An evaluation of Big Sky Conference men’s basketball teams is conducted before the regular season commences. This assessment, which is typically released in the fall, forecasts the expected performance of each team in the conference for the upcoming year. Coaches and media representatives within the Big Sky Conference are often the primary contributors to this prediction.
The value of this preliminary ranking lies in its ability to generate early interest in the conference and its teams. It also provides a benchmark for evaluating team performance throughout the season. Historically, while these projections offer insight, they are not always indicative of the final standings. Underdog teams frequently outperform expectations, and highly ranked teams can falter due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. The ranking serves to generate discussion and excitement around the league.