Why the Big Ten/ACC Challenge matters

ACC 10, Big Ten 0. That's the tally in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. And if you think that doesn't matter, just ask any fan, coach, player or administrator on either side.

Butler one of several ranked teams at 76

Four ranked teams and several more NCAA tourney contenders make this year's 76 Classic field the best of any early-season tournament. Andy Katz offers a breakdown of the teams and explains what's at stake.

Pair emerges from fatherly shadows

Each is a rising soph and the son of a former No. 1 overall pick. But Wazzu's Klay Thompson (son of Mychal) and Minnesota's Ralph Sampson III (son of you-know-who) don't have comparable burdens.

Katz's Region Breakdowns: East

From the most intriguing player to the hardest team to figure out, Andy Katz breaks down the East Regional.

Picking the 25 best not an easy task

Now that we know who's in and who's out, Andy Katz offers up the final version of his preseason top 25 -- at least until the fall.

That's right -- a revised top 25 already

With the various underclassman decisions, much has changed over the past few weeks. With that in mind, here's a look at Andy Katz's new top 25 for the 2009-10 season.

Trio of surprising blowouts just part of another wild and wacky Wednesday

For the third consecutive week, a Wednesday shook up college hoops. This one included a pair of shocking ACC blowouts, a pair of Big 12 nail-biters and a Big Ten statement by Sparty.

Hiring Drew a solid first step in long-term rebuilding

Scandal has left Baylor basketball devestated. Where does Scott Drew start when it comes to starting over?

When Tide shifts, teams can go from ranked to rank

Led by former No. 1 Alabama, several teams could go from the top 25 to missing the NCAA Tournament.

Marquee Matchups Put Marquette In Spotlight

A victory over Wake Forest and upcoming showdown with Louisville has Marquette in the national spotlight.

Second-quarter status report

From Final Four favorites to player of year contenders, witness ESPN.com's second-quarter status report.

A-10 Must Stay Top-Heavy

The A-10 finds itself in position to send more than a single team to the NCAA Tournament.

Andy Katz hands out his weekly awards and previews the top games this week.

Upset specials

Ball State did it a year ago in Maui. Who'll make a name for itself this week in NYC, Hawaii or Alaska?

Officials look for consistency amid rule changes

The next two months of non-conference games will be used to get teams and officials on the same page.