Basketball is back, first 2018 bracket

The long wait is finally over. The 2017-18 college basketball season officially tips off today, including defending national champion North Carolina in action against Missouri Valley Conference contender Northern Iowa. So without further ado, here is your first bracket for the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

Last Four Byes: Maryland, North Carolina State, Florida State, Michigan
Last Four In: UCF, Iowa, Kansas State, St. Bonaventure
First Four Out: Oregon, VCU, Georgia Tech, San Diego State

Conference Rundown

ACC - 9
Big Ten - 8
Big 12 - 8
SEC - 5
American - 4
Big East - 4
Pac-12 - 3
Atlanta 10 - 2
West Coast - 2
One-bid leagues - 22

November brackets are always a random mess, but a fun exercise nonetheless. And we won't have to wait long for big-time games. The Champions Classic on Tuesday pits Duke against Michigan State and Kentucky against Kansas. So enjoy the opening weekend of the college season and stay tuned for bracket updates all through the season.

And a friendly reminder that the Bracket Matrix is once again up and running. This will be year number seven already for me. How fast time goes. Here's hoping my good run continues.