Five story lines for college basketball

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 1:03 PM

JOHN CALIPARI BOLTS FOR KENTUCKY

Calipari packed his bags and left Memphis for finer facilities, more money, prestige and a better fan base at Kentucky. The last guy didn't do so well. But with a No. 1 recruiting class that includes possible No. 1 2010 NBA draft pick John Wall, he could hang another banner in the Rupp Arena rafters. But how soon before the NCAA would take it down?

BIG TEN SEEKS NATIONAL THRONE

After sending seven teams to the NCAA tournament last season, the Big Ten could be the best conference in college basketball this season. Michigan State and Purdue can play with any team in America. Ohio State, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan make up one of the better second tiers in any league. And Northwestern and Penn State both have a chance to squeeze into the Big Dance. If the league can win its first Big Ten/ACC Challenge, it will truly prove that it deserves all the hype.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Move over big men, post authorities and paint players. This year will be dominated by the little guys. This could be one of the better years for guard play in NCAA basketball this decade. Michigan State's Kalin Lucas, Oklahoma's Willie Warren, Texas' Avery Bradley, Kentucky's John Wall, Kansas' Sherron Collins and Ohio State's Evan Turner lead the charge.

TURMOIL ALREADY HURTING MAJOR PROGRAMS

The Gophers are not the only team dealing with preseason drama. UConn faces an NCAA investigation for providing improper benefits to a former player. Mississippi State freshman Renardo Sidney could be a star for the Bulldogs, but the NCAA is investigating whether he got illegal assistance when he left Mississippi to attend high school in L.A. Calipari left Memphis but not before the school's 38-win season, which included a loss in the NCAA title game to Kansas in 2007-08, was vacated, forcing the Tigers into rebuilding mode. A pair of Wisconsin recruits were booted from the team when they were charged with on-campus theft before the start of the season. And five Arkansas players are suspended.

NO MORE PARITY IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL?

One of the great championship events in all of sports is the NCAA men's basketball tournament, in part because of the parity. But with so many powerhouses running things lately, don't be surprised if the same old teams wind up in Indianapolis come April. Kansas could win its second title in three years and become the fourth school since 1999 to win multiple titles. North Carolina won its second in four seasons last year. Florida won a pair in 2006 and 2007. Two teams won two titles from 1983 to 1999. Where's the fun in that?

MYRON P. MEDCALF