College Basketball Rankings: Heavy’s Top 30 for December 5

AP Top 25 Poll for December 5
USA TODAY Coaches Poll for December 5

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With the 2016-17 college basketball season approaching the end of its first month, we’re learning a lot about where teams are in the development process of their respective seasons. UCLA, which is off to a 9-0 start, has the look of a national title contender, especially after their 97-92 win at No. 1 Kentucky on Saturday. The Wildcats had won 42 consecutive games at Rupp Arena, and after a slow start to the game by the visiting Bruins it appeared as if John Calipari’s team would extend the streak to 43. But the Bruins regained their composure, and players both young and old alike chipped in to help the program beat a top-ranked Kentucky team for the second consecutive season.

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Point guard Lonzo Ball may not have enjoyed his most prolific game offensively, but guards Isaac Hamilton and Aaron Holiday provided a boost as did senior guard Bryce Alford. And in the front court, freshmen T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu more than held their own in the post on a day that saw starter Thomas Welsh struggle with foul trouble and generally ineffective play. Picked to finish third in the Pac-12 during the preseason, Steve Alford’s team has looked like the class of the conference thus far. And given how much time there is for UCLA to continue to grow, who’s to say they can’t accomplish even more than winning the Pac-12 this season?

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We’ve still got a long way to go before Selection Sunday, but teams such as UCLA, Villanova and Baylor have picked up wins that will only help them when the 68-team NCAA tournament field is revealed in March. Here are our top 30 power rankings for this week.

Click on the “next page” graphic below for teams 30-26

30. USC

Record: 8-0

Andy Enfield’s Trojans have hit the ground running this season, once again calling upon a balanced offense that has been tough for opponents to slow down even with sophomore forward Bennie Boatwright sidelined with a sprained left knee suffered in their win over San Diego last Wednesday. The Trojans scored 91 points in their win over BYU Saturday, with guard Jordan McLaughlin accounting for 24 points and four assists and Louisville transfer Shaqquan Aaron scored 19 points in 27 minutes.

Without Boatwright there’s more pressure on fellow sophomore Chimezie Metu to stay on the floor, as he played 31 minutes before fouling out Saturday, so that’s something to keep an eye on as the Trojans approach the start of conference play. Metu’s been a factor in USC’s defensive improvement, as KenPom.com has them ranked 42nd nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Last season, USC was ranked 82nd in that category.

29. Florida State

Record: 7-1

Leonard Hamilton’s Seminoles have won three straight since their surprising 89-86 loss to Temple on Thanksgiving in the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinals, a game they led by as much as 18 early in the second half. The problems for Florida State in that game were on the defensive end of the floor, as Temple shot 11-for-21 from three and outscored FSU by eight from the foul line as the Seminoles struggled to defend the likes of Quinton Rose (26 points) without fouling. Defense has been Hamilton’s calling card during his time at Florida State and they have the raw skill needed to ensure that this isn’t a major issue in ACC play, but the progress has to translate to the games. Players such as Dwanye Bacon, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Jonathan Isaac can all produce offensively, but the Seminoles have been at their best during Hamilton’s tenure when they’re defending at a high level. And given how deep the ACC is, that will determine whether or not Florida State can be an NCAA tournament team.

28. Ohio State

Record: 7-1

In their six games prior to a trip to Charlottesville to face Virginia in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, the jury was out on Thad Matta’s team. Sure they had a win over Providence to their credit, but five of their six wins to that point came against programs the Buckeyes were expected to have little trouble with. But instead of wilting against Virginia’s vaunted pack line defense Ohio State more than held its own, leading by as much as 16 before ultimately dropping the game by the final score of 63-61.

That loss likely did more to boost this team’s reputation than any of their seven wins have, and thus far the rotation looks to be a far better mix than last year’s group that included four freshmen who would ultimately transfer by season’s end. JaQuan Lyle, the lone freshman from 2015-16 who didn’t leave, has continued to develop as a floor general, and Jae’Sean Tate’s leading a balanced offensive attack with an average of 14.0 points per game. Ohio State’s been more efficient on both ends of the floor to this point, and if that continues they should be back in the NCAA tournament after missing out last season.

