Projecting the Field

Updated Nov. 5

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Finally, the season is upon us, set to tip off Monday afternoon with a much anticipated showdown between Maine and Richmond.

OK, so it's not much anticipated.

Let's see if Joey Dorsey has some more predictions for us this season. (Getty Images)

And fine, it's not really a showdown.

But it is still the official start of the college basketball season, and that's worth celebrating on some level, isn't it? I mean, aren't you tired of all the talking and debating and wondering about what might happen? If so, then just be excited something finally is happening, and that it could include a memorable Joey Dorsey quote.

That's right, Mr. Dorsey is back in action, too.

After Maine and Richmond exit the court here at FedExForum on Monday, Memphis and Tennessee-Martin will replace them, which is when Dorsey -- if a sprained shoulder allows him -- will return for the first time since he labeled Greg Oden overrated and instantly became a national story last March. And though there's no word yet on whether Dorsey plans to call out UT-Martin's Gerald Robinson, if he does he'll almost certainly fare better, which is to say he'll score at least one point.

That's my first prediction of the season.

Below, there are plenty more because I wouldn't dare let things begin without providing a Projecting the Field. So here is a conference-by-conference breakdown of which schools will be in and out of the NCAA Tournament come March, and if you're just dying to see some possible seeds, well, those are linked here, too.

So take a look and argue.

Then take a breath and smile.

College basketball is finally here.

Granted, it's not a great doubleheader.

But hey, it's a start.

Top four seeds by region

Bubble teams

Last four in: Saint Joseph's, Bradley, Vanderbilt, UAB
Last four out: West Virginia, Boston College, Missouri, California

Bids by conference