ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll

There were no surprises this morning when the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll came out. The top five looks about right: Kansas, Michigan State, Texas, North Carolina and Kentucky, in that order.

You've got the teams with the most returning talent at 1 and 2; two teams (Texas and UNC) with the combination of uber-talented newcomers and big-time youngsters ready to fill bigger roles; and perhaps the biggest wild card in college basketball this season (Kentucky) rounding out the group. I am a little surprised that Kentucky didn't move to No. 3 like they did in the AP Poll -- I fully expect the media to fawn over the super freshmen that John Calipari trots out in Wildcats blue.

Furthermore, what does the top five say about the Big 12? Texas and Kansas play one epic showdown at Texas later this season. Oklahoma may have a say in the Big 12 title before all's said and done. And Oklahoma State and Missouri, while they probably won't challenge for a conference crown, can certainly make some noise and challenge the Big Three.

Now, last year, it was the Big East that easily took the cake as the best conference. This year, not so much. And being the type that likes titles and grandiose names for inconsequential things, I'd like to name this year's "It" conference right now: the Big Ten. And it's only by a hair, because the Big East is solid (again) from 1 through about 11, the Big 12 has some great teams and the ACC still exists.

Yes, it pains me to say it because the Big Ten plays the worst style of basketball anyone could ever see. But this year's group is pretty damn good, from legitimate national title and Final Four contenders Michigan State and Purdue to the really, really good groups at Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and maybe even Illinois. That's six teams already, and Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin aren't exactly light years behind the top six. By my count, that's nine solid, competitive schools.

So, what gives the Big Ten the edge over the Big East for me? I just think the overall clout of Michigan State and Purdue outweights the clout of 'Nova and West Virginia. That could change, but starting out this season, I'd say those two teams have a better shot at No. 1 seeds and/or Final Four appearances than anyone in the Big East.

But anyway, the rich get richer. Here's a breakdown of teams in the Top 25 by conference. Oh, and before I list them, just remember: I use the AP Top 25 all year, so this is as much (digital) ink I'll give the ESPN poll this year.

Teams in the Top 25
ACC: 4
Big East: 6
Big Ten: 5
Big 12: 3
Pac 10: 2
SEC: 3