27. Syracuse

Record: 5-2

After coasting to wins in each of their first four games the Orange suffered consecutive defeats to South Carolina and Wisconsin, with their offense being the biggest issue. Jim Boeheim’s team was limited to 50 points by the Gamecocks, whose aggressive defense resulted in the Orange shooting 31.8 percent from the field and committing 17 turnovers in the 14-point defeat. While Syracuse did shoot 6-for-23 from three in their 77-60 loss at Wisconsin, the bigger issue on that night was their defense. The 2-3 zone was rendered ineffective by Nigel Hayes’ ability to pass out of the high post, and Ethan Happ and Bronson Koenig combined to score 44 points on the night.

Syracuse’s additions, most notably grad transfers Andrew White and John Gillon, have been good for the most part (Providence transfer Paschal, and with more game time together they should be OK. But when your best win to this point in the season is Monmouth (the Hawks are good, but that won’t move the needle), people will still have questions.

26. Oregon

Record: 7-2

Since their surprising loss to Georgetown in the first round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational the Ducks have won five straight games, taking care of the teams they’re expected to as the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12. That run coincided with the return of versatile forward Dillon Brooks, a player who offensively can take on a variety of roles for head coach Dana Altman. Brooks has been brought along slowly since returning from the foot injury suffered during the summer, averaging 13.2 points in just under 19 minutes per game in his six appearances. He’ll be key for a team that, while deeper than last season’s Elite Eight squad, does not have the same versatility on the wing with Elgin Cook and Dwayne Benjamin both having run out of eligibility.

Guard Tyler Dorsey, who can play either on or off the ball, is leading the team offensively with 13.8 points per night and in total Oregon has seven players averaging at least 7.4 points per game. Chris Boucher serves as the anchor in the front court, combining with Jordan Bell to form one of the best shot-blocking duos in the country. But even with their record, Oregon has the potential to be better than they’ve shown to this point, and how much better will depend a lot on Brooks’ progression as the season wears on.

Click on the “next page” graphic below for teams 25-21

25. Arizona

Record: 6-2

So, who is Arizona? That’s a tough question to answer right now thanks to a combination of injuries and the mysterious absence of Allonzo Trier from the lineup. In their loss to Gonzaga Saturday the Wildcats were without both Trier, who has yet to play this season, and starting point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright (high ankle sprain). Add in forward Ray Smith, who called it a career after suffering a third torn ACL in as many years, and Sean Miller’s working with less than a full deck.

Guards Kadeem Allen and Kobi Simmons struggled in Saturday’s 69-62 loss to Gonzaga in Los Angeles, and Arizona simply does not have the depth to overcome off nights from critical players. Freshman forward Lauri Markkanen (17.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) has lived up to the preseason hype, and Simmons, Rawle Alkins and Keanu Pinder have also chipped in as newcomers. But the longer the Trier issue hovers over Arizona, the tougher it will be to truly identify their ceiling. Can they still be a factor in the Pac-12? Yes, but given their rotation the margin for error is slim.

24. Iowa State

Record: 5-2

Steve Prohm’s Cyclones have lost their last two games by a total of three points, losing by two to Gonzaga in the title game of the AdvoCare Invitational and by one at home Cincinnati Thursday night. But the positives far outweigh the negatives for a team that lost a lot from last year’s Sweet 16 squad. Point guard Monté Morris has led the way as expected, with fellow veterans Deonte Burton, Naz Mitrou-Long and Matt Thomas all averaging at least 11.7 points per game. Iowa State doesn’t have as varied of an offensive attack this season, which is to be expected when you lose the likes of a Georges Niang or Abdel Nader, but they have been better defensively.

After ranking 99th in adjusted defensive efficiency last season, the Cyclones are currently 26th in that category according to KenPom.com. Iowa State wouldn’t be categorized as an “elite” defensive team, but the improvement on that end of the floor when it comes to forcing opponents to make tough shots and taking care of the defensive glass to end those possessions have been noticeable. Provided Burton and Merrill Holden avoid foul trouble in the front court, that improvement will help the Cyclones in a Big 12 race that outside of the favorite (Kansas) looks to be wide open.

