The American Athletic Conference is still searching for an identity.
This league doesn't have the tradition of the Big East or the overall competition level of a power-five conference, but it still boasts several quality programs that are among the best in college basketball.
Check out our breakdown below for multiple story lines to watch in the American Athletic Conference heading into the 2016-17 college basketball season.
1. UConn-Cincinnati rivalry continues to grow
The Huskies and Bearcats had their share of quality games when they did battle in the old Big East, but these two programs have really become fierce competitors since the creation of the American Athletic Conference prior to the 2013-14 season.