Predicting the 'Big Six' Conference Tournament Results

There really isn't anything that compares to March Madness. The NCAA Tournament is watched by everyone, and millions upon millions of brackets are filled out every year after Selection Sunday. A handful of them end up being correct.

The fact that anything can happen and upsets are anywhere and everywhere you look makes this one of the greatest tournaments in all of sports. Like I said before, there really isn't much that can compare to it.

What is nearly as good, though, is watching the conference tournaments unfold before our very eyes. Who will take an early exit, who will see their bubbles burst, and who will win the whole thing, clinching their spot in the field of 68.

While most of the smaller conference tournaments are just getting underway, the excitement and buzz is around all of those teams trying to win one of the "big six" conference tournaments.

Predicting these things are almost impossible, and I'm sure not everyone will agree with my picks, but instead of sour comments, I would like to hear how you think it will go and why.

Pac 10 Winner: Arizona Wildcats

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 27: Markieff Morris #21 of the Kansas Jayhawks fouls Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats during the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational at The Orleans Arena November 27, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kansas won 87-7

I like Arizona out in the Pac 10, and I don't think many would argue this one. Though they are in a battle with UCLA for the regular season title, they have some impressive wins on their side and a better overall record. I think people expected another down year from this conference in comparison to the other five major conferences, but they still have plenty of talent out west.

Tournament MVP: Derrick Williams

Team you don't want to play in this tournament: Washington

ACC Winner: Duke Blue Devils

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DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 09: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 9, 2011 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

You would think after Duke and North Carolina, there would be a big drop off in the ACC standings. Actually, Florida State is just two games behind both the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels. It looks like Florida State and Virginia Tech will make the tournament, but they won't want to let the committee think it over this year.

They are both ready to make a statement in this tournament, and I would bet one of them will be able to take out North Carolina along the way, but in the end, it will be hard for one of them to beat both UNC and Duke in the same tournament. I hope I am wrong on this.

Tournament MVP: Nolan Smith

Team you don't want to play: Florida State

SEC Winner: Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Forward Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators drives upcourt against the Ohio State Buckeyes November 16, 2010 at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

After the beat down the Gators gave Alabama earlier this week, I think it's safe to say there are three teams ready to battle for this tournament trophy. Obviously Florida and Kentucky are the two big ones, but don't forget about Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and even Mississippi State.

The reason I would go with Florida here over Kentucky is that Kentucky has lost more road games this year than anyone can remember. That does not bode well for them, as this tournament will not take place in Rupp. Florida has also had a knack for winning close games all year. They will find a way to win this tournament, but don't be surprised if Vanderbilt or Tennessee makes a big run.

Tournament MVP: Chandler Parsons

Team you don't want to play: Vanderbilt

Big 12 Winner: Kansas Jayhawks

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LAWRENCE, KS - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks talks with his brother Markieff Morris #21 during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on February 12, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

The Big 12 has been quite impressive this year, and they have had high expectations since the season began. Kansas and Texas have been outstanding all year, and Kansas State has been putting it together the past couple of weeks. Jacob Pullen really gives them a great chance to win if he is healthy. Don't forget about Texas A&M and Missouri as contenders as well. Both teams have played well both in and out of conference and could really challenge the top two teams for the title.

In the end, there is too much talent in Kansas, but don't be surprised if Texas gets it this year.

Tournament MVP: Marcus Morris

Team you don't want to play: Kansas State

Big Ten Winner: Purdue Boilermakers

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: E' Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers brings the ball up court against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Conference game at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo

No team is as hot as Purdue is right now. JaJuan Johnson has made a case for conference player of the year, and E'Twaun Moore has also been playing lights out. If someone else can take out Ohio State or Wisconsin, look for Purdue to make it to the big game. They know if they win the conference tournament, they will almost be guaranteed a number one seed for the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State could be beatable if Diebler isn't hitting ten three pointers per game, and Wisconsin could give teams major problems if they keep playing at the slow pace that they do.

Any of these three teams has a great chance of winning it all, and this should be an outstanding conference tournament.

Tournament MVP: E'Twaun Moore

Team you don't want to play: Michigan

Big East Winner: Pittsburgh Panthers

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 19: Ashton Gibbs #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers moves the ball while taking on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 19, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wiscon

Let's be honest: This is the most exciting and interesting conference tournament that there is in college basketball. I look forward to this one every year, just like the Big Ten Tournament. This conference tourney is almost like the Daytona 500, in that it is really anybody's guess as to who is going to win.

Basically, you have 10 teams that could easily be considered the favorite to win the tournament. Just thinking about teams like Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Louisville, Georgetown, St. John's, Villanova, Marquette, Cincinnati, and West Virginia gives me goosebumps. I wish it started tonight!

In the end, I am going to go with the team that is leading the conference during the regular season. They had a tough loss against a great St. John's team and have had to do without their best player for a number of games. St. John's will be playing with the crowd on their side for virtually every game, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the championship game. You can honestly make a case for any of the teams I listed here, and I am sure this will be another great one to watch.

Tournament MVP: Ashton Gibbs

Team you don't want to play: St. John's  (any of them really)