on the hot seat and he pulls a rabbit out of his hat to be better early on and avoid the bad losses. I say they go 12-4
3. St. Mary's - I think theres a chance they slip up, but I think they're good enough to hang in there. 11-5 and this time a lower tier NIT bid
4. San Diego - I think they complete their mini rise into the top part of the standings and finish 9-7 post Lamont Smith. They have some nice talent and they flirt with 20 wins by March CIT time.
5. Pacific - Stoudamire gets them close, but not close enough. Last year was the element of surprise and they lose on talent and because other teams are ready for them. 7-9
6. Santa Clara - I think Herb Sendek feels a little heat and plus he has a roster that looks more like he wants it. I don't think the team is impressive, but they'll randomly beat BYU or St. Mary's and some of the other middle of the pack to accumulate a 6-10 record
6. Pepperdine - Kind of like last year's Pacific. They seemed to look dangerous at the end of year as guys get healthy. They have more talent coming in this year. I think they sneak a couple surprise wins. Romar coming to Pepperdine is like Herm Edwards going to ASU. I have them going 6-10.
6. San Francisco- I think they start to fall off this season. Something tells me even though they pull of .500 records year after year this is the one that catches up to them. I have them at 6-10
9. Loyola Marymount - Another 5-11 record coming in. They will once again go 0-5 against the big 3. Dunlap got his first win over a "top 3 team" over BYU last year, but the Cougs were pretty down. He still hasn't proven to be competitive with the Gaels or Zags. They also get swept by Pepperdine who they struggle to beat and who this year is better in talent and coaching. Thats already 7 losses. 5-4, or a winning record, against all the other teams is the positive end of that spectrum.
10. Portland - Can't seem them winning too many games. I have them finding 3-13 and Terry Porter is on the hotseat even though he is a Portland guy.