Conference Media Day Recap: 31-in-all

The college hoops is so close, I can smell it. We've given you our conference previews and have broken down our preseason top-25. As of this week, all the conferences have had their media days and released their preseason polls and All-Conference teams.

Below you will find all the results. But be warned, there is a lot of different information, and as usual, each conference marches to the beat of their own drum. That's why you end up with things like the Atlantic Sun's 12 member all-conference first team. Before we get to the analysis, use the following paragraphs as a disclaimer.

Conferences differ in their preseason voting styles. Some conferences chose to have only coaches vote, some have a mixture of coaches, athletic directors, sports information directors and other media-type vote. A few conferences have separate polls for the coaches and the media.

In each conference poll, teams are ordered by the number of votes they received, with first place votes being in parentheses. Not all conferences choose Preseason Rookie of the Year or Newcomer of the year. Some conferences chose a Preseason All-Defensive Team or a Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and some do not. Not all the conferences released the outcome of voting, so numbers will only appear for conferences that released them to the public.


America East Conference

For the fifth consecutive year, America East coaches tabbed Boston University as the favorites to win the conference. If the Terriers are to repeat as A-East champs, they must do it without John Holland, last season's A-East Player of the Year. The Sea Wolves of Stony Brook got three first place votes, and will be led by senior guard Bryan Dougher, and member of the Preseason All-Conference team.

Coaches Poll:
Botston (6), Stony Brook (3), Vermont, Albany, New Hampshire, Maine, Hartford, UMBC, Binghamton

All-Conference Team:
Darryl Partin - Guard, Sr., Boston
Gerald McLemore - Guard, Sr., Maine
Chris De La Rosa - Guard, Sr., UMBC
Bryan Dougher - Guard, Sr., Stony Brook
Brian Voelkel - Forward, Soph., Vermont



Atlantic Coast Conference

There may be no better starting quad (group of 4) in the country than the UNC Tar Heels. They return standout sophomore point guard Kendall Marshall, along with three preseason first team All-ACC members in John Henson, Tyler Zeller and Harrison Barnes, who was named Preseason PoY. But the Tar Heels aren't just limited to their starters. Their bench is loaded with freshman talent and experienced shooters like James Michael McAdoo, P.J. Hairston, Justin Watts and Reggie Bullock. But don't count out the Duke Blue Devils just yet. They return a lot of size up front, and will feature one of the most entertaining back courts in the country, led by freshman Austin Rivers and junior Seth Curry. While Duke may not have as much raw talent as North Carolina, they certainly have a much deeper bench. It would not be surprising to see Mike Krzyzewski go 11-deep in a handful of games this season.

Coaches/Media Poll:
North Carolina (57), Duke (2), Florida State, Virginia, Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina State, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Boston College

All-Conference Team:
Harrison Barnes - Forward, Soph., North Carolina
John Henson - Forward/Center, Jr., North Carolina
Tyler Zeller - Forward/Center, Sr., North Carolina
Malcolm Grant - Guard, Sr., Miami
Seth Curry - Guard, R-Jr., Duke
Mike Scott - Forward, R-Sr., Virginia

Player of the Year:
Harrison Barnes - Forward, Soph., North Carolina

Rookie of the Year:
Austin Rivers - Guard, Fr., Duke



Atlantic Sun Conference
(NOTE: The Atlantic Sun places 12 players on the preseason All-Conference Team)

The Belmont Bruins, playing their final season in the Atlantic Sun before bolting for the Ohio Valley Conference, were the unanimous favorites to win the conference. The squad, led by a bevy of upperclassmen won 30 games last season and lost just one game in the conference. Markieth Cummings a combo guard from Kennesaw State, was tabbed as Preseason PoY.

Coaches Poll:
Belmont (8), East Tennessee State (2), North Florida, Jacksonville, Mercer, Lipscomb, Kennesaw State, Florida-Gulf Coast, South Carolina-Upstate, Stetson

Media Poll:
Belmont (28), East Tennessee State (1), Jacksonville, North Florida, Mercer, Lipscomb, Kennesaw State, Florida-Gulf Coast, South Carolina-Upstate, Stetson

All-Conference Team:
Markeith Cummings - Guard/Forward, Jr., Kennesaw State
Torrey Craig - Forward, Soph., South Carolina-Upstate
Ian Clark - Guard, Jr., Belmont
Mick Hedgepeth - Center, Sr., Belmont
Isiah Brown - Forward, Sr., East Tennessee State
Tommy Hubbard - Guard, Sr., East Tennessee State
Jerron Granberry - Guard/Forward, Jr., North Florida
Andy Diaz - Forward, Jr., North Florida
Scott Saunders - Forward/Center, Sr., Belmont
Delwan Graham - Forward, Sr., Jacksonville
Jordan Burgason - Guard, Sr., Lipscomb

