It’s early in the season, but there are teams that are already asserting themselves as elite. Did your team crack the top 10? Do you agree with these top 10?
1. Auburn Tigers
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 22: Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after drawing a foul during the second half against the Yale Bulldogs in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on March 22, 2024 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
A huge win in the Maui Invitational yesterday over Iowa State moves the Tigers to our #1 spot. Johni Broome is the best player in the game and has been an absolute force on both ends of the floor. The schedule doesn’t get any easier coming up.
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 21: A general view of the Gonzaga logo on the court prior to the start between the Northwestern State Demons and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 21, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeats Northwestern State 95-57. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
The Zags continue to take care of business with the #1 offense in the country. Point guard Ryan Nembhard is playing at an All-American level. The questions about their defense so far have been answered.
3. Kansas Jayhawks
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – JANUARY 20: A view of the Kansas Jayhawks logo on their uniform during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum on January 20, 2024 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Jayhawks continue to look like one of the most balanced teams in the country. Of course, Hunter Dickinson has been great, but the pieces around him continue to be the difference.
4. Houston Cougars
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 09: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars looks on during the first half against the Auburn Tigers of the Mattress Firm Battleground 2k24 at Toyota Center on November 09, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Cougars defense has been locked in since the Auburn loss, holding Louisiana and Hofstra to 99 points combined. The schedule gets much tougher over the next two weeks, but the expectation for this program is to take care of business.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: A detailed view of the “T” logo of the Tennessee Volunteers as they line up for the National Anthem before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 29, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 100-92. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
The Vols had their first true test of the year when they knocked off Baylor last weekend by a wide margin. Chaz Lanier has been a scoring machine, and of course, Rick Barnes has this team playing ferocious defense.
6. Kentucky Wildcats
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Kentucky Wildcats logo on a pair of short during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game against the Providence Friars at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Big Blue continues its fantastic start under Mark Pope. They are playing really fast, and their defense has been the backbone. It also helps when you are in the top ten in the country in point percentage.
7. Marquette Golden Eagles
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: The Marquette Golden Eagles logo shown on a pair of shorts during the Big East Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Providence Friars at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
No one knew exactly how Marquette would handle the loss of all-world point guard Tyler Kolek to the pros. Turns out it was as simple as sliding Kam Jones over to the position where he’s flourished.
8. Iowa State Cyclones
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Iowa State Cyclones logo on. Pair of shorts during the first round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Greensboro Coliseum on March 17, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Tough loss last night in a thriller against Auburn where they surprisingly couldn’t get stops in the second half. This team will be fine and their backcourt duo of Lipsey and Gilbert is one of the best in the country.
9. Connecticut Huskies
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 10: A view of the Connecticut Huskies logo on their uniform during the game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Huskies have their work cut out for them this year, and some of their challenges presented themselves in yesterday’s loss against UConn. The on-ball pressure and lack of interior defense are things to watch as the season rolls on for the two-time defending champs.
10. Alabama Crimson Tide
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The Alabama Crimson Tide logo shown on a chair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Tide picked up a nice neutral court win over Illinois and showed how dangerous this offense can be, even with very little contribution from Mark Sears. On the defensive end, this
