If you’re an individual that gets caught up in the number attached to teams’ names early on in the season, then you’re simply brainwashing yourself into believing certain teams are either overrated or underrated, with zero middle ground.
For that simple fact alone, real lovers of the game should pray the NCAA shys away from preseason rankings because it’ll allow observers to come up with their own take on who’s legit contenders and who’s not.
With that being said, let’s take a look at my latest top 20.
This list was composed by the eye test, quality wins and consistency.
1. Kentucky Wildcats – This past week was all about gaining chemistry and figuring out individual roles for the top ranked Wildcats. Unfortunately, in their last game, star point guard, Tyler Ulis, suffered an elbow injury, but all signs point to him being just fine.
Head coach, John Calipari, updated the status of Ulis.
“Yeah. He overextended his elbow. But I think he’ll be fine. Should help his shooting.”
Two areas Kentucky must clean up are free throw shooting and three-point shooting. They’re shooting 67 percent and 29 percent in each category respectively.
Opponents this week: vs. Illinois State and @ UCLA
2. Michigan State Spartans – After defeating the Kansas Jayhawks to jump start their season, Sparty hasn’t looked back since, especially senior Denzel Valentine.
Valentine is averaging 19.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.6 dimes per game.
In his first five games, Valentine posted two triple-doubles, which caught the attention of legend Magic Johnson.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” Johnson stated. “When you can have two triple-doubles in a week and a half, whatever it is, but then follow that up with 32 points, in this tournament, he’s been just playing on another level.”
In order for Michigan State to max out their full potential, they’ll need to find out who their second scorer will be.
Opponents this week: vs. Louisville and vs. Binghamton
3. Duke Blue Devils – Losing to Kentucky was the best thing to happen to this young Duke squad. That loss humbled the reigning champs and forced them to reevaluate themselves.
It was evident the Blue Devils needed to relieve Grayson Allen of point guard duties because they’re already demanding so much of him. This is where highly touted freshman, Derryck Thornton, comes into play.
Thornton got off to a slow start, but he’s shown signs of maturing over the past week. He’ll receive a true test this week when he goes up against all-american Yogi Ferrell.
Opponents this week: vs. Indiana and vs. Buffalo
4. Maryland Terrapins – Other than their game against Georgetown, the Terps schedule has been very underwhelming to say the least. However, what’s been even more disappointing has been their inability to blowout inferior competition.
For example, Maryland struggled to defeat Illinois State 77-66.
At the same time, getting the experience of playing from behind in the second half of games could end up being beneficial in the long run. Another thing that’s great to have is a backcourt of Melo Trimble and Rasheed Sulaimon.
“I think Rasheed and Melo have a chance to be the best backcourt in the country,” head coach Mark Turgeon said. “As they grow together defensively and share the basketball … they’re the reason we are winning these close games.”
The questions surrounding their schedule will cease after facing North Carolina in Chapel Hill this week.
Opponents this week: @ North Carolina and vs. St. Francis
5. Oklahoma Sooners – If there’s one team poised to overtake Kansas in the Big 12 this year, the Sooners may be the primary candidate to get the job done. They have two solid wins over Memphis and Wisconsin.
Also, Oklahoma has National Player of the Year candidate, Buddy Hield, on their side.
Hield is averaging 22 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 dimes per game.
If they’re able to defeat Villanova next week, Oklahoma should have no problem running the table heading into conference play.
Opponents this week: vs. Central Arkansas
6. Iowa State Cyclones – If you enjoy offense, you’ll love watching these Cyclones play.
They average 88 points per game with five players averaging double figures. On the flip side, the jury is still out on if they’re able to prevent opponents from putting the ball in the bucket.
We won’t see this team at it’s full potential for a while, since they’re still in transition with new head coach Steve Prohm.
Opponents this week: vs. North Dakota State
7. Kansas Jayhawks – After their disappointing loss to Michigan State in Chicago, the Jayhawks came back strong by winning the Maui Invitational, which featured a marquee victory over Vanderbilt.
This is another team that will please offensive lovers.
Kansas averages 93 points per game and with top freshman prospect Cheick Diallo being cleared, this team has all of the ingredients to be scary good.
Opponents: vs. Loyola Maryland and vs. Harvard
8. Villanova Wildcats – Beating Stanford and Georgia Tech aren’t wins that jump out the face, but when you defeat those opponents by double digits, it looks a bit more impressive.
If you’re not impressed, don’t worry.
Nova will be facing Oklahoma and Virginia in the coming weeks.
Opponent this week: vs. St. Joseph’s
9. Syracuse Orange – Where did they come from?
The Orange weren’t on too many people’s radars heading into the season and deservedly so. Nonetheless, the Orange have arguably been the most impressive team in America thus far.
Last week, the Cuse knocked off UCONN and Texas A&M, which is why they’re ranked so high right now.
They have four guys averaging double figures, with Michael Gbinije leading the way with nearly 20 points per game.
Opponents this week: vs. Wisconsin and @ Georgetown
10. Gonzaga Bulldogs – Despite losing to Texas A&M by one point, the Zags still had a very good week.
They dismantled Washington and held off UCONN 73-70.
Preseason all-american, Kyle Wiltjer, is leading the way with 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 dimes per game.
Opponents this week: @ Washington State and vs. Arizona
Teams on the outside looking in: (11) Texas A&M, (12) Miami, (13) Arizona, (14) North Carolina, (15) Vanderbilt, (16) Xavier, (17) Providence, (18) West Virginia, (19) Oregon, (20) Purdue.
