March 4
It's time to have a little fun. It's always interesting to go conference-by-conference, analyzing the best of the best. For the next couple of weeks, I'll be unveiling my All-Conference teams. I will also include my player of the year, coach of the year and diaper dandy of the year.

	All-C-USA Team, Awards
	Reece Gaines -- Louisville Chris Massie -- Memphis Marque Perry -- Saint Louis Leonard Stokes -- Cincinnati Dwyane Wade -- Marquette Player of Year Dwyane Wade -- Marquette Coach of Year Rick Pitino -- Louisville Diaper Dandy of Year Francisco Garcia -- Louisville

Remember, this is all subjective and for fun. Everyone will have their own opinions, and I'll give you mine from my heart…

It's time for Conference USA, a league where there are so many name coaches. Think about it ... Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Bob Huggins, a rising star in Tom Crean. Wow! This is a special conference.

First off, we're going to Memphis. Chris Massie has been a force on the baseline as the Tigers make a run at their first NCAA bid since 1996. He's been a great story, since many expected him to jump to the NBA. Massie has dominated on the interior; he hit 10-of-12 shots and scored 24 points in 24 minutes in a recent win over TCU.

Leonard Stokes has provided experience for the Bearcats. He has been so important since Cincinnati lost Steve Logan after last season. Stokes had 31 points in a win over Louisville.

Marque Perry of Saint Louis has come through in winning time. Ask Pitino about Perry's clutch performance when the Billikens snapped Louisville's 17-game win streak. Perry has been a difference-maker in wins over Cincinnati and Memphis too. He's an unsung hero deserving a spot on my All-Conference USA squad. Perry is a big-time player for coach Brad Soderberg.

It's been quite a battle for Conference USA player of the year between Marquette's Dwyane Wade and Louisville's Reece Gaines. The star point guard for the Cardinals made an adjustment by moving to the point. Gaines has great size and vision to find the open man; he also has great shooting range. He has been brilliant for Pitino all season long.

My choice for C-USA player of the year is Wade, who is so explosive in transition. Wade can take over a game; just look at his performance in Marquette's comeback win at Louisville, when the Golden Eagles overcame a 19-point deficit.

A high riser, Wade has taken it upon himself to lead Marquette. He is sensational in isolation plays and has shown his versatility with his great defense. Wade can also pass the ball when he senses double-teams. One-on-one, he breaks defenders down and scores with ease.

My coach of the year was a tough choice. Look at all the exceptional work being done! I'm still going with Pitino, who has led the resurgence of the Cardinals. This program won 12 games before he arrived. Pitino put a stamp on it with his scrappy, hustling, trapping defensive style plus the ability to shoot the trifecta.

I know Louisville has slid a bit recently, but the bottom line is he revived the program and returned it to national prominence.

My diaper dandy of the year is Louisville's Francisco Garcia. He has had some up and down moments this season, but he has come up big in a number of spots. He's responded with the bright lights on him. He had eight trifectas against Cincinnati. Garcia can also take the ball to the goal with explosive quickness.