23. Maryland

Record: 8-1

After a sophomore season in which he appeared to play at times with the weight of the world on his shoulders, point guard Melo Trimble’s averaging 19.3 points per game for Mark Turgeon’s Terrapins. While Trimble still has the ball in his hands plenty, he’s got more leeway to simply go out and make plays as a result of the talent around him. Last season there was the juggling act of getting the ball to experienced teammates who needed their touches and scoring himself, and Trimble struggled with that at times. This year, thanks in large part to the presence of freshman point guard Anthony Cowan, Trimble has been both more aggressive in finding his looks and more relaxed within Maryland’s offense (there was no such secondary ball-handler last season). Cowan’s one of three true freshmen who’ve had an immediate impact for Maryland this season, with wings Kevin Huerter and Justin Jackson both stepping forward. And given the continued struggles of veterans Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley, two players Maryland needs to get going before Big Ten play begins, it’s a good thing that Huerter and Jackson have shown themselves ready to contribute.

22. Cincinnati

Record: 7-1

Few transfers in college basketball have had the impact that Kyle Washington has on Cincinnati thus far. Washington, who began his career at NC State, leads the Bearcats in both scoring and rebounding with averages of 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Add in junior Gary Clark, and the Bearcats have a front court tandem that may not only be the best in the American Athletic Conference but also one of the better ones in the country. Senior point guard Troy Caupain is a very good leader for Mick Cronin’s team, and guard Jacob Evans has been much improved as a sophomore. After averaging 8.4 points per game last season, Evans is up to 15.6 points per night in just seven more minutes of action. Cincinnati’s ranked tenth in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.com, and they’ve been better offensively to this point in the season. Whether or not the offensive improvements carry over into conference play remains to be seen, but at minimum this is a team that knows it can depend on getting stops if the situation calls for it.

21. South Carolina

Record: 8-0

Frank Martin’s Gamecocks are off to an 8-0 start, which includes a home win over Michigan and a win over Syracuse in Brooklyn. Senior Sindarius Thornwell has led the way offensively for South Carolina, but his suspension prior to the team’s win over FIU Sunday leaves a noticeable hole in the Gamecocks’ offensive attack. Duane Notice and P.J. Dozier, South Carolina’s other double-digit scorers, combined to score 47 of South Carolina’s 70 points Sunday and that will likely be the offensive “formula” for the team until Thornwell returns.

What’s also key for South Carolina: defense. They get after teams for the full 40 minutes, ranking second in the country in effective defensive field goal percentage and 28th in turnover percentage. Add in the fact that South Carolina is ranked in the top ten in both two-point (sixth) and three-point (eighth) percentage defense, and it’s easy to see why this is a top ten defense according to KenPom.com. It’s unknown how long Thornwell will be suspended for, but as long as South Carolina continues to defend as they have through eight games they’ll be fine.

Click on the “next page” graphic below for teams 20-16

20. Notre Dame

Record: 8-0

Wins over Colorado and Northwestern at the Legends Classic may not be on par with the conquests picked up by teams such as Baylor and UCLA this season, but it’s hard to imagine that many people expected Notre Dame to get off to an 8-0 start after losing Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste from last season’s Elite Eight team. But head coach Mike Brey has once again found ways to put his players in spots where they can be successful, beginning with seniors V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia and junior Bonzie Colson. With those three leading the way the Fighting Irish are ranked seventh nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency, and they take better care of the basketball than any team in America (first in turnover percentage). There are still some strides to be made defensively, due primarily to the team’s lack of size inside, but the versatility of this group is what makes Notre Dame such a tough matchup. We’ll learn more about this group and their potential for this season when they face defending national champion Villanova Saturday in Newark.

19. Xavier

Record: 7-1

Winners of seven straight to open the season, Chris Mack’s Musketeers suffered their first defeat of the season Saturday when they lost 76-61 at Baylor. There’s no shame in losing to a team as good as the Bears, who now have three wins over AP Top 10 teams this season, but the result did show that perimeter shooting is still an issue for Xavier. As a team the Musketeers shot 9-for-28 from beyond the arc Saturday, and that includes Trevon Bluiett going 6-for-10. While Xavier has struggled with three-point shooting all season long, shooting 9-for-30 from two against Baylor’s length was even more problematic in that loss. Guard Edmond Sumner, who shot 4-for-8 inside the arc, was the only Musketeer to make multiple two-point shots.

