NCAA Top 25 (2)

College basketball has been upon us now for a short while, and already we’ve learned about so many teams. The highlight of the season so far was the Champion’s Classic, where we saw MSU and UK play, along with Wiggins vs. Jabari. It was great. Of course, those weren’t the only games we’ve followed. Based on all the action, here is our newest Top 25:

NCAA Top 25 – 11/18/13

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis.

1. (1) Louisville Cardinals (3-0)

Chris Jones has been as good as advertised, Russ Smith has been tough to guard under the new rules, and Chane Behanan is already back from suspension. Michigan State has the best win, but I think this is still the best team until proven otherwise.

2. (2) Michigan State Spartans (3-0)

MSU showed that I ranked them correctly above Kentucky by beating them on Tuesday night. They have great veterans leading the way, and terrific guard play with Appling and Harris. They are the Big Ten favorites now for sure.

3. (4) Kansas Jayhawks (2-0)

They showed how good they are in their win against Duke. Andrew Wiggins plays within himself, which is impressive for a hyped freshman. I’m very impressed with Joel Embiid, who could have more upside than any player in the country.

4. (3) Kentucky Wildcats (3-1)

I know Kentucky lost, but I’m actually more impressed with them after watching them against MSU. They played a veteran team and nearly pulled off the win, despite shooting terrifically, especially from the free throw line. Julius Randle is the most dominant player I’ve seen in college in quite some time.

5. (5) Arizona Wildcats (3-0)

Arizona holds steady at #5 after taking care of business against teams they should.  They don’t see a tough opponent until December, so this will give their new faces plenty of time to develop.

6. (8) Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0)

I’ve consistently ranked this squad higher than most publications, and I’m confused why. Has anyone watched them? They play well together and have tremendous star power, led by Marcus Smart. They’ve annihilated teams this year and look like serious challengers to Kansas in the Big 12. They play Memphis tomorrow, so that can give them a bigger stage.

7. (9) Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0)

They made headlines by taking out Marquette this weekend (albeit in an ugly game). Aaron Craft is having a fine season and they are scoring in a balanced way, unlike last year.

8. (7) Duke Blue Devils (2-1)

Jabari Parker has been a flat out stud so far this year, and is likely the most complete player in college. But Duke hasn’t found themselves inside yet, or on the defensive end of the court. That’s why they couldn’t handle Kansas.

9. (15) Wisconsin Badgers (3-0)

The Badgers are again looking like title contenders in the Big Ten, and have two quality wins already this season. The first was St. John’s, a team that has some serious talent. The second was Florida, whom they beat up last week. Bo Ryan has suddenly found new stars to replace the seniors from last year.

10. (12) Connecticut Huskies (4-0)

While I’m still waiting on their interior players to step up, Shabazz Napier has carried them to four wins already. They had a solid win against Maryland, followed by a bunch of cupcakes. Napier though is performing like an All-American.

11. (13) Baylor Bears (3-0)

Similar to Oklahoma State, I’ve got the Bears ranked higher than most publications. But they have found great guard play, which is what I was most worried about. They have some beasts inside, which is why they owned a good Colorado team on opening night. Don’t sleep on them.

12. (14) Syracuse Orangemen (3-0)

Haven’t look particularly sharp in all of their games, but Syracuse is showing they are just as dangerous as the last few years. CJ Fair is a monster, and the new guards have shown flashes of brilliance.

13. (16) VCU Rams (3-0)

This is an exciting and versatile team that has started the year very well. Winning at Virginia was flat out impressive. I think they’ll actually continue playing better as the season progresses, and this is not a team I’d enjoy facing in March.

14. (6) Michigan Wolverines (2-1)

Could rank them lower, but their loss to Iowa State was almost expected. It was on the road against a solid Iowa State squad, and it was also the first game for Mitch McGary, who has been battling back from a back issue. They’ll improve and be fine in a few weeks.

15. (17) Memphis Tigers (1-0)

Only one game on the year so far, but tomorrow they can show us who they really are, when they face Oklahoma State. This is a talented team with great guard play, but do they have enough inside?

16. (10) Florida Gators (2-1)

I figured they’d lose to Wisconsin on the road, but they made it closer than I expected seeing as they were missing many of their key players. They good news is that Finney-Smith returned to the team and starred in their last win. Still waiting on a few more players though to return before playing at full strength.

17. (19) Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0)

Iowa has backed up my lofty ranking and have looked scary good in some of their wins. They play great team basketball and are an extremely balanced team. They are also led by veterans, so I don’t see a dropoff.

18. (T25) Oregon Ducks (2-0)

When they lost two guys to suspension right before their season opener against Georgetown, I figured they’d lose. But I was wrong. They played great basketball led by a still dynamic backcourt. Joseph Young (transfer from Houston) has been terrific.

19. (21) Creighton Bluejays (3-0)

Doug McDermott has been, well, Doug McDermott. The team around him seems to be gelling and they have been clicking from the get-go this year.

20. (22) Wichita State Shockers (4-0)

Last year’s surprise Final Four team has continued their success this season with a quick 4-0 start. They still look hungry, despite the great finish 6 months ago. They arguably should be ranked even higher.

21. (T23) UCLA Bruins (2-0)

Despite an injury to the “better” Wear brother, UCLA has looked good in their first two games. Jordan Adams seems recovered from his injury, and Kyle Anderson looks better than last year with the ball in his hands more.

22. (T25) Indiana Hoosiers (4-0)

The Hoosiers did get a scare from LIU Brooklyn, but that was a senior-laden team that had made 3 straight NCAA tourney’s. The many newcomers are gelling more by the minute, and Noah Vonleh has already become a star with double-doubles in all four games. Yogi Ferrell look significantly better than last year also.

23. (NR) Iowa State Cyclones (3-0)

When you take out a Top Ten Michigan squad, you can expect to jump into these rankings. I love the athleticism they possess, and the energy they play with. I think the Cyclones will make some noise throughout the year.

24. (NR) New Mexico Lobos (2-0)

So far, they don’t seem to be missing Steve Alford at all. They offense has looked impressive, and the defense looks every bit as good as before. Early on, they seemed ready to win another Mountain West crown.

25. (NR) Gonzaga Bulldogs (3-0)

It was tough leaving them out of my preseason poll, but I had to include them in this one. They seemed to have found another star inside with Dower, and you know I love the guard play. Give it time and these Bulldogs will inch up in these rankings.

Dropped from Previous Top 25: North Carolina Tarheels, Tennessee Volunteers, Virginia Cavaliers, Colorado Buffaloes, Marquette Golden Eagles

Also Considered: Harvard, Boise State, Villanova, Massachusetts, Arizona State, California, Illinois, Maryland, Georgetown, BYU, Notre Dame, Missouri, St. Louis, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Purdue, SMU, Xavier, LSU, Ole Miss

By: The Sports Guys