Player of the Year:
Markeith Cummings - Guard/Forward, Jr., Kennesaw State



Atlantic-10 Conference

For what feels like the ninth year in-a-row, the Xavier Musketeers are the preseason favorites to win the Atlantic-10 Conference. Led by Preseason All-American Tu Holloway and a cast of solid role players, Xavier and head coach Chris Mack should be able to clean out the conference relatively easily. Temple posses the most legitimate threat to Xavier's title chances. Saint Louis and St. Bonaventure's, picked to finish third and fourth, will showcase their best rosters in close to a decade.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Xavier (18), Temple (4), Saint Louis, St. Bonaventure, Richmond, Dayton, St. Joseph's, George Washington, Duquesne, Rhode Island, Charlotte, Massachusetts, La Salle, Fordham

All-Conference Team:
Tu Holloway - Guard, Sr., Xavier
Andrew Nicholson - Forward, Sr., St. Bonaventure
Ramone Moore - Guard, Sr., Temple
Juan Fernandez - Guard, Sr., Temple
Tony Taylor - Guard, Sr., George Washington

All-Defensive Team
C.J. Aiken - Forward, Soph., St. Joseph's
Tu Holloway - Guard, Sr., Xavier
Andrew Nicholson - Forward, Sr., St. Bonaventure
T.J. McConnell - Guard, Soph., Duquesne
Darrius Garrett - Forward/Center, Sr., Richmond

All-Freshman Team
Dezmine Wells - Guard/Forward, Fr., Xavier
Jerrell Wright - Forward, Fr., La Salle
Justin Martin - Forward, R-Fr., Xavier
Cady LaLanne - Forward, Fr., UMass
Alonzo Nelson-Odada - Forward, Fr., Richmond
Anthony Lee - Forward, R-Fr., Temple

Player of the Year:
Tu Holloway - Guard, Sr., Xavier



Big East Conference

Last season's National Champions, the UConn Huskies, we picked as co-favorites to win the Big East in 2011-2012 along with Syracuse. While the Huskies did receive more first-place votes, the teams drew the same number of points in the poll. UConn, Syracuse and Louisville have easily the deepest, most talent-rich squads in the conference, but each team features a decent amount of unproven talent. Look for established teams like Cincinnati and Marquette to sneak up toward the top of the standings.

Coaches Poll:
Connecticut (7), Syracuse (5), Louisville (3), Pittsburgh (1), Cincinnati, Marquette, West Virginia, Villanova, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Rutgers, St. John's, Seton Hall, South Florida, Providence, DePaul

All-Conference Team:
Ashton Gibbs - Guard, Sr., Pittsburgh
Jeremy Lamb - Guard/Forward, So., Connecticut
Darius Johnson-Odom - Guard, Sr., Marquette
Tim Abromaitis - Forward, Sr., Notre Dame
Kris Joseph - Forward, Sr., Syracuse
Kevin Jones - Forward, Sr., West Virginia

Player of the Year:
Ashton Gibbs - Guard, Sr., Pittsburgh

Rookie of the Year:
Andre Drummond, Forward/Center, Fr., UConn



Big Sky Conference
(NOTE: The Big Sky Conference does not released a preseason All-Conference Team)

For the fourth consecutive season, the Weber State Wildcats were a unanimous pick by both the coaches and the media to win the Big Sky Conference. The Wildcats will be led by the Conference's best player, Damian Lillard, who missed all of last season with a broken foot. Lillard is an electrifying scorer who should be able to carry this team through a conference riddled with transition. Northern Colorado, last season's Big Sky champs, graduated their two best players, Montana State has a tremendous amount of turnover, and Eastern Washington features a new coach and a new identity. The only real threat should come from Montana, a team who finished 21-11 last season and held victories over both UCLA and Oregon State.