Should that be a concern? Not yet, because Xavier had been converting two-point shots at a solid clip in each of their first seven games. The greater concern long-term is the perimeter shooting, as that can help provide cleaner driving lanes for the likes of Sumner and Bluiett when those shots are falling. J.P. Macura is one player to look to for improvement from three, and there’s still the question of whether or not suspended senior guard Myles Davis can do what’s needed to make a return.

18. Florida

Record: 7-1

With three players, led by guard KeVaughn Allen, averaging between 11.8 and 12.4 points per game on the season Mike White’s Gators have relied on balance to get the job done offensively. Florida’s made noticeable strides on that end of the floor, with two point guards in Kasey Hill and Chris Chiozza who can push the tempo and get the ball to the right guys in the spots where they’re most successful. Florida has also managed to get even better defensively, as they’re ranked eighth in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.com after finishing last season 14th in that category. Centers John Egbunu and Kevarrius Hayes are combining to block 4.1 shots per game, and having that kind of “safety net” allows the guards to be more aggressive in passing lanes and defending dribble penetration. Florida was a team pegged by many (along with Texas A&M) as the one most likely to challenge prohibitive favorite Kentucky in the SEC, and thus far they’ve looked the part with their lone defeat coming against Gonzaga.

17. Purdue

Record: 6-2

Neither of Purdue’s losses were anything to shake one’s head at, as they lost to Villanova at home and to Louisville on the road. Head coach Matt Painter has one of the nation’s best front courts, led by juniors Isaac Haas and Vince Edwards and sophomore Caleb Swanigan, and that triumvirate is a big reason why Purdue has been so good offensively. Having post presences such as Haas and Swanigan help Purdue in two ways: one, opposing teams have to account for those two posting up and either scoring or getting to the foul line as a result of overmatched defenders choosing to give up two free throws instead of two points. And two, the attention paid to the big men results in open shooting opportunities for the guards, with Purdue ranking fifth in the country in three-point percentage (43.3 percent).

The Boilermakers are still adjusting to life without Rapheal Davis and A.J. Hammons defensively, but while the block percentage has dropped (Hammons) they’re still ranked 21st in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.com. Some may continue to question Purdue’s guard play, but freshman Carsen Edwards has been a major addition and returnees Dakota Mathias and P.J. Thompson have chipped in as well. Purdue will definitely be heard from in the Big Ten race.

16. Wisconsin

Record: 7-2

Neither of Wisconsin’s two defeats would be labeled as “bad,” as they’ve lost on the road to Creighton and in the championship of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational to North Carolina. Since the loss to North Carolina the Badgers have added quality home wins over Syracuse and Oklahoma to their résumé, with senior forward Nigel Hayes being a major factor. After finishing one point short of a triple-double in the win over the Orange, Hayes racked up 28 points and six assists in the Badgers’ 20-point win over the Sooners.

He, Bronson Koenig and Ethan Happ form an incredibly tough trio for opponents to deal with, and Vitto Brown, D’Mitrik Trice and Zak Showalter have all chipped in as well for Greg Gard’s team. Their game at in-state rival Marquette is the toughest left on the schedule for Wisconsin before they begin Big Ten play against Rutgers in late December, and they’ll be a contender for the conference title.

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15. Saint Mary’s

Record: 6-0

Randy Bennett’s Gaels, much maligned in recent years for the strength of their non-conference schedule, made some adjustments in that area this season. Saint Mary’s is off to a 6-0 start, with wins over two teams expected to contend in their respective leagues (Nevada and Dayton) and a win at Stanford to their credit. Guards Emmett Naar and Joe Rahon have been solid, but the breakthrough player for this deep squad has been center Jock Landale. After averaging 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season, Landale’s accounting for 19.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and two assists per contest as a junior. With Calvin Hermanson (14.3 ppg) and Kyle Clark (8.7 ppg) also chipping in, Saint Mary’s is ranked third in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom.com. Given their talent, depth and toughness, Saint Mary’s is Gonzaga’s biggest threat in the WCC title race.

