#1 In the KenPom, #1 Defense, a potent offense and a top resume in the sport. Michigan has me eating my words from earlier this season.
2
Arizona
IMO, the best collections of wins in the sport thus far. Four ranked wins and not much trouble getting them.
3
Duke
Three straight wins that were closer than you'd like, but it's three straight wins. Gutsy stuff from the Blue Devils
4
Iowa State
This week's I was right. This defense is intimidating, and they looked DOMINANT against a Purdue team I really respected.
5
Gonzaga
Michigan loss nonwithstanding, this has been a return to form season for the Zags thus far. Yet another dominant defense high up for me.
6
UConn
Realized I forgot UCONN last week. Sincere apologies. I like their selection of wins slightly less that 'Zaga, but think more highly of their one loss. Truly a toss up.
7
Michigan State
Three ranked wins and a narrow loss to IMO, a top 3 team. Still lots of upside here. The two best BIG 10 basketball teams reside in the same state
8
BYU
BYU played UCONN to the wire and has looked stellar outside of that one game. I believe firmly they'll prove themselves to be the Big 12 favorite, but for now the resume has them here.
9
Purdue
Yikes.
10
Houston
Still waiting for the Houston win that wows me. Kingston Fleming is one of CBB's best guards though. Playing on unreal splits and solid defense.
11
Vanderbilt
The offensive wagon has slowed, moderately, but they're undefeated, and have recents wins over teams I really respect in SMU and Saint Mary's
12
Louisville
12A. The Arkansas loss obviously stings. But the Indiana win was a fantastic bounce back. Still in the hunt as a top ACC squad.
13
North Carolina
12B. The best loss of this three bunched teams, IMO. The road win at Kentucky is doing heavy lifting, but for now, I'm liking what I'm seeing.
14
Alabama
12C. Least impressive wins out of the bunch, plus two losses. Still waiting on the marquee win, but the offense looks great.
15
Nebraska
They've technically ripped off 13 straight. Looked real solid against Creighton, and are generally holding their own.
16
Illinois
16A. The Tennessee win was essentially a road game. They remain holding serve in winnable games, which is a credit to their consistency.
17
Kansas
16B. The best three loss team in the country. Simply a matter of the UNC loss opposed to Illinois' TTU W that marks the difference.
