1. Villanova
I don't think you can argue that Villanova is currently the best team in the nation. They've certainly looked the part, and that thrashing of Gonzaga a week ago should've convinced all doubters that they were wrong.
2. Michigan State
The Spartans didn't really have any major tests this week, but they looked strong against Rutgers and Southern Utah. I like Michigan State because they have several people who are capable of leading the team in scoring. Also, their defense looks extremely good.
3. Duke
Duke lost to Boston College on the road in their ACC opener, but I'm not really worried about the Blue Devils. They still have the most dominant big man in college basketball and the best senior in America. Duke is still the front runner for the ACC and the National Championship while we're at it. Verdict: Don't overreact here.
4. Arizona State
I'm gonna be honest and say I don't know much about this team outside of Tra Holder, but a win against Xavier and then at Kansas has me more interested. They remind me of the 2015-2016 Iowa Hawkeyes who were ranked like #3 on the country at one point and then utterly collapsed and bowed out of the first round as a 7 seed. Personally I think they're a flash in the pan and they'll be humbled by Arizona in the Pac12, but right now that Kansas win is a big deal, hence, 4th.
5. Wichita State
The Shockers had a nice win against Oklahoma State on the road on Saturday, and I'm becoming more convinced that the Shockers would be the best team in the Big 12 this year. They're currently 2-0 against Big 12 opponent and get their last crack at one this Saturday against Trae Young and Oklahoma. Kansas should be dedicating their streak to the AAC for taking the Shockers off their hands for conference play.
6. Texas A&M
I know they lost to Arizona, but I'm still really enamored with the Aggies. I now think they're the favorites in a deep SEC after Florida just crapped their pants this week. The point is that Texas A&M has sneakily put together a balanced, offensively capable squad that can make a deep run in March.
7. Miami
I still haven't seen a Miami game this year, but they're undefeated and have basically beaten the brakes off every team they've played so far except for Minnesota on the road. Either way, the Canes are looking better than I thought because of Dewan Huell's emergence as a post threat. We knew Miami had the guards, but now they also have a reliable big man.
8. Seton Hall
I discussed on my podcast last week how I thought Seton Hall has been flying under the radar this season. They have three straight wins against Texas Tech, Louisville and VCU, and it looks like Angel Delgado finally has some help. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do in the Big East this year.
9. Xavier
Xavier played two games this week and won them by a combined 41 points. Their one loss on the young season is also to Arizona State which doesn't sound as bad as it did a few weeks ago. The Musketeers make up the trio of the Big East that makes it the best conference in basketball right now. I truly believe X can win this conference and get a 1 seed. Bluiett and Macura have been sensational thus far.
10. North Carolina
UNC makes its debut in the rankings purely by attrition. I'm still not over that embarrassing Michigan State loss, but they've managed to survive without a hitch since then. I have questions about how far Joel Berry and Luke Maye can carry them, and that's my biggest concern with the Heels. They've played great, but I'm not convinced they're superstars just yet.
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