Coaches Poll:
Weber State (8), Montana (1), Eastern Washington, Northern Colorado, Portland State, Northern Arizona, Montana State, Sacramento State, Idaho State

Media Poll:
Weber State (19), Montana (4), Northern Colorado (1), Northern Arizona, Portland State, Eastern Washington, Montana State, Sacramento State, Idaho State



Big South Conference

The Bulldogs of UNC-Asheville are heavy favorites to win the Big South in 2011-2012. Led by the stellar backcourt duo of J.P. Primm and Matt Dickey, the Big South Preseason PoY, the Bulldogs enter the season as the conference favorites for first time since the 2002-2003 season. Coastal Carolina was picked second, but a heavy dose of roster turnover could hurt the Chanticleers production this season. High Point was picked to finish sixth, but received a first place vote. Don't be surprised if you see the Panthers, led by back court stars Nick Barbour and Shay Shine, near the top of the standings come March.

Coaches/Media Poll:
UNC-Asheville (18), Coastal Carolina (5), VMI (1), Liberty, Winthrop, High Point (1), Presbyterian, Charleston Southern, Campbell, Gardner-Webb, Radford

All-Conference Team:
Matt Dickey - Guard, Sr., UNC Asheville
Jesse Sanders - Guard, Sr., Liberty
Al'Lonzo Coleman - Forward, R-Sr., Presbyterian
Nick Barbour - Guard, Sr., High Point
J.P. Primm - Guard, Sr., UNC Asheville

Player of the Year:
Matt Dickey - Guard, Sr., UNC-Asheville



Big-Ten Conference
(NOTE: The Big-Ten only lists the top three teams that receive votes. None of the voting results were released)

Led by powerhouse-sophomore Jared Sullinger, the Ohio State Buckeyes were selected as favorites to win the Big Ten Conference in 2011-2012. Sullinger was named Preseason PoY and head coach Thad Matta will be looking for his eighth-consecutive 20-win season. Michigan State has has a rough two years, but with some much-needed roster turnover, don't be surprised if Tom Izzo and crew are competing for the Big-Ten title late in the season.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State

All-Conference Team:
Draymond Green - Forward, Sr., Michigan State
Trevor Mbakwe - Forward, Sr., Minnesota
Jared Sullinger - Forward, Soph., Ohio State
Robbie Hummel - Guard, R-Sr., Purdue
Jordan Taylor - Guard, Sr., Wisconsin

Player of the Year:
Jared Sullinger - Forward, Soph., Ohio State



Big-XII Conference

In only the second time in league history, the Big-XII coaches chose co-favorites atop the conference. Despite earning more first-place votes, Kansas received the same amount of points as Texas A&M. The Jayhawks have won the Big-XII conference seven out of the last nine years, and the last time preseason co-favorites were chosen, Kansas shared the top-spot with Oklahoma State. The Jayhawks would go own to claim sole ownership of the conference championship that season.

Coaches Poll:
Kansas (5), Texas A&M (2), Baylor (2), Missouri (1), Texas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech

All-Conference Team:
Perry Jones III - Forward, Soph., Baylor
Thomas Robinson - Forward, Jr., Kansas
Marcus Denmon - Guard, Sr., Missouri
J'Covan Brown - Guard, Jr., Texas
Khris Middleton - Forward, Jr., Texas A&M

Player of the Year:
Perry Jones III - Forward, Soph., Baylor

Newcomer of the Year:
Royce White, Forward, R-Soph., Iowa State (Minnesota)

Rookie of the Year:
LeBryan Nash - Guard/Forward, Fr., Oklahoma State



Big West Conference

Long Beach State returns four starters from last year's 20-11 team that won the Big West regular season title before getting stunned in the conference tournament title game against UC-Santa Barbara. But Senior guard Casper Ware, the first individual in Big West history to earn Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same season, will lead a strong 49er's team with revenge on their mind. The Gauchos of UCSB, the team that represented the Big West in last season's NCAA tournament, received four first place votes, and should pose a decent threat to the championship aspirations of LBSU.

Media Poll:
Long Beach State (20), UC-Santa Barbara (4), Cal-Poly, Cal State-Fullerton, UC-Riverside, Pacific, UC-Davis, Cal State-Northridge, UC-Irvine

All-Conference Team:
Larry Anderson - Guard, Sr., Long Beach State
David Hanson - Forward, Sr., Cal-Poly
Orlando Johnson - Guard Sr., UC-Santa Barbara
James Nunnally - Guard, Sr., UC-Santa Barbara
T.J. Robinson - Forward, Sr., Long Beach State
Casper Ware - Guard, Sr., Long Beach State



Colonial Athletic Association
(NOTE: The CAA did not release the voting results of the coaches/media poll, just the predicted order of finish)

