College basketball is back.
Yes, technically it’s been back for about two months now. However, it’s REALLY back now.
None of the teams from my top ten last week have the same number next to their name this week. Shoot, one of the programs is out of the top twenty entirely.
See what I mean?
Let’s clap it up for Tom Izzo’s Spartans for holding down the number one spot for so long, but after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes, it’s time for a new team to hold claim of the spot.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the new rankings.
1. Oklahoma Sooners – Finally.
Michigan State opened up the door for the Sooners to get their proper recognition. Being undefeated this late into the season should’ve done the trick, but their schedule had folks hesitate on making a true judgement.
This past Saturday against Iowa State was the one. Sure it was at home, however, the Sooners proved their much more than just Buddy Hield.
Point guard Isaiah Cousins and forward Ryan Sprangler combined for 35 points.
Now, Lon Kruger’s team must quickly shift their focus to Big Monday in Lawrence.
Opponents this week: @ Kansas and vs. Kansas State
2. Kansas Jayhawks – For as good as Oklahoma has been, if not for the Jayhawks lone loss to Michigan State, they would’ve been ahead of the Sooners, even though Bill Self’s team most likely will be anyway in today’s national polls.
On Saturday, the Jayhawks dropped 102 on Baylor’s head, which is the first time the Bears allowed 100 points in a game since February of 2008.
While it’s been a collection of guys getting the job done, junior guard Wayne Selden Jr. has been the catalyst of it all.
“We don’t have anything to do with it. It’s him,” Self on Selden’s improvment. “He’s driving the ball to set up shots, instead of hoping to make shots. He’s playing smarter. He’s just playing at a very high level.”
The Jayhawks will be putting their 31-game home winning streak on the line against Oklahoma, which will be a 1 vs. 2 matchup.
Opponents this week: vs. Oklahoma and @ Texas Tech.
3. Maryland Terrapins – Another week, more improvement.
Those four words perfectly describe the state of the Terps. When this team looks to be down and out, all-american point guard Melo Trimble always seems to find a way to get them back into it.
Nonetheless, highly touted freshman center Diamond Stone welcomed the world to his coming out party against Penn State last week.
Stone finished with 39 points and 12 rebounds.
“I don’t pay too much mind to it,” Stone said. “I knew I was in the zone, but I wasn’t aware of any points or records. We’re trying to win the Big Ten and this is the first game. It means a lot to get this first win.”
Maryland finished the week with a win over a solid Northwestern team on the road.
Opponents this week: vs. Rutgers and @ Wisconsin.
4. Virginia Cavaliers – Something tells me this will be the forgotten elite team all year and I get why.
For the casual fan, the Cavs don’t have that coveted superstar player, although they have three guys averaging double figures.
Alongside North Carolina, Duke, and Miami, Virginia will be right in the mix for the ACC title all year.
Opponents this week: @ Virginia Tech and @ Georgia Tech.
5. North Carolina Tar Heels – There’s two things that stand out when looking at the Tar Heels schedule.
First things first, the Heels haven’t lost since their upset defeat to the hands of Shaka Smart and Texas.
Secondly, Carolina hasn’t played a road game since then, which was all the way back on December 12.
To Carolina’s defense, they’ve been without junior big Kennedy Meeks. The absence of Meeks has allowed Brice Johnson to emerge as a star.
Johnson is averaging 15.3 points and 9.7 boards per game.
Opponents this week: @ Florida State and @ Syracuse.