College basketball insider: As March Madness looms, a look back at the thrills and dives of the season

On Tuesday, the calendar turned to March, bringing with it the promise of spring and something perhaps even more exciting: college basketball's sure-to-entertain pinnacle.

But just as March is the time for madness, it's also the time of year when we all look back at the regular season's drama and the heroes through the long haul. This season, so far, has turned out to be one of thrilling surprises: new freshmen to fawn over, seniors electrifying in their final run, squads sinking amid unforeseen struggles and others emerging from the shadows of mediocrity.

The past couple of weeks have been especially bizarre, with once-leaders Iowa and Maryland suddenly nose-diving — the Terrapins had lost three of four before thumping Illinois on Thursday, the Hawkeyes, four in a row — and early slumping Wisconsin and Ohio State both on a tear. After the Buckeyes' huge upset over Iowa on Sunday, they have earned victories in five of their past six. The Badgers, meanwhile, appear to be conducting the turnaround of the year with 10 victories in their past 11 games.

That means with one game remaining for each team this weekend, the Big Ten standings are still very much in flux, with seven teams crowding for a spot in the top two.

As for some of the standouts of the past four months, here are my picks:

Denzel Valentine, Michigan State: It's hard to find an argument against the Spartan senior, who just happens to be one of the most dominant players in the Big Ten while also owning the tag of the most versatile. Valentine — who is averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists — hasn't been his best in the last three games, but Michigan State is surging regardless and it's putting the fourth-year stud in the national conversation as well.

Greg Gard, Wisconsin: It's almost absurd to think of an interim coach seizing the honor, particularly in a league where so many coaches are nationally touted or even future Hall of Famers. But that's just how impressive Gard has been since taking over for Bo Ryan, who abruptly retired in December. Then, the Badgers looked like they might miss the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1998. Now? Wisconsin is the league's hottest team after cruising past Minnesota in a six-week stretch that has seen more impressive wins over Indiana, Maryland and Iowa.

The teams are tied for third place (12-5 ACC records), could be playing for a share of the conference title — they are on the heels of the Heels and Hurricanes — and Virginia is trying to lock up that No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

1 Big Ten team on the NCAA tournament bubble — just one, Michigan — according to CBS guru Jerry Palm.

18-12 Record for LSU, putting them on the wrong side of the bubble at this point. Future No. 1 pick Ben Simmons would make the NCAA tourney more fun.

The NCAA tournament soon-to-be champion? I'm calling Kansas, a team I wasn't sure had the star power or defensive ability at the start of the season. I need to learn to stop betting against Bill Self. The future Hall-of-Famer has directed the Jayhawks to a 12th consecutive Big 12 title that didn't look likely a month and a half ago. Oh, and Kansas is also the only team in the nation whose offensive and defensive efficiency ratings are both ranked in the top 10. The Jayhawks still might be short on genuine stars, but their veteran roster — and the sheer will of senior forward Perry Ellis — has paid off. They're playing their best basketball of the season, with 10 victories in a row heading into Saturday's league finale vs. Iowa State. Houston, here they come.

Iowa (20-9, 11-6 Big Ten): Indiana (24-6, 14-3 in the Big Ten): The Hoosiers clinched the title outright for the second time in four years Tuesday.

Wisconsin (20-10, 12-5): The Badgers had enough ability to practically sleepwalk through their matchup with Minnesota on Wednesday and still win by double digits.

Ohio State (19-11, 11-6): Jae'Sean Tate is out for the season, but the Buckeyes were still able to top Iowa.

Purdue (23-7, 11-6): After losing four of their previous five road games, the Boilermakers were able to break the skid at Nebraska on Tuesday.

Maryland (23-6, 11-5): The Terrapins looked like they might be in trouble after three losses in four games, but got back on track by thumping Illinois.

Iowa (20-9, 11-6): After a very promising start, the Hawkeyes are crashing.

Penn State (15-14, 6-10): Before getting rolled by Michigan State, the Nittany Lions had won four of five.

Northwestern (18-11, 6-10): The Wildcats scored a blazing 1.51 points per possession in a rout over Rutgers and were feeling good heading into a date with Penn State.

Nebraska (14-16, 6-11): Shavon Shields put up 32 points but no one else could score more than nine against Purdue, and the Huskers lost their fourth straight.

Illinois (13-16, 5-11): Since Jan. 10, the Illini's only wins have come over Rutgers and Minnesota.

Gophers (8-21, 2-15): Three suspensions have pretty much put a cap on a year of losses on and off the court.