1. Auburn Tigers
The Tigers remain at the top despite a home loss to a very talented Florida squad. You won’t find Bruce Pearl’s team shooting poorly from three very often.
2. Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils also fell this past weekend to a talented Clemson program on the road. It was their first blemish in ACC play, and we shouldn’t expect many more.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide have put together quite the resume behind their fast and furious tempo. Chris Youngblood has been a stabilizing force in the backcourt since Latrell Wrightsell went down.
4. Florida Gators
Going into the “Jungle” and getting a win against the best team in the country adds to an already impressive resume. Walter Clayton continues to be spectacular.
5. Houston Cougars
It’s not always the prettiest, but the Cougars get it done with high efficiency on both ends of the floor. Kelvin Sampson’s team has a legit shot to cut down the nets at the end of the year
6. Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols have experienced a bumpy ride during SEC play, but that’s to be expected in such a tough conference. Boasting the #1 defense in the country puts you in every game.
7. Purdue Boilermakers
Braden Smith is the best point guard in the country, and their defense has stepped it up since the New Year.
8. St. John’s Red Storm
The Johnnie’s continue to roll through the Big East. RJ Luis has been one of the most underrated players in the country.
9. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies specialize in beating you up on the glass and on the defensive end. If Wade Taylor and Zhuric Phelps can get the outside shot going, watch out.
10. Iowa State Cyclones
The return of Milan Momcilovic is just what the doctor ordered for the Cyclones. His versatility on both ends opens up the floor for their dangerous backcourt.
11. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Feels like the Red Raiders are flying under the radar nationally. They don’t have many weaknesses, and they can win in a variety of ways.
12. Michigan State Spartans
Nice bounce back after a couple of conference losses in Big Ten play. Jase Richardson has a superstar ceiling if Coach Izzo decides to unleash him for big minutes.
13. Arizona Wildcats
After starting the year 4-5, Arizona has slowly built momentum through Big 12 play. The play of Tobe Awaka/Henri Veesaar in the middle has raised their floor.
14. Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats got star point guard Lamont Butler back over the weekend. This is one of the best shooting teams in the country, but they have to find a way to get stops.
15. Memphis Tigers
There won’t be a collapse for the Tigers this year as Penny’s squad leads the country in three-point shooting. Dain Dainja’s emergence down low gives them another weapon.
16. Wisconsin Badgers
Greg Gard’s team does the little things and it’s leading to tallies in the win column. The Badgers are the top free throw shooting team in the country.
17. Kansas Jayhawks
The rollercoaster season continues for Coach Self. Their defensive metrics are elite, but the offensive end continues to be a headscratcher.
18. Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels escaped Baton Rouge with a win over the weekend. They play tough defense under Chris Beard and are the number one team in the country in taking care of the ball.
19. Michigan Wolverines
The “Twin Towers” continue to do their thing, but the play of Tre Donaldson at the point has been very good. If they want to reach their goals, they have to stop turning it over.
20. Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles are looking to stop their slide down the Big East ladder this week. Kam Jones has been spectacular this year, but they need someone else to go with him consistently.
21. Clemson Tigers
Anytime you knock off Duke and North Carolina, you are having a great year. Viktor Lakhin has been a beast down low while shooting over 40% from three.
22. Missouri Tigers
The dream run for the Tigers took a bit of a hit last week. If they can pull off a few more big wins, they will be in the field of 68.
23. Maryland Terrapins
The metrics really like this team’s upside, and so should the rest of the country. There aren’t many teams with their arsenal offensively.
24. Creighton Bluejays
What an incredible job by Coach McDermott, who has his program battling St. John’s atop the Big East. Jamiya Neal has been a dog.
25. UCLA Bruins
The Bruins are one of the most intriguing teams to follow down the stretch. They have enough defensively, but they will need consistently offensively to make a run.