The Drexel Dragons return six of their top seven scorers from a year ago, and was picked by league coaches and media members as favorites to win the CAA in 2011-2012. Of the Dragons returning core, four of them received postseason accolades last year, led by Senior forward Sammy Givens. George Mason, led by forward Ryan Pearson and new head coach Paul Hewitt were picked to finish second, and VCU, last season's surprise final Four contestant, was picked third.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Drexel, George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth, Old Dominion, James Madison, William & Mary, Delaware, Hofstra, Northeastern, UNC-Wilmington, Georgia Southern, Towson

All-Conference Team:
Kent Bazemore - Guard, Sr., Old Dominion
Bradford Burgess - Guard/Forward, Sr., Virginia Commonwealth
Sammy Givens - Forward, Sr., Drexel
Quinn McDowell - Guard/Forward, Sr., William & Mary
Ryan Pearson - Forward, Sr., George Mason

Player of the Year:
Kent Bazemore - Guard, Sr., Old Dominion



Conference-USA
(NOTE: The C-USA does not have have a preseason coaches poll)

Despite not releasing a preseason conference poll, one has to assume that the Memphis Tigers will once again be the favorites to win the C-USA. The tigers return a solid core of talented young players, led by Joe Jackson and Tarik Black. But teams like Marshall and UAB should not be overlooked this season. Marshall's DeAndre Kane and UAB's Cameron Moore are players you should definitely keep an eye out for in 2011-2012.

All-Conference Team:
DeAndre Kane - Guard, Soph., Marshall
Will Barton - Guard, Soph., Memphis
Arsalan Kazemi - Forward, Jr., Rice
Kendall Timmons - Guard/Forward, Jr., Tulane
Cameron Moore - Forward, Sr., Alabama-Birmingham
Keith Clanton - Forward, Jr., Central Florida

Player of the Year:
Cameron Moore - Forward, Sr., Alabama-Birmingham



The Horizon League

It should come as no surprise that the Butler Bulldogs are the favorites to win the Horizon League. Brad Stevens' crew is coming off yet another National Championship game loss, but should remain as the cream-of-the-crop in the League. Detroit could be a viable threat to Butler's throne, but with the preseason departure of Eli Holman, it may be an up-hill struggle for the Titans.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Butler (28), Detroit (19), Cleveland State (2), Milwaukee (1), Valparaiso, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Youngstown State, Wright State, Loyola (IL), Illinois-Chicago

All-Conference Team:
Ray McCallum – Guard, Soph., Detroit
Trevon Harmon – Guard, Sr., Cleveland State
Eli Holman - Forward/Center, Sr., Detroit
Chase Simon – Guard, Sr., Detroit
Kaylon Williams – Guard, Sr., Milwaukee

Player of the Year:
Ray McCallum – Guard, Soph., Detroit



The Ivy League
(Note: The Ivy League does not select preseason All-Conference Teams or Player of the Year)

The Harvard Crimson are the heavy favorites to win the Ivy League this season, and the is the first in school history. Tommy Amaker's squad returns 12 players from last year's team, and is led by reigning Conference Player of the Year Keith Wright. Yale and Princeton were picked to finish tied for second place.

Media Poll:
Harvard (16), Yale (1), Princeton, Penn, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth



Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

Led by Mike "Optimus Prime" Glover and Scott Machado, the Iona Gaels are slated to come out of the MAAC as champions. With the edition of former-Arizona guard LaMont "MoMo" Jones, the Gaels should be the prohibitive favorites, but F airfield is a team that should not be overlooked. Despite the departure of head coach Ed Cooley the Stags return standout guard Derek Needham and replaced Cooley with former-Princeton coach Sidney Johnson.

Coaches Poll:
Iona (8), Fairfield (2), Loyola, Rider, Saint Peter's, Siena, Niagara, Manhattan, Canisius, Marist

All-Conference Team:
Derek Needham - Guard, Jr., Fairfield
Ryan Olander - Center, Sr., Fairfield
Mike Glover - Forward, Sr., Iona
Scott Machado - Guard, Sr., Iona
Novar Gadson - Guard/Forward, Sr., Rider

Player of the Year:
Mike Glover - Forward, Sr., Iona



Mid-American Conference

New Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff will field a team with ten returning letter-winners, including four starters from last season's regular season MAC champs. The Flashes were picked as the unanimous favorites to win the East Division and the Conference Tournament in 2012. The Golden Flashes were stunned by Akron in last season's MAC Tournament championship, and the Zips will look to challenge Kent State again in 2012. The Western Division is led by Western Michigan and forward Flenard Whitfield.