14. Virginia

Record: 7-1

Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers won their first seven games before falling at home to West Virginia Saturday, with the Mountaineers’ ability to get to the foul line (16-7 scoring edge) being the difference in the 66-57 result. The 14 turnovers committed by Virginia did exceed their average for the season (nine), with London Perrantes and Darius Thompson responsible for three apiece, but that wasn’t a major issue Saturday and it won’t be a major issue this season. Perrantes leads an offensive attack that, while balanced, has yet to find a guy who can go out and get them a basket in crunch time along the lines of what Malcolm Brogdon was able to do in 2015-16.

As usual Virginia’s calling card is their defense, as they’re ranked second in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency thanks to a pack line defense that forces teams to make tough shots. The dismissal of Austin Nichols removes an option from the front court, but it’s hard to see that move as a major problem for Virginia when considering how much value is placed on the “team” within that program.

13. West Virginia

Record: 6-1

“Press Virginia” has been the trademark of Bob Huggins’ teams the last couple of seasons, with their tenacious defense and offensive rebounding prowess being used to mask other deficiencies when it comes to putting points on the board. That’s once again been the case this season, with West Virginia leading the nation in defensive turnover percentage (33.6 percent) and ranking sixth in offensive rebounding percentage (40.4 percent). In their 108-61 win over Manhattan last week the Mountaineers forced a staggering 40 turnovers, but it’s what they did in their next game that was even more impressive.

In their 66-57 win at Virginia, the Mountaineers won a game that wasn’t played at their preferred tempo as a result of their remaining attack-minded in the half-court on both ends of the floor. Forwards Nathan Adrian and Esa Ahmad are averaging 13.0 and 12.6 points per game, respectively, to lead the way offensively for a team with eight players averaging at least 6.7 points per game, and guards Jevon Carter and Tarik Phillip are key reasons why WVU turns the ball over on just 14.6 percent of its possessions.

12. Louisville

Record: 7-1

Louisville’s lone defeat came against Baylor in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis, a game the Cardinals led by as much as 22 with four minutes remaining in the first half. Normally Rick Pitino’s defense, while good at the start of the season, is a work in progress. That’s the case for this group, but given the fact that they’re the top-ranked defense according to KenPom.com it’s scary to think about what Louisville can be on that end of the floor come February or March. As usual the Cardinals are aggressive in both the full and half-court, but thus far they haven’t been forcing turnovers at the same rate that they did last season. Quality looks are still tough to come by for opponents, with Louisville ranked eighth in the country in effective field goal percentage defense (41.0 percent).

Offensively, guards Donovan Mitchell (11.9 ppg) and Quentin Snider (10.5 ppg) are the only double-digit scorers on a team with six players averaging at least 7.8 points per game. That’s likely the way Louisville will get things done on that end of the floor this season, relying on balance as opposed to one or two stars, and given the way they defend that should be fine.

11. Butler

Record: 8-0

Thanksgiving was a good time for the Bulldogs, who defeated Vanderbilt and Arizona at the Las Vegas Invitational before traveling to Salt Lake City where they beat Utah. While the expectation for Chris Holtmann’s team, even with the losses of Kellen Dunham and Roosevelt Jones, was to be an NCAA tournament team there weren’t many people who thought Butler could be a contender in the Big East. Through eight games they’ve looked the part, with forwards Kelan Martin (18.1 ppg) and Andrew Chrabascz (10.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg) leading the way offensively. Freshman guard Kamar Baldwin has been a key contributor, and senior point guard Tyler Lewis is leading the team in assists with 5.3 per night.

Butler’s been good on both ends of the floor thus far, especially when it comes to finding (and making) quality shots as they’re ranked tenth nationally in effective field goal percentage (57.8) and sixth in two-point field goal percentage (59.4). They could stand to improve some from the foul line however, as their current mark of 67.7 percent is something that could be an issue in close games during Big East play.

Click on the “next page” graphic below for teams 10-6

10. Indiana

Record: 7-1

The Hoosiers have just one loss thus far, a three-point overtime loss at Fort Wayne scheduled to get junior guard James Blackmon Jr. a game close to his hometown of Marion, Indiana. Other than that it’s been smooth sailing for Tom Crean’s team, which has wins over Kansas and North Carolina to its credit. Faced with the question of how they would account for the graduation of point guard Yogi Ferrell, the position’s been filled by committee. Blackmon, Josh Newkirk and Robert Johnson are all getting opportunities to initiate things offensively, and they’ve been good thus far.

In the front court OG Anunoby’s currently out with an ankle injury, but while on the floor he’s shown the athleticism and skills that have made his name a popular one amongst NBA Draft types. And in sophomore Thomas Bryant the Hoosiers have a big man who can get them a basket in the post when needed, and he can also step away from the basket to help the team in ball-screen situations. Also of note is that Indiana, which was much-maligned for its defensive effort early last season, has continued to make strides on that end of the floor. We know the Hoosiers can score; if they can continue to grow defensively that could be what propels them to another Big Ten title.

9. Creighton

Record: 8-0

After missing out on the NCAA tournament in each of the last two seasons, the Creighton Bluejays entered this season with a roster that many felt was ready to not only compete in the Big East but excel. So far, so good for Greg McDermott’s team, which is off to an 8-0 start with wins over Wisconsin and NC State to its credit. Kansas State transfer Marcus Foster has been as good as advertised alongside Maurice Watson Jr. in the backcourt, and in the front court redshirt freshman Justin Patton and fifth-year senior Cole Huff have led the way. One must not overlook guard Khyri Thomas either, as he’s second on the team in both points and assists through eight games. Creighton takes care of the basketball and doesn’t settle offensively, which is why they’re ranked ninth in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom.com. But if they’re to make a run at Villanova in the Big East, the Bluejays will need to continue to grow defensively.

8. Gonzaga

Record: 8-0

With a combination of talented newcomers and returnees, the Bulldogs have the look of a group that, when it’s all said an done could go down as Mark Few’s best team. While Washington transfer Nigel Williams-Goss has been a major addition to the perimeter rotation, his arrival hasn’t overshadowed the presence of Josh Perkins. Perkins is leading the Bulldogs in scoring with 13.1 points per night, and the two have worked well together with Williams-Goss second on the team at 12.5 ppg. In total Gonzaga has five double-digit scorers, which included senior center Przemek Karnowski and forwards Zach Collins and Jonathan Williams. Add in freshman Killian Tillie (Collins is also a freshman), and the quartet Gonzaga can call upon in the post is as good as any in the country.

They also added grad transfer Jordan Mathews, who provides quality perimeter shooting, and the combination of depth and talent puts Gonzaga in the conversation for being at minimum the best team out west (UCLA being the other option right now). With wins over Florida, Iowa State and Arizona to their credit, Gonzaga’s got an early résumé that should help them seeding-wise come Selection Sunday.

7. Kentucky

Record: 7-1

Ranked in the top ten in both adjusted offensive (sixth) and defensive (fourth) efficiency, John Calipari’s Wildcats have been very good this season. But in their 97-92 home loss to UCLA Saturday, ending a 42-game home win streak at Rupp Arena, the perimeter shooting issue some swore wouldn’t be a problem was just that. Kentucky shot 8-for-24 from three on the afternoon, with Malik Monk (4-for-8) and Derek Willis (2-for-4) responsible for six of those makes. Isaiah Briscoe may have become a more willing perimeter shooter during the offseason, but he’s shooting just 21 percent from three this season.

In most games Kentucky will be able to use its athleticism to overwhelm opponents, getting out in passing lanes and forcing odd-man situations where they can score in the open court as opposed to having to do so in the half-court. But in games where they can’t, as was the case Saturday against a very good UCLA team that despite committing 18 turnovers refused to be rattled, what will Kentucky’s counter be? There’s no need to panic over Saturday’s loss, especially given how young Kentucky is with Monk, De’Aaron Fox, Wenyen Gabriel and Bam Adebayo all getting major minutes as freshmen. But Saturday’s loss brought to the forefront some key questions that need to be addressed, which is exactly why coaches play games of that magnitude during the non-conference portion of their schedules.

