RADIO
Welcome back hoop fans! As another electrifying week of college basketball wraps up, it's time to shake up the power rankings. Buckle up because there are some surprising shifts in the hierarchy. My power rankings are updated and listed here at RotoBaller and updated weekly!
This is also going to show similarities and differences compared to traditional polls because I not only break down team wins but crucial losses as well. These past couple of weeks have been a roller coaster of nail-biting finishes, which have reshaped some of the rankings.
Let's break it down, team by team, and see who's riding, who's falling, and who's making a statement on the hardwood.
(25) Miami (10-2)
Last week: W 95-55 vs. North Florida
A get-right win is exactly what Miami needed, now winning their last two games with a combination of 78 points in point differential.
(24) Gonzaga (9-4)
Last week: L 84-74 vs. San Diego State
Having lost three of the last six games, Gonzaga seems to have lost their rhythm, and that has landed them here.
(23) San Diego State (11-2)
Last week: W 84-74 at Gonzaga
Landing their biggest win of the season sets up San Diego State nicely to begin the new year. Their ability to run a fast-paced offense while defending excellently lands them here.
(22) Providence (11-2)
Last week: W 85-75 vs. Butler
Devin Carter and Bryce Hopkins continue to impress and have now extended their win streak to four games, including a monster win over top-ranked Marquette. A team that is very fun at home should see themselves climb the rankings as the season goes on.
(21) Wisconsin (9-3)
Last week: W 80-53 vs. Chicago State
The Badgers have had one of the more difficult non-conference schedules this season and they have shown the capability to take down top-notch teams. Wins over Virginia, SMU, Marquette, and Michigan State place them here.
(20) Colorado State (12-1)
Last week: W 106-61 vs. Adams St
The Rams have had a great start to the season and credit can be shined on guard Isaiah Stevens, who is leading the team in points per game, currently averaging 17.4 points. A team that brings a lot of energy will be interesting to follow as the year goes on.
(19) Ole Miss (13-0)
Last week: W 95-78 vs. Bryant
The Rebels and Chris Beard are undefeated to start the season, but have seen just one ranked team this season in the win over Memphis. Conference play can make Ole Miss emerge as a top-10 team.
(18) Illinois (10-2)
Last week: W 104-71 vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
Illinois has the talent to go far this season, but losing star guard Terrence Shannon Jr. to an ongoing investigation puts a big hit on the team and is the reason for their current rank.
(17) BYU (12-1)
Last week: W 94-68 vs. Wyoming
Still without a home loss this season, the Cougars have been dominant on offense, averaging 90.4 points per game this season. With conference play beginning, this will be a great test to see how capable BYU really can be.
(16) Texas (10-2)
Last week: L 31-38 vs. Kentucky
When will we get some real knowledge of the Longhorns? Losing the only two games against competent talent doesn't look great, but this team has the skill players, which places them here.
(15) Auburn (10-2)
Last week: W 101-66 vs. Chattanooga
After the brutal loss to App State, the Tigers have gone on a six-game win streak. Johni Broome continues to be one of the more valuable pieces in the country and should be watched by all viewers.
(14) Baylor (10-2)
Last week: W 107-48 vs. Miss Valley St
Despite having lost two games in a row before the holidays, Baylor is still full of talent and will have their chance to show their abilities in conference play.
(13) Clemson (11-1)
Last week: W 93-58 vs. Radford
Clemson has been one of my favorite teams to watch play this season and it comes from the firepower this offense can bring. Having just one loss to a strong Memphis team on the road, the Tigers sit undefeated at home and on neutral floors.
(12) Duke (9-3)
Last week: W 106-69 vs. Queens University
The Blue Devils currently have all five starters averaging double-digits and the charge is led by center Kyle Filipowski, who is averaging 17.5 points per game this season. Duke is starting to look like a true contender.
(11) Oklahoma (12-1)
Last week: W 72-56 vs. Monmouth
With just one loss on the season, Oklahoma has been one of the most underrated teams this season. The problem, however, is the strength of schedule as the Sooners have just one ranked win on the season and that was to USC, who currently is no longer ranked. With conference play starting, we should find out the true potential of Oklahoma in the coming weeks.