East Division Media Poll:
Kent State (16), Akron (8), Ohio, Miami (OH), Buffalo, Bowling Green

West Division Media Poll:
Western Michigan (14), Ball State (9), Central Michigan (1), Toledo, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan

Tournament Championship Media Prediction:
Kent State (12), Akron (6), Ball State (3), Western Michigan (2), Central Michigan (1)

East Division All-Conference Team:
D.J. Cooper - Guard, Jr., Ohio
Justin Greene - Forward, Sr., Kent State
Zeke Marshall - Center, Jr., Akron
Julian Mavunga - Forward, Sr., Miami
Javon McCrea - Forward, Soph., Buffalo

West Division All-Conference Team:
Randy Davis - Guard, Sr., Ball State
Jarrod Jones - Forward, Sr., Ball State
Demetrius Ward - Forward, Sr., Western Michigan
Flenard Whitfield - Forward, Sr., Western Michigan
Trey Zeigler - Guard, Soph., Central Michigan



Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

The Morgan State Bears, conference champions in 2009 and 2010, were picked to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 season and win the MEAC in 2012, which would be their fourth conference title in five years. But despite garnering the most voting points, it was Hampton, last season;s conference tournament champions who received the most first-place votes. This should make for an interesting season in the MEAC.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Morgan State (8), Hampton (16), Coppin State (1), Norfolk State, North Carolina Central, Delaware State, North Carolina A&T, Bethune-Cookman, Howard, South Carolina State, Savannah State, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Florida A&M

All-Conference Team:
Kevin Thompson - Forward, Sr., Morgan State
Darrion Pellum - Guard, Sr., Hampton
Kyle O'Quinn - Center, Sr., Norfolk State
Landon Clement - Guard, Sr., North Carolina Central
DeWayne Jackson - Guard/Forward, Jr., Morgan State

Player of the Year:
Kyle O'Quinn - Center, Sr., Norfolk State



Missouri Valley Conference

The Creighton Blue Jays are once again the favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference. The team returns three starters from last year's squad that finished fourth place in the league, including freshman-of-the-year Doug McDermott. The Blue Jays are one of only nine programs in the country that have reached the postseason in 14-consecutive seasons. Look for that streak to continue in 2012.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Creighton (29), Wichita State (7), Indiana State (4), Northern Iowa, Evansville, Missouri State, Drake, Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Bradley

All-Conference Team:
Jake Odum - Guard, Soph., Indiana State
Doug McDermott - forward, Soph., Creighton
Toure’ Murry - Guard, Sr., Wichita State
Colt Ryan - Guard/Forward, Jr., Evansville
Kyle Weems - Forward, Sr., Missouri State

Player of the Year:
Kyle Weems - Forward, Sr., Missouri State



Mountain West Conference

The new Mexico Lobos, led by Preseason PoY Drew Gordon, are the heavy favorites to win the Mountain West Conference in 2012. The MWC went through a lot of changes in the off season. Lon Kruger left UNLV for Oklahoma, San Diego State lost their two best players and BYU jumped to the West Coast Conference. All that movement should help the Lobos run through the conference with little competition.

Media Poll:
New Mexico (22), UNLV (4), San Diego State, Colorado State, Air Force, Wyoming, TCU, Boise State

All-Conference Team:
Oscar Bellfield - Guard, Sr., UNLV
Drew Gordon - Forward, Sr., New Mexico
Chace Stanback - Guard/Forward, Sr., UNLV
Hank Thorns - Guard, Sr., TCU
Kendall Williams - Guard, Soph., New Mexico

Player of the Year:
Drew Gordon - Forward, Sr., New Mexico

Newcomer of the Year:
Xavier Thames - Guard, Soph., San Diego State

Freshman of the Year:
Hugh Greenwood - Guard, Fr., New Mexico



Northeast Conference

Following a dominant journey to claim the 2011 NEC Championship, head coaches have picked Long Island to repeat as NEC champion in 2012. Led by Juniors Julian Boyd and Jamal Olasewere, the Black Birds are poised to be one of the better teams in the NYC-area. But being tabbed as preseason favorites in the NEC does come with some baggage. NEC coaches have failed to correctly forecast the eventual league champion since selecting Mount St. Mary’s to win it all in 1999, and have missed on their predictions 22 out of the last 24 times. If this trend is to continue, don't be surprised if the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, led by reigning NEC PoY Ken Horton, grab the automatic bid to the Big Dance in 2012.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Long Island (10), Robert Morris (2), Central Connecticut State, Wagner, Quinnipiac, Mount St. Mary's, Bryant, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (PA), Monmouth, St. Francis (NY), Fairleigh Dickinson

