Mid-Majors

 

Yes (For the past 6 years, a Mid-Major has been the Top RPI team not to make the Dance)

No (The Mid-Majors play weak schedules, and if anything, get over-seeded)

CUSA - Memphis In (UAB #31, Marshall #56, UTEP #60, 8th Ranked RPI)

Horizon - Butler In (Cleveland St #40, 11th Ranked RPI)

MVC - Indiana St In (Missouri St #41, Wichita St #62, 12th Ranked RPI)

Earlier today CHN writer spent a few minutes with Saint Peter's senior forward Jeron Belin as part of his "Big Dance" interview series. Belin, along with Ryan Bacon, Wesley Jenkins and Nick Leon, have been rewarded for buying into head coach John Dunne's program. The Peacocks last made the NCAA Tournament in 1995. 

Jon Teitel: In 2009 you were named a First Team NJCAA Division II All-American. What did it mean to you to win such an outstanding honor?

Earlier today CHN writer Jon Teitel spent some time with two of the key players for the CAA Tournament champion Old Dominion Monarchs, guard Kent Bazemore and forward Frank Hassell. Hassell was named Most Valuable Player of the conference tournament while Bazemore is the CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and they hope to surpass last year's second-round showing in the NCAA Tournament.

Jon Teitel: Your nickname is "Tank". Who gave you the nickname and how do you like it?

The latest 2011 NIT Bracketology field as things stand after Thursday's action. The field below is not who I think deserves to be in, but simply a prediction of what the committee would do as things stand today. NIT-Ology is released following the latest NCAA Tournament Bracketology update.

Earlier today CHN writer Jon Teitel spent a few minutes with LIU head coach Jim Ferry, whose Blackbirds beat Robert Morris 85-82 in overtime to win the Northeast Conference title. 27-5 on the season, LIU has the depth to be a problem and they rank among the best teams in America when it comes to getting to the foul line. Forwards Julian Boyd and Jamal Olasewere are two of the key cogs up front, and the first-year point guard tandem of freshman Jason Brickman and South Alabama transfer C.J. Garner has paid off as well.

Recently CHN writer spent some time with Arkansas-Little Rock head coach Steve Shields, whose team won four games in four days to win the Sun Belt conference tournament. Where the Trojans get seeded remains to be seen, but the shot-making ability of senior guard Solomon Bozeman and their five seniors are things opponents will need to account for next week.  

Jon Teitel: How do you go from being an all-conference golfer for your dad Gene at Baylor 25 years ago to winning a conference tournament title as a basketball coach?

Recently CHN writer Jon Teitel spoke with two key members of the OVC champion Morehead State Eagles, forward/center Kenneth Faried and shooting guard Demonte Harper. Faried has won both the Player and Defensive Player awards in the OVC the last two seasons, and all Harper did last week was win the tournament MVP for his play in three Morehead State wins. Look for the Eagles to be a tough matchup for anyone they draw next week.

Jon Teitel: You declared for the draft last spring before returning to school. Why did you decide to declare, and why did you decide to return?

The bubble has been so bad that we've become used to the sight of someone else shooting themselves in the foot. But outside of losses incurred by Colorado State (to a New Mexico team that could work its way back into the conversation), UAB (in overtime to East Carolina) and Washington State (to Washington) it was a good day for the teams most in need of wins at this stage in the season. On the flip side of Washington State's misfortune despite a performance for the ages from Klay Thompson was the second half revival for Washington, with C.J.