NCAA Basketball Conference Tournaments News and Views

The Buckeyes got a huge win today over Wisconsin, 61-57, in a game that had major tournament implications. Joe Lunardi and ESPN are showing the Big Ten some major love—predicting eight teams make it in.

No one knows what the committee is going to do with all the Big Ten bubble teams. The Buckeyes' win solidified an NCAA Tournament berth for them, and now the team can look ahead to Michigan State tomorrow.

I am a little tired of the Big East Tournament taking up all of the ESPN air time every night. While many are chattering about the six-overtime thriller last night between UConn and Syracuse, it meant the viewing public was forced to view a watered-down version of NBA basketball where the officials pretty much call nothing.

On top of that, it meant we were forced to watch Eric Devendorf. I am ready to pass on his trash talk and attitude, and wish that the university would have kept him kicked out of school. It truly is trash, and I am thankful the Big Ten is not out of control like the Big East.

Back to some football news. Yesterday, quarterback recruit Devin Gardner decided to head to Michigan. The Buckeyes were supposedly going to make a major play for the Michigan dual-threat star, but at this point, no offer had been given.

Gardner is someone who would have been a great addition for the Buckeyes in the 2010 class, but it seems the Buckeyes are going to put all the chips in Nick Montana's court, and go from there.  

I think it is interesting to watch Tressel and the staff continue their basic recruiting strategy. This year—as in previous years—the staff looked out-of-state for major talent before taking a glance at the second-tier players in-state.

They have already received a commitment from linebacker David Durham of Texas, and have a whole host of others are coming to visit in the near future. Some of the names to watch out for are Texas safety Luke Muncie, Florida safety LaMarcus Joyner, Florida cornerback Cody Riggs, and Maryland hybrid linebacker/defensive end Ego Ferguson.

Keep watching as these names pop up!