NCAA: Missing Piece For Top Teams Entering Conference Play

Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34), forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15), guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) and Eron Harris (14) during the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34), forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15), guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) and Eron Harris (14) during the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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Conference play is here and a number of top teams still have some questions. Well, NCAA every team has some questions. Who needs to improve in what areas?


Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34), forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15), guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) and Eron Harris (14) during the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34), forward Marvin Clark Jr. (15), guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) and Eron Harris (14) during the second half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Michigan State won 99-93 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Non-conference play is always fun. In the last two months, we’ve learned a lot about teams, coaches, conferences and, let’s face it, ourselves.

But now is when we get into the nitty gritty of the season: conference play. With conference play comes even weirder results — as if we could get weirder than the non-conference season — because teams know each other much better as they play every year. Upsets will happen, so be warned.

The top teams right now may or may not be the top teams when we reach conference tournament time, but we’re about to find out who’s for real.

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To find out who’s for real, though, we must look at some of the biggest weaknesses that must be worked out for some of those teams that are considered elite. Who needs to improve where in order to win in the NCAA tournament rather than settle for just getting there.

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