Conference Tournament Previews

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ACC
My Projected Final: Virginia vs. Duke
Winner: Duke
MVP: Jahlil Okafor, Duke

This isn't much of an upset final, but the ACC is not deep at all behind their top 5, and even their top 5 is largely overrated at the moment.  Duke has looked great recently, and although Okafor has had three down games in a row, I think he plays very well in this tournament to win tournament MVP.  Despite the fact that I think Duke will win this conference tourney, personally I don't see them advancing much past the Sweet 16, if past the Sweet 16 at all (It shows how good Duke has been that I say it like it is a down year!).  I think they have gotten a little lucky with close games this year, and are a little inexperienced.

Big 12
My Projected Final: Oklahoma vs. Kansas
Winner: Oklahoma
MVP: Buddy Hield, Oklahoma

Kansas goes for their revenge...  Oklahoma beat them on a buzzer beater on Saturday, but Kansas was missing Perry Ellis (not that he even matters that much) and the Jayhawks were on the road.  I thought about picking Baylor to beat Kansas, but Kansas always seems to come through in the Big 12 regular season and tournaments (though not the Big Dance last year).  However, I think Oklahoma and Buddy Hield will take down KU.  I think Oklahoma could get really hot come NCAA tourney time.

Big East
My Projected Final: Villanova vs. Butler
Winner: Villanova
MVP: Darrun Hilliard, Villanova

Villanova is playing incredible right now, and they just beat St. John's by an astounding 37 points!!!  Butler kept the game close last time out versus the 'Cats, but this time Villanova should win fairly easily.  The Wildcats seem to be peaking at the right time.

Big 10
My Projected Final: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin
Winner: Wisconsin
MVP: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin

This matchup will feature two of the top Wooden Award candidates: D'Angelo Russell and Frank Kaminsky.  In my opinion, Kaminsky is their CLEAR player of the year.  Wisconsin really deserves a one seed, but so do four other teams, and I am not sure they will get it unless another team stumbles.

Pac-12
My Projected Final: Oregon State vs. Arizona
Winner: Arizona
MVP:  Stanley Johnson, Arizona

This would be a pretty big upset, with Oregon State the 7 seed in this tournament, but I think it can definitely happen.  Gary Payton Jr. is just like his dad (except not as good) and he is second in the country in steals per game.  Arizona should pull it out due to their fantastic defense, but Oregon State can keep it close.

SEC
My Projected Final: Kentucky vs. Ole Miss
Winner: Kentucky
MVP:  Karl Towns, Kentucky

Towns is just looking incredible right now, and I would put the odds of Kentucky losing in the SEC tournament at 100-1.  Ole Miss is the 6th seed in this tournament, but Jarvis Summers is a great guard, and they could be the second best team in this conference.  Although they will win this conference, I have a feeling they will be upset in the NCAA tourney.

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