Even the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would have a hard time explaining the Big Ten this year.

Most of the college basketball world, especially Steve Lavin, is talking about how good this conference is this season.

I’ve never seen this much hype over a basketball conference not named the Big East or the Atlantic Coast. It’s getting a little crazy.

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has even predicted seven (yes, seven!) Big Ten teams to make this year’s NCAA Tournament in his latest Bracketology update. That’s his second-highest total of bids given to any conference, with the Big East receiving nine.

So what’s the deal? Is this insanity going to hold up all season?

I’m begging the question because history isn’t on the Big Ten’s side. For example, the number of Big Ten teams to make the NCAA Tournament over the past five seasons: 2008 (four), 2007 (six), 2006 (five), 2005 (five), 2004 (three).

Despite NCAA Championship appearances made by Illinois and Ohio State within that period, the Big Ten never really seems to gain the respect or coverage it deserves. Up until this year the Big Ten always seems to be a conference doormat.

Why has this year been different? Don’t say Obama. The answer is parity.

The Big Ten is just so incredibly balanced this year it’s making me sick.

How about Wednesday night – Northwestern upset Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich., and the Hawkeyes held off the Badgers.

And who could forget the Big Ten opener with the Illini marching into West Lafayette, Ind., to defeat the Boilermakers?

The “bad” teams are beating the “good” teams.

Or maybe it’s that the “good” teams are taking the “bad” teams for granted. Actually, it might be that the “good” teams are now the “bad” teams and vice-versa.

Confused? Don’t be.

College basketball is beautiful for this very reason.

No one cares about who wins the NCAA Tournament (unless it’s your school or you need those last few points to win your bracket pool).

Otherwise, it’s all about the George Mason’s and Bucknell’s. You know, the underdogs.

In the Big Ten that translates into the Illini, the Gophers and even the Nittany Lions.

It’s like the standings are upside down, and because that translates into quality basketball, I’m left pleasantly confused this season.

It’s still early, but the stigma on the Big Ten still worries me. When the dust settles, there still might only be four or five teams picked.

I’m glad parity is what’s fanning the flames of interest in this year’s Big Ten. Two or three dominant teams (followed by a flock of mediocrity) surely didn’t do anything to boost the Big Ten’s popularity in the past.

Now, for something completely different – I want to inform the readers that the fellow basketball writers and I are competing in a “Pick to Click” wager for this year’s Illini. Before each game Jeremy Werner, Jeff LaBelle and I select an Illini player who each of us feel will have the best statistical game.

I’m in last place and I need some help. Apparently, I’m the kiss of death – my pick always has a horrible game. Any suggestions for Saturday against Wisconsin?

Ryan Dixon is a senior in Media. He can be reached at [email protected].