(10) Arizona (10-3)
Last week: L 100-82 at Stanford
Arizona is a great team, one of my favorites to watch, but the problem is clear and it revolves around their defense. Allowing 100 points to Stanford may have been the tipping point, but they have shown poor defense all year. If things can get turned around, Arizona can be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
(9) Memphis (11-2)
Last week: W 81-70 vs. Austin Peay
Memphis has been the most entertaining team to watch this season and acquiring mid-season transfer Nae'Qwan Tomlin from Kansas State has pushed the Tigers to the top 10 discussion. Tomlin recorded a 15-point and 15-rebound performance in his second game for Memphis and will continue to show strides of comfort with his new team.
Coach Penny Hardaway has done a great job putting together a fantastic ball club and should continue to stand on top throughout conference play. The guard trio of David Jones, Jahvon Quinerly, and Caleb Mills show electric speed and a tempo very few teams can match.
(8) Marquette (11-3)
Last week: W 72-76 vs. Creighton
Marquette has put together one of the more complete schedules thus far, including wins over Kansas, Illinois, Texas, and Providence. The team is led by Shaka Smart, who has done an excellent job managing this roster this season.
(7) Tennessee (9-3)
Last week: W 87-50 vs. Norfolk State
Defense. Defense. Defense. Yes, if I wasn't clear before, Tennessee is arguably one of the best defensive teams this season and it is one of the big reasons why they are listed so high. Despite losing three straight games earlier this season, the Vols have turned it around and will continue to show high-energy plays during conference play.
(6) North Carolina (9-3)
Last week: W 105-60 vs. Charleston Southern
The Tar Heels have three losses on the season, with two of them coming to Kentucky and UConn, who have had excellent seasons as well. The duo of RJ Davis and Armando Bacot may be one of the best in the country and can throw a strong 1-2 punch to opposing defenses.
(5) Kentucky (10-2)
Last week: W 96-70 vs. Illinois State
Antonio Reeves has been one of the more electric players to watch this season, leading the Wildcats with 19.0 points per game. Kentucky currently is third in the country in points per game, scoring an average of 91.1 points through 12 games. Don't let this offense get hot!
(4) UConn (11-2)
Last week: W 69-65 vs. St. John's
The defending champions have put together strong wins this season over teams such as Indiana, Texas, and North Carolina. Tristen Newton has been one of the better shot creators in the country and UConn has four players averaging 13 or more points per game, which makes them lethal from all angles.
(3) Houston (13-0)
Last week: W 81-42 vs. Pennsylvania
With an undefeated start to the season, the Cougars have been one of the most impressive teams this year. The only problem is Houston has yet to see some true competition, but with conference play beginning, we should see how capable this team can be.
(2) Kansas (12-1)
Last week: W 86-67 Wichita State
Kansas makes a very strong case to be the top team in the country, but they currently are set at two. This team is led by possible two future first-team nominations, Kevin McCullar and Hunter Dickinson. Each has put on a show this year, but the big question surrounding this team is their depth.
Emerging freshmen Elmarko Jackson and Johnny Furphy can help boost this team to an even stronger contender if they can produce at a consistent level. With just one loss on the season to Marquette on a neutral court, they land second on the rankings.
(1) Purdue (12-1)
Last week: W 80-53 vs. Eastern Kentucky
Purdue has had the most impressive year so far, currently going 4-0 thus far against ranked opponents. The one loss to Northwestern is honestly a tough look, but every team has their bad days... even Purdue. Zach Edey continues to be a National Player of the Year candidate and his physical force seems to be even more dominant than last season. Edey currently is averaging 23.1 points and 10.3 rebounds.
Others Receiving Votes
- Florida Atlantic
- Creighton
- Utah
- Michigan State
- James Madison
Stay tuned for the college basketball rankings here at RotoBaller throughout the entire season!
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