Wednesday, December 26, 2007

With the nonconference portion of the college basketball season winding down, Washington Post college basketball writer Eric Prisbell looks at who has made early impressions heading into the conference season:

BIG 12: Texas has thrived despite losing Kevin Durant. Kansas looks dominant. Nebraska has emerged as an early sleeper.

ATLANTIC 10: The league is strong at the top and has no clear front-runner. Four teams rank among the top 20 in the RPI.

CONFERENCE USA: Houston's fast start suggests that Memphis might -- might-- have some competition.

ST. MARY'S: Yes, it's early, but the Gaels are No. 2 in the RPI. An upset of Oregon helped.

MIAMI: Predicted to finish last in the ACC, the Hurricanes have looked like an NCAA tournament contender.

MISSISSIPPI: After knocking off Clemson, Coach Andy Kennedy's team is undefeated and a favorite to win the SEC West.

WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE: Perennial favorite Nevada is rebuilding. Only one team -- Boise State -- has less than four losses.

MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE: Can't turn back the clock to 2006. Southern Illinois has disappointed, and the Valley looks like it could be a one-bid league.

ATLANTIC SUN: Teams have slipped since winning four early-season games against power-conference schools.

KENTUCKY: The Wildcats, led by new coach Billy Gillispie, had first their four-game losing streak 1989-90. Can't blame it on Tubby Smith.

SYRACUSE: Coach Jim Boeheim has held the team together despite key injuries that have made the Orange particularly young.

MARYLAND: The Terrapins have no margin for error after suffering stunning losses to Ohio and American.