One conference dominates in projected tourney bracket

Kansas Jayhawks forward Jalen Wilson, guard Gradey Dick and guard Kevin McCullar Jr. Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

One conference rules above all others in projected NCAA men's tournament bracket

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 2/18/23

There isn't one dominant team in college basketball this season, but after the selection committee revealed the projected top four seeds in each region, it's clear the Big 12 is the sport's most dominant conference.

As just revealed on CBS, here's the 1-16 order of the selection committee's in-season bracket reveal:

1. bama
2. Houston
3. Purdue
4. Kansas
5. Texas
6. Zona
7. Baylor
8. UCLA
9. Tenn
10. Virginia
11. Iowa State
12. Kansas State
13. Indiana
14. Marquette
15. Gonzaga
16. Xavier
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 18, 2023

The NCAA men's tournament selection committee unveiled an early look at the projected top four seeds in each region, and out of the 16 spots available, Big 12 schools earned five.

Kansas is the top-ranked Big 12 school at fourth overall.

Texas, Baylor, Iowa State and Kansas State follow, and as ESPN's John Gasaway notes, another — TCU — could move up to give the conference a record six schools with a four-seed or higher in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

The top three overall seeds hail from outside of the Big 12. Alabama (SEC) is ranked first, followed by Houston (AAC) and Purdue (Big Ten). As the eight losses by Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams can attest, this isn't a year with a clear-cut favorite.

With Alabama's loss to Tennessee, there have now been 8 losses by AP No. 1 teams this season. That is tied for the most in a regular season in the AP Poll era with the 1993-94 season (since 1948-49). pic.twitter.com/27Y2kTOOUc
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 16, 2023

Over the past three NCAA men's basketball tournaments, a Big 12 team has reached the finals each year, with Baylor and Kansas winning the previous two championships.

In a field where anyone can win, the Big 12 has more legitimate title contenders than any other conference. A fourth finals appearance in a row and a third consecutive championship may be in order.

As much as we rightfully look to the SEC as the powerhouse conference in college football, Big 12 basketball hasn't commanded nearly the same level of respect.

The way this season is unfolding, maybe that should change.

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