Dick Jerardi: Our man's choices for NCAA's field of 68

SELECTION Sunday is March 11. The national championship game is April 2 in New Orleans. There are times I wonder which day is more celebrated. Actually, I know. It is when those 68 teams are revealed and America can start filling out brackets.

There will be no drama for hoops heavyweights over the next several weeks. There will be plenty of drama for schools that have done enough to be considered, but not enough to feel comfortable. And there will be all those one-bid conference tournaments that are essentially playoff games to get to the playoffs.

The NCAA Tournament selection committee has its way of selecting at-large teams and seeding the 68-team field. I have been in the room twice for mock exercises so I know the process well enough.

Here is how I see the 68 teams today, conference by conference (including each league's most likely total at this stage), with the understanding that some of this will change by March 11 and more than a few of the one-bid leagues will produce upsets. That never changes.

America East (1)

There is not much separating Stony Brook, Vermont and Boston University.

Atlantic 10 (2)

Temple, Saint Louis.

If the Owls are playing in a month like they are today and get decent matchups, I can see them winning multiple games. This team makes threes in bunches, makes opponents defend the entire halfcourt and creates matchup problems. They are not a great defensive team, but better now that Micheal Eric is back. Most of these players were on the team that was one more basket or one more stop away from the Sweet 16 last year. Could definitely happen this year.

Saint Louis is a very unique team with a great preparation coach that should play well in a quick turnaround setting.

I have no feel for the rest of this league, even though I see these teams all the time. There is just no consistency.

Both Saint Joseph's and La Salle have had their moments. Each should be playing in the postseason, but would have to win the A-10 Tournament to get into the field.

Atlantic Coast (5)

Duke, North Carolina, Florida State, Virginia, North Carolina State.

Duke and UNC are just below the first tier of teams. Wish Duke played better defense and UNC made a few threes. North Carolina State is much improved.

Atlantic Sun (1)

Take your pick between Mercer and Belmont.

Big 12 (6)

Missouri, Kansas, Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas.