1. Auburn Tigers
The Tigers hold onto the top spot after a tough road win at Ole Miss. They are the class of a loaded SEC.
2. Duke Blue Devils
The Blue Devils took their rival UNC to the woodshed over the weekend. Tyrese Proctor is playing some of the best ball of his career.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
Like Auburn, the Crimson Tide continue to roll through SEC play. Grant Nelson is shooting 35% from three, which is scary for the rest of the country.
4. Houston Cougars
The Cougars have officially climbed back into position for a number-one seed. The overtime loss to Tech was one of the better losses of all the upsets this weekend.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
The shorthanded Vols put it on Florida with a classic Ricky Barnes defensive performance. They are still holding onto the #1 spot it Defensive Efficiency.
6. Florida Gators
A lackluster performance on the road against Tennessee raised some eyebrows. Still, the overall body of work is very impressive.
7. Michigan State Spartans
The Spartans had their 13-game win streak snapped on the road at USC. Expect Coach Izzo and his program to bounce back.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies continue to impress on the defensive end and on the glass. With Wade Taylor back, the offense is starting to become more efficient.
9. Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles continue their quiet quest to the Big East regular season crown. The offense has been a bit shaky, but Shaka always has this team locked in defensively.
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders
The metrics continue to love the Red Raiders, and the optics have to love a big win over Houston. Elijah Hawkins has been one of the best transfers no one is talking about.
11. Iowa State Cyclones
The Cyclones continue to slide down from the one-line with multiple losses over the last two weeks. This team is too good not to get it turned around.
12. St. John’s Red Storm
The Johnnie’s continue to impress and have run off eight straight. What’s more impressive is their ranking inside the Top 5 of Defensive Efficiency.
13. Purdue Boilermakers
The duo of Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn has transformed into one of the best in the country. Can they get enough from the other pieces in March?
14. Kansas Jayhawks
Huge win over Iowa State to get the Jayhawks back on track. The former preseason #1 still has the goods to go a long way in March.
15. Missouri Tigers
The Tigers continue their amazing turnaround behind the stellar play of Caleb Grill. Dennis Gates is getting the most out of a roster that many overlooked this offseason.
16. Kentucky Wildcats
Where is the defense? The Wildcats have battled injuries, but their resume is littered with impressive wins.
17. Maryland Terrapins
This is a scary team with multiple weapons on both ends of the floor. Ja’Kobie Gillespie has been the perfect fit at point guard.
18. Memphis Tigers
The Tigers continue to surge in the AAC on the back of Dain Dainja. The metrics aren’t in love but they lead the nation in three-point shooting.
19. Arizona Wildcats
Don’t look now, but Tommy Lloyd’s program has all of a sudden caught fire. Caleb Love is doing Caleb Love things and will see how far he can carry them.
20. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illini are finally fully healthy, and their young guys are starting to grow up. Morez Johnson is a budding star.
21. Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines are no longer sneaking up on anybody. They need Danny Wolf to be the best version of himself to continue their run to the top of the Big Ten.
22. Ole Miss Rebels
Love what Chris Beard has done in year two, and no one should be surprised. Malik Dia has been a pleasant surprise in the middle on both ends.
23. Wisconsin Badgers
The Badgers have to be excited that John Tonje is back to producing at the levels he was to begin the year. They aren’t the most exciting team, but they are getting it done.
24. St. Mary’s Gaels
It’s time for the country to take notice of what the Gaels have done this year. They are currently on a 10-game win streak after knocking off Gonzaga
25. Connecticut Huskies
Huge win for Hurley and crew at Marquette shows the upside of this program. They have issues defensively, but they have so many options offensively they can go to.