All-Conference Team:
Julian Boyd - Forward, Jr., Long Island
Ken Horton - Forward, Sr., Central Connecticut State
James Johnson - Guard, Sr., Quinnipiac
Tyler Murray - Guard, Sr., Wagner
Jamal Olasewere - Forward, Jr., Long Island



Ohio Valley Conference
(NOTE: The OVC chooses to list all the potential candidates for end-of-the-year OVC All-Conference First Team)

The Governors of Austin Peay were selected as the favorites to win the Ohio Valley Conference in 2011-2012, as voted on by coaches and sports information directors. The race for first place should be close, as Tennessee Tech, led by Preseason PoY Kevin Murphy, received just four points less than Austin Peay and only two first-place votes less. Despite losing Kenny Faried to graduation, Morehead State received one first-place vote.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Austin Peay (10), Tennessee Tech (8), Murray State (3), Tennessee State, Morehead State (1), Southeast Missouri, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville

All-Conference Team:
Ivan Aska - Forward, Sr., Murray State
Anthony Campbell - Guard/Forward, Sr., Austin Peay
Isaiah Canaan - Guard, Jr., Murray State
Robert Covington - Forward, Jr., Tennessee State
TyShwan Edmondson - Guard, Sr., Austin Peay
Jeremy Granger - Guard, Sr., Eastern Illinois
Kenny Moore - Forward, Sr., Tennessee State
Kevin Murphy - Guard, Sr., Tennessee Tech
Leon Powell - Forward , R-Jr., Southeast Missouri
Zac Swansey - Guard, Sr., Tennessee Tech

Player of the Year:
Kevin Murphy - Guard, Sr., Tennessee Tech



Pac-12 Conference
(NOTE: The Pac-10 does not select preseason All-Conference Teams or Player of the Year)

The UCLA Bruins have been picked to win the inaugural Pac-12 Championship in 2012. The Bruins feature the deepest roster in the conference and return a three starters from a year ago. The Cal Bears were picked second, and have arguably the best trio in the conference, guards Allen Crabbe and Jorge Gutierrez, along with big-man Harper Kamp. Arizona lost Derrick Williams to the NBA draft, but returns a solid nucleus of talent, and should be a top contender for the title. The Pac-12 should be one of the more entertaining conferences to watch this season, which is a big compliment considering just two years ago it was the laughing-stock of the Power-6 conferences.

Media Poll:
UCLA (14), California (13), Arizona (11), Washington, Oregon, Stanford, Southern California, Oregon State, Arizona State, Colorado, Washington State, Utah



The Patriot League

Led by reigning League PoY Mike Muscala, the Bucknell Bison were chosen as the prohibitive favorites to repeat as Patriot League champions. The Bison received all 14 first-place votes, and should be significantly better than Holy Cross, who was picked to finish second. Lehigh's C.J McCollum was named Preseason PoY for the second year in a row, becoming only the third player in league history to do so.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Bucknell (14), Holy Cross, Lafayette, American, Colgate, Navy, Army

All-Conference Team:
Devin Brown - Guard, Sr., Holy Cross
Tony Johnson - Guard, Jr., Lafayette
CJ McCollum - Guard, Jr., Lehigh
Mike Muscala - Forward/Center, Jr., Bucknell
Jordan Sugars - Guard, Sr., Navy

Player of the Year:
CJ McCollum - Guard, Jr., Lehigh



Southeastern Conference

Coming off a Final-Four appearance last season, the Kentucky Wildcats have been chosen as the favorites to win the SEC in 2011-2012. The Wildcats return sophomore forward Terrence Jones, the media's choice as Preseason PoY, and bring in yet another star-studded freshman class including Anthony Davis, arguably the top freshman in the country. Despite their second straight first-round exit in the NCAA tournament, Vanderbilt was chosen to pick second. The Commodores return all the key players from last year, including NBA prospects John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor. Florida received one first-place vote despite losing much of their front court to graduation.

