NCAA Top 25 (3)

The last two weeks brought us exciting games throughout many early season tournaments. Thanksgiving’s “Feast Week” was great in particular, and there is a lot of movement in this poll because of it. As I watched, there are teams I now love, and others that I’m souring on. Here you go:

NCAA Top 25 – 12/2/13

NOTE: Previous ranking in parenthesis.

1. (2) Michigan State Spartans (7-0)

The Spartans finally top my poll. They obviously were flying high after taking out Kentucky, but a week ago they handled Virginia Tech and Oklahoma convincingly, and avoided the dreaded letdown. I’m still waiting on Harris and Payne to truly break out, but the rest of the squad is vastly improved from last year.

2. (5) Arizona Wildcats (7-0)

Arizona proved they are title contenders by defeating Duke on a big stage. They have great length and athleticism, along with great point guard play in McConnell. Their earlier win against San Diego State is looking better and better too.

3. (4) Kentucky Wildcats (7-1)

This Wildcat team is similar to Arizona’s in that they have great length and athleticism. They have continued to improve each game, and it’s obvious they will be tough to handle throughout the year.

4. (7) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)

Most people would point out that they struggle to score points consistently, but it really doesn’t matter when they play defense like they do. Three of the four Final Four teams last year had inconsistent offenses early in the season. Remember that come March.

5. (6) Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1)

Just came through some hard fought games, including their first loss of the year to Memphis. But overall, this team is legit. In the last two weeks (since my last poll), they blew out Memphis, and got wins against USF, Purdue, and Butler, all decent teams. They would have beat Memphis again if Marcus Smart wasn’t throwing up behind the bench sick.

6. (1) Louisville Cardinals (6-1)

Shocking loss last weekend to North Carolina, but Pitino will continue to bring this team to it’s potential. Don’t worry.

7. (9) Wisconsin Badgers (8-0)

The Badgers continued their great start by picking up five more wins over the last two weeks. Bo Ryan has proven himself great again at maxing out talent… just look at Frank Kaminsky’s 43 point performance.

8. (12) Syracuse Orangemen (7-0)

I haven’t been high on the Orange in this poll (or in the preseason), but I am now. I was impressed by their Maui Invite wins, especially doing it with some new pieces, particularly at guard.

9. (3) Kansas Jayhawks (6-1)

The more I’ve watched Kansas, the more I sour on them. After they took out Duke they were flying high… Since then, they have squeaked by some average teams, and lost their first game to Villanova. Andrew Wiggins is NOT going to be the top pick in the draft at this rate.

10. (10) Connecticut Huskies (7-0)

Shabazz Napier has been one of the best players in the country to this point. When the rest of his team struggled against IU, he dominated and led them to a one-point win. They’ll be scary when the others start stepping up.

11. (23) Iowa State Cyclones (5-0)

Who is the only team currently unbeaten in the Big 12? This team. That includes their win against Michigan, and a road victory over BYU. They’ve even been struggling with injuries here and there, which bodes well for the rest of the year.

12. (20) Wichita State Shockers (8-0)

Cleanthony Early and Ron Baker are a terrific 1-2 punch. They are also tenacious on defense and can show you a lot of different looks. During Feast Week they got wins over BYU and St. Louis.

13. (18) Oregon Ducks (7-0)

They are 7-0 and still don’t have Artis and Carter back from suspension, and those guys will play a lot. Joseph Young has been the best transfer in the country, and teammate Mike Moser has been a great one also.

14. (16) Florida Gators (6-1)

I’m impressed by Coach Donavan, and his ability to adapt to who has available. They finally got Wilbekin back, but lost Kasey Hill to injury. And he’s still waiting on Harris and Walker, two guys who will be in the rotation. They will only get better.

15. (NR) Villanova Wildcats (7-0)

The last unbeaten in the Big East isn’t Marquette, Creighton, or Georgetown, but this team. They had a great run in the Bahamas, taking out USC, Kansas, and Iowa. Based on how they played, I’d be shocked if they don’t continue moving up these rankings.

16. (21) UCLA Bruins (7-0)

Steve Alford and the Bruins have looked great and have shut up the critics. For whatever reason, people got down on them this summer. But watching them play leaves me feeling impressed. Kyle Anderson is very good.

17. (17) Iowa Hawkeyes (7-1)

Lost a tight game to Villanova in the Battle 4 Atlantis final, but have looked good all year. They have depth, balance, and they play great defense. Big game against Notre Dame this week and at Iowa State next week.

18. (8) Duke Blue Devils (6-2)

In my opinion, Duke has been very disappointing so far this season. While their two losses were understandable, they’ve been barely beating the cupcakes. They should have lost against Vermont, who is terrible and they played at home. Parker and Hood are playing well, but the rest of the team is inconsistent.

19. (15) Memphis Tigers (5-1)

They got absolutely annihilated at Oklahoma State last week, but bounced back this week with wins over LSU and that same OSU team. Finally, Pastner has a Top 25 win under his belt. Hope they can build on that.

20. (11) Baylor Bears (7-1)

They picked up a nice win over Dayton in Maui, but fell in a tight game to Syracuse in the final. They haven’t found their offensive identity, or maybe they are just more balanced than I am used to.

21. (NR) Massachusetts Minutemen (6-0)

While none of their wins have been epic, five of their six wins were against decent teams: Boston College, LSU, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Clemson. They have a terrific inside/outside combo with Cady Lalanne and Chaz Williams.

22. (NR) San Diego State Aztecs (5-1)

So much for a rebuilding year… After narrowly losing to Arizona, they showed how good they could be by beating Creighton and Marquette this week. It’s time to start taking this team seriously.

23. (22) Indiana Hoosiers (6-1)

Indiana had a great chance for a marquee win against UCONN, but came up a point short. At this point we know their weakness is consistent outside shooting, but they have tremendous athleticism, particularly with their young, developing talent. They have a date with Syracuse tomorrow, the team that ended their season earlier than expected last year.

24. (NR) Virginia Cavaliers (7-1)

Virginia is back in the rankings after falling out of them last time. They are experienced, they have an identity, and they have a star in Harris.

25. (NR) Colorado Buffaloes (7-1)

The Buffs also re-enter the rankings, just like Virginia. After opening the season by losing to Baylor, they’ve run off seven straight wins, including a victory over a very solid Harvard squad. I love Spencer Dinwiddie.

Dropped from Previous Top 25: VCU Rams, Michigan Wolverines, Creighton Bluejays, New Mexico Lobos, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Also Considered: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Illinois, Ole Miss, Missouri, Dayton, Boise State, Florida State, Notre Dame, VCU, LSU, BYU, Charlotte, George Washington, St. Mary’s, UAB, Harvard, Utah, North Carolina

By: The Sports Guys