Expert Predictions for AAC Conference Play

[Harry0569]

In the preseason, it's hard not to be tantalized by talent, which is why UConn was such a popular American title pick in October, one good enough to hold off a tough, experienced Cincinnati bunch. After a 5-5 start, it's not clear UConn is all that much better than Memphis or Central Florida -- while the Bearcats look like the clear class of the league.

1. Cincinnati Bearcats
2. SMU Mustangs
3. Houston Cougars
4. Connecticut Huskies
5. Temple Owls
6. Memphis Tigers
7. UCF Knights
8. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
9. East Carolina Pirates
10. South Florida Bulls
11. Tulane Green Wave

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket ... ace-finish

[Harry0569]

American

Favorite: Cincinnati

The Skinny: Mick Cronin has made his alma mater into one of college basketball’s most consistent programs. The Bearcats (10-2) are one of eight schools to play in the last six NCAA Tournaments and a seventh seems more than likely in 2017. What will it take to win a few games when it gets there? More consistent defense from NC State transfer Kyle Washington and more consistent all-around play from senior point guard Troy Caupain, who has been disappointing out of the gate. Cincinnati will always be Cincinnati under Cronin, but doing something beyond winning the American depends on the progressions of these two players. Unlike past years, the Bearcats are clearly the team to beat heading into league play.

Contender(s): SMU

The Skinny: The Ponies aren’t the juggernaut that they’ve been the past couple of seasons under Larry Brown, but they’re still very capable. Tim Jankovich’s squad already owns a win over Pitt and will enter conference play with a solid 10-3 record. SMU has experience, balance, and a potential star in Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye (18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds), but it doesn’t have any depth. Following Harry Froling’s decision to transfer, the Ponies now only boast six separate players averaging double-figure minutes. This team can’t afford any injuries moving forward if it wants to have a chance to catch the Bearcats.

Sleeper: Temple

The Skinny: Fran Dunphy’s squad was 5-5 last year after 10 games and wound up winning the American Conference and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. What will happen in 2016-17? Nobody really knows. The Owls will enter Wednesday night’s American Conference opener against Cincinnati with a 9-4 record and one of college basketball’s most unique resumes. Temple owns wins over two Top 25 teams in West Virginia and Florida State, but has also lost to New Hampshire, UMass, and George Washington. There’s no way of predicting if this team is going to be consistent moving forward, especially with veteran point guard Josh Brown’s status in question due to a lingering achilles injury. Still, Dunphy is the all-time winningest coach in Big 5 history for a reason. As long as he’s on the sidelines and the Owls have capable pieces like Obi Enechionyia, Daniel Dingle and Shizz Alston on the floor, Temple has a chance to beat anyone it will face during league play.