College basketball rankings see Tennessee at No. 1, while Michigan State makes its way into the Top 25. The excitement is palpable as the season unfolds!
As the College Football Playoff committee’s decisions created waves on Sunday, college basketball has already ignited its own fireworks just five weeks into the season.
The No. 1 ranked team has shifted three times, and this trend is likely to continue. Parity reigns supreme in college basketball, a vital component for its ongoing vitality, as five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 (Kansas, Auburn, Kentucky, Marquette, and Purdue) faced losses this past week. Expect more ranking shakeups throughout the season.
On the hardwood, the return of standout freshmen like Cooper Flagg, alongside seasoned players such as Auburn’s Johni Broome and Marquette’s Kam Jones, is injecting new life into the national player of the year race, showcasing talent beyond the traditional blue bloods.
Despite this, powerhouse programs like Duke and Kentucky remain firmly in the mix for the championship. Kansas, however, grabbed headlines by suffering two consecutive losses against unranked teams, Creighton and Missouri. A common thread among the top teams that lost is that all defeats occurred in true road games. Following multi-team events and early-season buy games, these road challenges can provide eye-opening experiences that aim to improve teams in the long run.
Now, let’s explore five key takeaways from the week!
Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats make history with a remarkable comeback win against Gonzaga.
Under the leadership of Mark Pope, the Wildcats are redefining their identity. This season, Kentucky is more than just a recruiting powerhouse; it is a team that transforms potential into performance. With significant victories over Duke and Gonzaga, who returned 81% of their scoring, Kentucky is proving its mettle. Andrew Carr contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, while Robinson added 18 points and five assists, showcasing their growth under pressure. Otega Oweh’s 13 points and solid defense were crucial in sealing one of the season’s standout victories.
Coming off a loss to a strong Clemson team, Kentucky’s ability to fly out to Seattle and defeat Gonzaga while dealing with injuries speaks volumes. This win not only bolsters their resume for Selection Sunday but also establishes the narrative that a new era is underway.
Duke demonstrates its potential with a narrow 84-78 victory over Auburn.
While Auburn may not be the No. 1 team in the nation, their resilience is commendable, even after their first loss of the season against Duke. Charles Barkley aptly described the Tigers, emphasizing their competitive spirit.
Duke’s success hinges on strong guard play from Tyrese Proctor and the ability to hit three-pointers. When Auburn closed the gap to 70-68, Proctor’s clutch three-pointer provided the necessary cushion. Duke’s ability to make nine three-pointers, including six from freshman Isaiah Evans, highlights the untapped potential within the squad.
Both Michigan and Michigan State begin Big Ten play with impressive 2-0 records.
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Michigan’s first-year head coach Dusty May has made a strong impression, leading the Wolverines to an 8-1 start. Winning at Wisconsin is no small feat, and Michigan followed up its Fort Myers Tip-Off victory with a hard-fought 67-64 win over the Badgers.
The success can be attributed to an impressive frontcourt duo: Yale transfer Danny Wolf and Florida Atlantic transfer Vlad Goldin. Their combined performance against Wisconsin, scoring 44 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, has proven May’s strategy of pairing them together effective.
The Big East conference bounces back with notable victories.
Facing pressure, the Big East showcased its strength during the Big 12/Big East Battle, achieving critical wins to improve its standing after last year’s disappointing three bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Despite concerns about Creighton, following the loss of second-leading scorer Pop Isaacs due to injury, the Bluejays secured a significant victory by defeating the previously unbeaten Kansas 76-63. Isaacs’ performance was noteworthy, but Creighton’s future evaluation will be impacted by his absence. Coach Greg McDermott’s experience will be pivotal as he navigates this challenge.
Villanova also made headlines with a top-15 upset over Cincinnati, while St. John’s dominated Kansas State 88-71, showcasing their potential for a return to NCAA Tournament glory.
Kam Jones of Marquette continues to shine, scoring 32 points with six assists and no turnovers against a strong Wisconsin team. The Golden Eagles’ impressive 9-1 record, especially after losing key players, highlights Shaka Smart’s coaching prowess.
This conference may secure five bids for the NCAA Tournament, but Xavier needs a win against Cincinnati to bolster its standing.
Penn State makes a bold statement with a win over Purdue.
Under second-year coach Mike Rhoades, Penn State achieved an impressive 81-70 victory over Purdue, marking their first win against an AP Top 10 team since 2019. The Nittany Lions led by 27 points at one point, showcasing a dominant performance.
With a record of 8-1, Ace Baldwin stands out as one of the nation’s top point guards, complemented by a strong roster of returning players and impactful transfers. Freddie Dilione’s contributions against Purdue were essential, raising questions about Penn State’s potential to make a postseason appearance.
What’s happening with Kansas?
Kansas has struggled, following a slow start with a loss to Creighton and a disappointing performance against Missouri, where they trailed significantly. Currently, they appear far from their No. 1 ranking.
Coach Bill Self acknowledged the team’s lack of preparedness, emphasizing the need to adapt to opponents’ pressure. With key players underperforming, Kansas faces challenges in establishing its identity as they approach mid-December.
Here’s the updated Top 25 rankings.
1. Tennessee Volunteers (8-0)
The Volunteers remain undefeated, having outscored opponents by an average of 27 points per game. Chaz Lanier, a standout transfer from North Florida, is averaging 19 points per game as Tennessee prepares to face Miami (Fla.) in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday night.
2. Auburn Tigers (8-1)
Despite their loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Tigers remain a formidable contender for the national championship, provided their backcourt maintains consistency.
3. Iowa State Cyclones (6-1)
The Cyclones continue to impress, remaining in the top three after a significant win against Marquette, 81-70. Keshon Gilbert is emerging as a key player, scoring at least 23 points in three of his last four games.
4. Marquette Golden Eagles (9-1)
The Golden Eagles bounced back from their loss to Iowa State with a strong performance against Wisconsin. Junior Chase Ross’s health is critical for the team’s success, contributing significantly to their recent victory.
5. Kentucky Wildcats (8-1)
The Wildcats have shown their ability to adapt and compete, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments, proving their worth in this competitive landscape.
6. Duke Blue Devils (7-2)
Duke continues its ascent, having secured a significant win against Auburn and a subsequent victory over Louisville.
7. Florida Gators (9-0)
Walter Clayton’s standout performance, scoring 27 points while leading the Gators to a decisive victory against Virginia, highlights Florida’s potential as they prepare for a key matchup against Arizona State next Saturday.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2)
The Crimson Tide showcased their strength with a commanding win over North Carolina, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.
9. Houston Cougars (5-3)
Despite a 5-3 record, the Cougars remain a top contender, having lost close games to strong opponents. Their recent victory over Butler demonstrates their potential.
10. Purdue Boilermakers (8-2)
11. Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-2)
12. Ole Miss Rebels (8-1)
13. Clemson Tigers (9-1)
14. Oregon Ducks (9-1)
15. Kansas Jayhawks (7-2)
16. Michigan Wolverines (8-1)
17. Michigan State Spartans (8-2)
18. San Diego State Aztecs (6-2)
19. Texas A&M Aggies (8-2)
20. Oklahoma Sooners (9-0)
21. UConn Huskies (6-3)
22. UCLA Bruins (8-1)
23. Arizona State Sun Devils (8-1)
24. Dayton Flyers (8-2)
25. Drake Bulldogs (8-0)
