1. Auburn Tigers
The dominance of the Tigers continues to impress. What’s scary is that the defense continues to get better.
2. Duke Blue Devils
Just because they are running through the ACC doesn’t take away from the fact that the Blue Devils are making history analytically.
3. Houston Cougars
Big time road win at Texas Tech has the Cougars in line to win back-to-back Big 12 regular season titles
4. Florida Gators
Injuries have forced some of the Gators bench pieces, like Thomas Haugh and Denzel Aberdeen, into serious minutes, and they haven’t disappointed.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols picked up an impressive road win at Texas A&M over the weekend. Chaz Lanier found his groove, and when he’s on, they are tough to beat.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
The SEC is loaded, and the Tide just finished a set of three games against Top 25 opponents. Labaron Philon’s play is the X-Factor down the stretch.
7. St. John’s Red Storm
The Red Storm put on a clinic against UConn and shot a whopping 41% from three. If they get production like going forward, they will be in the Final Four.
8. Michigan State Spartans
Sparty and Izzo just win. They are coming off an impressive week of beating Michigan and Purdue. Jase Richardson is one of the best freshmen in the country, no one is talking about.
9. Iowa State Cyclones
The shorthanded Cyclones showed a lot of fight in Houston. Josh Jefferson has quickly become one of the best weapons in the Big 12.
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tough loss last night to a surging Houston squad. The metrics look really good, and some of their young guys, like Christian Anderson, continue to develop.
11. Wisconsin Badgers
A letdown for the Badgers over the weekend, but this team is really good offensively. John Tonje continues to be in the race with Braden Smith for Big Ten POY
12. Michigan Wolverines
49-46 win at Nebraska tells you all you need to know about this Wolverine squad. They can win in any style game and a threat to make it to San Antonio.
13. Clemson Tigers
The Tigers are one of the most underrated teams in the country. They are Top 25 in the country in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
14. Texas A&M Aggies
Aggies are coming off a couple of losses and are one of the question marks coming down the stretch. They are an elite defense but sub-300 in offensive efficiency.
15. Maryland Terrapins
The Terps are cruising through the Big Ten behind their “Twin Towers”. Another one of those teams in the Top 25 on both ends of the court.
16. Missouri Tigers
It feels like a year ago when the Tigers last played a team that was not ranked inside the Top 50 of KenPom. Oh wait, it almost has been, as January 7th was their last game against a team outside of that ranking.
17. Memphis Tigers
The Tigers overcame a tough road loss at Wichita State last week by beating up on a good Florida Atlantic squad. Dain Dainja is absolutely dangerous heading into March.
18. Louisville Cardinals
The Cardinals just keep winning. Chucky Hepburn deserves more national praise for his play.
19. Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are still hanging around and licking their wounds. They desperately need Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson back.
20. Arizona Wildcats
Jekyll and Hyde. That’s Arizona, as they have the ability to beat anyone on any night, but we see moments of concern too often.
21. St. Mary’s Gaels
Quietly going about their business and beat Gonzaga to become back-to-back WCC outright regular season champs.
22. Marquette Golden Eagles
It’s time for Kam Jones to put on his cape down the stretch. The Golden Eagles have shown vulnerability throughout February and need their star to shine brightest.
23. Purdue Boilermakers
Not sure what that performance was at Indiana this weekend. The Boilermakers have to figure out how to guard the paint.
24. BYU Cougars
The Cougars are catching fire at the right time. They are doing it with supreme efficiency on the offensive end. Lookout!
25. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are like a prized fighter that just keeps taking its lumps and landing haymakers of their own. You have to love what Chris Jans has done with this program.