Media Poll:
Kentucky (18), Vanderbilt (4), Florida (1), Alabama, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina

All-Conference Team:
JaMychal Green - Forward, Sr., Alabama
Terrence Jones - Forward, Soph., Kentucky
Dee Bost - Guard, Sr., Mississippi State
John Jenkins - Guard, Jr., Vanderbilt
Jeffery Taylor - Guard/Forward, Sr., Vanderbilt

Player of the Year:
Terrence Jones - Forward, Soph., Kentucky



Southern Conference
(NOTE: The SoCon only provides one All-Conference Team for the preseason, featuring the ten best players in the conference)

Chattanooga and Davidson were chosen as the favorites to win their respective division in the 2011-2012 Southern Conference. Davidson won three consecutive conference championships from 2007 to 2009, but finished 18-15 last year and 16-15 in 2010. The Mocs of Chattanooga return four starters from last year's squad and will be looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. Wofford, last season's conference champions, were picked to finish third in the South, despite getting one first-place vote. College of Charleston could be a team to watch out for, due to the addition of highly-touted recruit Adjehi Baru, arguably the most-talented freshman in the league.

North Division Media Poll:
Chattanooga (24), Appalachian State (3), Western Carolina (2), UNC-Greensboro (1), Elon, Samford

South Division Media Poll:
Davidson (18), College of Charleston (10), Wofford (1), Furman, Georgia Southern (1), Citadel

All-Conference Team:
Keegan Bell - Guard, R-Sr., Chattanooga
Omar Carter - Guard, R-Sr., Appalachian State
Jake Cohen - Forward, Jr., Davidson
JP Kuhlman - Guard, Jr., Davidson
Willie Powers III - Guard, Sr., Georgia Southern
Drew Spradlin - Guard, Sr., Elon
Trey Sumler - Guard, R-Soph., Western Carolina
Omar Wattad - Forward, Sr., Chattanooga
Trent Wiedeman - Forward, Soph., College of Charleston
Antwaine Wiggins - Forward, R-Sr., College of Charleston

Player of the Year:
Omar Carter - Guard, R-Sr., Appalachian State


Southlands Conference

The coaches and media could not agree on anything other than Texas-San Antonio being the favorites to win the West Division in the Southland Conference. The jury is still out on who the true favorites are in the East division, with Northwestern State, McNeese State and Lamar in contention.

East Division Coaches Poll:
Northwestern State (4), McNeese State (3), Lamar (3), Southeastern Louisiana (2), Central Arkansas, Nicholls State

East Division Media Poll:
McNeese State (7), Lamar (2), Northwestern State (2), Southeastern Louisiana (1), Nicholls State, Central Arkansas

West Division Coaches Poll:
Texas-San Antonio (8), Texas State (2), Texas-Arlington (1), Stephen F. Austin (1), Sam Houston State, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

West Division Media Poll:
Texas-San Antonio (6), Stephen F. Austin (3), Texas-Arlington (1), Texas State (1), Sam Houston State (1), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

All-Conference Team:
Patrick Richard - Guard, Sr., McNeese State
Jereal Scott - Center, Sr., Stephen F. Austin
William Mosley - Center, Sr., Northwestern State
Brandon Fortenberry - Guard, Sr., Southeastern Louisiana
Jeromie Hill - Forward, Soph., Texas-San Antonio



Southwestern Athletic Conference

Defending tournament champions Alabama State is predicted to lead the way during the upcoming season, but is closely followed by Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State, the favorites last season to with the SWAC. Five of the teams in the conference received at least one first-place vote, and defending regular season champion Texas Southern was picked fourth.

Coaches Poll:
Alabama State (3), Mississippi Valley State (3), Jackson State (2), Texas Southern, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Alabama A&M (1), Prairie View A&M (1), Grambling, Alcorn State, Southern

All-Conference Team:
Jenirro Bush - Guard, Sr., Jackson State
Lawrence Johnson-Danner - Guard, Jr., Texas Southern
Paul Crosby - Forward, Jr., Mississippi Valley State
Ivory White - Forward, Sr., Alabama State
Peter Roberson - Center, R-Jr., Grambling

Player of the Year:
Jenirro Bush - Guard, Sr., Jackson State

Defensive Player of the Year:
Ivory White - Forward, Sr., Alabama State



The Summit League

It was recently announced that Oral Roberts will be leaving the Summit League next summer in order to join the Southland Conference. So it is fitting that in the Golden Eagles final season, they are picked to win the Summit League Championship. Two-time defending champion Oakland received four first-place votes and finished second in the polls, but graduated Keith Benson, arguably the best player in Oakland history. IUPUI was picked to finish fourth and features Preseason PoY Alex Young, despite losing their head coach Ron Hunter, who departed to take the head coaching position at Georgia State.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Oral Roberts (27), Oakland (4), South Dakota State (1), IUPUI, North Dakota State, IPFW, UMKC, Southern Utah, Western Illinois, South Dakota

