NCAA Basketball: Best program in every state for 2018-19
By Pan Karalis
Michigan – Michigan State
Yes, Michigan is coming off the national title appearance no one wanted, but they lost more impact players than the Spartans, and Tom Izzo will go into Big Ten play with a more experienced team, the favorites to defend their Big Ten regular season title.
Game of the year – Michigan @ Michigan State; Saturday, March 9th
Minnesota – Minnesota
Minnesota takes the Land of 10,000 Lakes by default, and they haven’t played an in-state opponent in almost ten years. It could be a struggle as usual for the Gophers in the Big Ten, but a senior Jordan Murphy keeps the hope of a tournament bid alive.
Mississippi – Mississippi State
After a run to the NIT semifinals a year ago, the Bulldogs are ready for a tournament appearance, returning a core that includes leading scorer Quinndary Weatherspoon. There’s a significant separation between State and any other program in Mississippi, including Ole Miss. If anyone, look for Southern Miss to challenge Mississippi State, but that’s not likely.
Game of the year – Ole Miss @ Mississippi State; Sunday, January 27th
Missouri – St. Louis
The Billikens are back and are the favorite for the A-10 crown this season. They return a strong core, including leading scorer Javon Bess, rising sophomore Jordan Goodwin, and add a 4-star freshman and Drexel transfer Tremaine Isabell, who has NBA aspirations. Missouri loses too much from an OK group last year, and just lost Jontay Porter for the year. No other program in the state should be expected to push either school.
Game of the year: Southeast Missouri State @ St. Louis; Tuesday, November 6th
Montana – Montana
Montana State will be better this year, but bad news for the rest of the Big Sky, so will defending champs Montana. They have a deadly backcourt and circle them as a potential darling come March. They might steal a game in the Tournament.