NCAA Top 25

A little over a week has passed and we know a little bit more about each team in the country. This past week featured some great games (Duke and Kentucky comes to mind), and this next week could offer some even better ones (Indiana and UCLA for starters). We’ve already seen some upsets and thrillers, and it’s just been a sampling of the excitement that will take place this season. Taking into account how teams have played through the first week and a half, here is our newest top 25:

Top 25 – November 19, 2012

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis. Current record noted next to each team.

1. (1) Indiana Hoosiers: 3-0

They haven’t done anything that would move them down at this point. In fact, from what I’ve seen so far, their defense has improved which is what our main concern with this team was. Games against Georgia and Georgetown/UCLA this week will let us see how they do against better teams.

2. (2) Louisville Cardinals: 3-0

Similar to Indiana, the Cardinals haven’t had any notable wins yet. But they look solid on both sides of the ball. Russ Smith will be a key for them this year because he seems to be their best shooter and scorer so far.

3. (6) Michigan Wolverines: 3-0

The trend continues as this elite squad has to this point played an easy schedule. But similar to the two above, they have blown out their opponents and have showed off their talent. Michigan appears to be extremely deep and their freshmen are as good as advertised. A neutral site game against Pittsburgh will be a nice indication of where they are truly at this week.

4. (4) Ohio State Buckeyes: 3-0

Winners of the Hall of Fame Tip-Off, the Buckeyes defeated a decent Washington squad. DeShaun Thomas has been electric, Aaron Craft has been solid, but there isn’t anyone else that has stood out so far. They need to find that person soon before they take on Duke next week. Their most notable game last week against Marquette was cancelled, which is disappointing to their resume.

5. (9) Duke Blue Devils: 3-0

Duke has looked solid in three wins including a big one against Kentucky. Mason Plumlee and Seth Curry have stepped up early and they seem to be the best in the ACC at this point. I think they will miss inured Dawkins all season, but they have shown some serious talent across their roster.

6. (13) Florida Gators: 3-0

Like Ohio State, Florida missed a resume builder when their game against Georgetown was called off. But they did beat down a ranked Wisconsin squad, which showcased their potent offense. I know it’s early, but Florida looks like they could make another deep run in March just like they have the past couple of years.

7. (7) Missouri Tigers: 3-0

It’s nice to see Laurence Bowers out there playing again. Alex Oriakhi has proven to be a great inside presence also. The transfers have actually all been solid, but it will be nice for them to get Michael Dixon Jr., a returning veteran, back from suspension.

8. (8) UCLA Bruins: 3-0

The best thing about their year so far is the news that got a couple days ago: Shabazz will be on the court tonight! That’s great timing with Georgetown and possibly Indiana on tap early this week. Larry Drew II has been great for them so far averaging over eight assists per game.

9. (12) Syracuse Orangemen: 2-0

Syracuse did get in their aircraft carrier game and beat a good San Diego State squad. They looked impressive in their second game too and have showed off their crazy depth. Seems like they aren’t missing their stars from last year, and Brandon Triche is a perfect leader for this team.

10. (15) North Carolina Tarheels: 3-0

I credit the Tarheels for taking on a true road game going to Long Beach State. I love seeing big teams like this do that because it makes for an exciting atmosphere at a smaller school that doesn’t see teams like that often on their home court. Kudos to them for also winning that game fairly easily. McAdoo is as good as predicted.

11. (3) Kentucky Wildcats: 2-1

This move down the board isn’t because they had a “bad loss”. They simply aren’t fully there yet as a team and need to become more polished. They survived Maryland despite being outplayed for much of that game. Then, Duke proved too much for them Atlanta. Looking forward though, the freshmen and transfers will all gel in time, and come March this will be a scary team.

12. (11) Arizona Wildcats: 2-0

Similar to Kentucky, Arizona has a lot of new pieces that need to be adjusted. But their talent is obvious and their 2-0 start is nice. Plus, they will have plenty of time to get it together before their first big game against Florida in mid-December.

13. (NR) Oklahoma State: Cowboys 4-0

There wasn’t a more impressive team last week than the Cowboys. Despite losing some key players earlier this year to injuries, the Cowboys keep getting it done. Nash and Smart may be the best young duo in the league and it showed in their route of NC State in Puerto Rico.

14. (5) North Carolina State Wolfpack: 3-1

After starting the year with three nice wins, NC State simply didn’t show up against OKST. It takes a level of consistency to be considered an elite team, and maybe NC State was prematurely anointed as one. In the coming weeks they play Michigan and Connecticut which will be opportunities to bounce back.

15. (23) Gonzaga Bulldogs: 3-0

The most dominating win I’ve seen yet came from this dangerous team when they beat a good West Virginia squad by 34. This is proving to be one of the best teams Mark Few has ever had.

16. (16) UNLV Running Rebels: 2-0

Didn’t have any marquee games but blew out who was on their schedule. I still believe this is a team that nobody looks forward to play with all of their talent in the frontcourt.

17. (17) Creighton Bluejays: 3-0

Would give them credit for a nice win against North Texas, but then North Texas went out and lost to a DII school. Doug McDermott and company are a legit threat to beat any team in the nation on a given night though.

18. (NR) Connecticut Huskies: 4-0

Kevin Ollie has done a terrific job with this squad and deserves much of the credit for their great start. Beating Michigan State to open the year was a great win and they have three more victories to boot. The backcourt is dynamic and they have more real players than people realize.

19. (14) Michigan State Spartans: 2-1

Although they lost their opening game, MSU bounced back with a great win over Kansas. Their freshmen have been great but Keith Appling really makes this team go. I still want more inside though out of Nix and Payne.

20. (20) Kansas Jayhawks: 2-1

I have been impressed with Ben McLemore but the vets have just been so-so. Johnson, Withey, and Releford need to step it up more on offense for this team to become elite.

21. (20) Memphis Tigers: 2-0

Memphis did what they had to do in winning their first two. Now a showdown against VCU can show us what they are really made of.

22. (22) Minnesota Golden Gophers: 4-0

Minnesota has blown out all four opponents to begin the year. I liked them before the season and still believe in them as a solid tournament team. They play Duke on Thanksgiving, which will reveal how good they truly are.

23. (NR) Colorado Buffaloes: 4-0

Colorado had a great week winning the Charleston Classic. In doing so they beat good teams like Baylor and Murray State. They proved to me that they will be in the mix atop the Pac-12 standings this year.

24. (NR) Cincinnati Bearcats: 3-0

Cincinnati has looked amazing through three games, even though their opponents have been easy. Kilpatrick is an early frontrunner for Big East player of the year. Cashmere Wright is making a difference too coming off his injury last year.

25. (19) Baylor Bears: 4-1

Picking a final team in the Top 25 was tough, but I’m going with the “eye test”. Baylor lost to a good Colorado team but has won by double digits in every other game and has looked scary good. Those wins included wins over Lehigh, Boston College, and St. John’s, which are all decent teams. I love the backcourt, especially Pierre Jackson, and their have very young and promising big men.

Dropped from Rankings: San Diego State, Notre Dame, VCU, Butler

Notables: San Diego State, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Texas, Kansas State, Alabama, Iowa, Temple, Georgetown, Wichita State, New Mexico, Xavier, Northwestern, Bucknell, USC, St. Mary’s, Colorado State, Ohio, South Alabama, Illinois State

By: The Sports Guys