All-Conference Team:
Michael Craion - Forward, Sr., Oral Roberts
Frank Gaines - Guard, Jr., IPFW
Reggie Hamilton - Guard, R-Sr., Oakland
Dominique Morrison - Forward, Sr., Oral Roberts
Nate Wolters - Guard, Jr., South Dakota State
Alex Young - Forward, Sr., IUPUI

Player of the Year:
Alex Young - Forward, Sr., IUPUI



Sun Belt Conference

Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State are the favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference in 2011-2012 according to head coaches in the league. The Owls of FAU were the regular season champions a year ago, but were bounced in the conference tournament by upstart-Arkansas-Little Rock. The Owls, led by former St. John's/George Washington head coach Mike Jarvis, should be the odds-on favorite to carry the league banner in 2012.

West Division Coaches Poll:
Arkansas State (8), Louisiana-Lafayette (2), North Texas (1), Denver (1), Arkansas-Little Rock, Louisiana-Monroe

East Division Coaches Poll:
Florida Atlantic (11), Middle Tennessee (1), Western Kentucky, South Alabama, Florida International, Troy

All-Conference Team:
Martavius Adams - Forward, Sr., Arkansas State
Raymond Taylor - Guard, Jr., Florida Atlantic
Greg Gantt - Guard, Jr., Florida Atlantic
J.J. Thomas - Forward, Soph., Louisiana-Lafayette
Augustine Rubit - Forward, Soph., South Alabama

Player of the Year:
Augustine Rubit - Forward, Soph., South Alabama



West Coast Conference
(NOTE: The WCC does not chose a first team and section team. Instead they list the candidates for the postseason WCC All-Conference Team)

The Gonzaga Bulldogs have won a share of the last 11 WCC regular season championships, and are poised to win their 12th in 2012. The Bulldogs received seven first place votes and 63 of 64 possible points in the poll, and are one of three teams to have multiple selections on the
Preseason All-WCC Team, along with Saint Mary's and San Francisco

Coaches/Media Poll:
Gonzaga (7), Saint Mary's (1), BYU (1), San Francisco, Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, Portland, Pepperdine, San Diego

All-Conference Team:
Brandon Davies - Forward, Jr., BYU
Matthew Dellavedova - Guard, Jr., Saint Maryʼs
Kevin Foster - Guard, Jr., Santa Clara
Rashad Green - Guard, Sr., San Francisco
Elias Harris - Forward, Jr., Gonzaga
Rob Jones - Forward, Sr., Saint Maryʼs
Nemanja Mitrovic - Guard, Sr., Portland
Robert Sacre - Center, R-Sr., Gonzaga
Drew Viney - Forward, R-Sr., Loyola Marymount
Michael Williams - Guard, Jr., San Francisco



Western Athletic Conference

The coaches and media member could not decide on a overwhelming favorite to win the WAC in 2011-2012. Nevada was picked first by the coaches and second by the media. Utah State was picked first by the media and third by the coaches, and New Mexico State was picked second by the coaches and third by the media. But only Nevada and Utah State received first-place votes from the coaches. The Aggies of Utah State have held a share of the WAC championship in each of the past three seasons, and should contend for a share of the crown in 2012. Look for Hawaii to make some noise in the WAC as well. The Warriors return a solid core of starters, and add the play of Shaquille Stokes selected by the media as the Preseason Rookie of the Year.

Coaches Poll:
Nevada (5), New Mexico State, Utah State (3), Hawaii, Idaho, Fresno State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech

Media Poll:
Utah State (13), Nevada (5), New Mexico State (3), Hawaii (3), Idaho, San Jose State, Fresno State, Louisiana Tech

Coaches All-Conference Team:
Deonte Burton - Guard, Soph., Nevada
Zane Johnson - Guard, Sr., Hawaii
Wendell McKines - Forward, Sr., New Mexico State
Brockeith Pane - Guard, Sr., Utah State
Vander Joaquim - Center, Jr., Hawaii

Media All-Conference Team:
Deonte Burton - Guard, Soph., Nevada
Zane Johnson - Guard, Sr., Hawaii
Wendell McKines - Forward, Sr., New Mexico State
Brockeith Pane - Guard, Sr., Utah State
Dario Hunt - Forward, Sr., Nevada

Coaches Player of the Year:
Deonte Burton - Guard, Soph., Nevada

Media Player of the Year:
Brockeith Pane - Guard, Sr., Utah State

Media Newcomer of the Year:
Shaquille Stokes - Guard, Fr., Hawaii