6. North Carolina

Record: 8-1

Roy Williams’ Tar Heels won their first seven games before losing 76-67 at Indiana Wednesday night, and through nine games this group has shown itself to have the one ingredient last year’s national runners-up lacked. That would be consistent perimeter shooting. Marcus Paige was the man in that department in each of his final two seasons in Chapel Hill, with the question being who else would show themselves to be a credible threat from deep. Kenny Williams (50.0 percent) and Joel Berry II (41.9) have both done well in this area through nine games, and Justin Jackson has the potential to be better than a 34.9 percent shooter.

That isn’t to say that Carolina doesn’t miss Paige; even with Berry playing as well as he has thus far, that’s a major loss (as was forward Brice Johnson). But the added experience has helped the likes of Berry and big men Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks, making UNC a threat to once again play deep into the NCAA tournament. They’re also ranked fifth in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.com, and even though the competition will get even tougher in ACC play that’s something the Tar Heels can build upon moving forward.

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5. Duke

Record: 8-1

Even with their injury issues, the Blue Devils are three points away from being undefeated as a result of their two-point loss to Kansas in the Champions Classic. Five-star freshmen Marques Bolden and Jayson Tatum made their regular season debuts on Saturday, and fellow freshman Harry Giles is still out of the lineup due to injury. But thanks to players such as junior guard Grayson Allen and senior forward Amile Jefferson, Mike Krzyzewski’s team continues to rate among the best in the country.

And Duke also has one of the nation’s most improved players in sophomore guard Luke Kennard, who’s averaging a team-best 19.4 points per game while also accounting for 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. With Tatum out Kennard took full advantage of the opportunity, which is why Duke’s play has not slipped while other teams have struggled to account for personnel losses. When everyone’s healthy and accounted for, Duke will return to the perch of favorites to win the national title. But as they’ve shown through their first nine games, the Blue Devils aren’t to be overlooked if they’re without a couple players, either.

4. Kansas

Record: 7-1

The backcourt has led the way for Kansas thus far, with senior Frank Mason II and junior Devonté Graham being two of the nation’s best. Add in highly regarded freshman Josh Jackson and improved sophomore LaGerald Vick, and Kansas’ has a perimeter quartet that gives opponents fits. All four of those players are averaging at least 10.4 points per game, with another wing in junior in Svi Mykhailiuk not far off at 9.6 points per night. The question for Kansas is who will step forward to provide consistent production in the post. And that doesn’t necessarily mean scoring either. Carlton Bragg Jr., Landen Lucas and freshman Udoka Azubuike are the three competing for quality minutes in the paint, with head coach Bill Self expressing his disappointment in the post play following their win over Long Beach State last week. In Kansas’ 89-74 win over Stanford Saturday, that trio combined to score 19 points and grab 15 rebounds. They’ll all need to be productive rebounders and defenders if Kansas is to make a run at its second national title under Self.

3. UCLA

Record: 9-0

After a bad 2015-16 season the Bruins look to be well on their way to redemption, as they’re off to a 9-0 start following Saturday’s win at then-No. 1 Kentucky. Freshman point guard Lonzo Ball didn’t have his best game, committing eight turnovers, but he was a much better player in the second half and others stepped forward as well. Fellow freshmen T.J. Leaf (17 points, 13 rebounds, five assists) and Ike Anigbogu (six points, six rebounds, two blocks) played well in the front court with Thomas Welsh in foul trouble, and guards Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton and Aaron Holiday all stepped forward as well. The end result was not only UCLA beating a top-ranked Kentucky squad for a second consecutive season, but also announcing their return to the national scene.

With a player like Ball, for as impressive as his assist numbers can be at times you can’t just look at the numbers. Last season UCLA, for all its individual offensive talents, lacked cohesion and more often that not guys would shoot because of the fear that it may be awhile before they get their next opportunity. No such issues this season, with 67.3 percent of the Bruins’ made field goals being assisted (54.9 percent last season) and the team playing at the tenth-fastest adjusted tempo in the country per KenPom.com. The question now is how this group will deal with success and praise, because if done right UCLA can go a long way.

2. Baylor

Record: 8-0

With three wins over teams ranked in the Top 10, Baylor has a good argument that it should be ranked atop any power rankings or polls that you may find. Ranked in the top 15 nationally in both adjusted offensive (14th) and defensive (12th) efficiency, Scott Drew’s Bears currently have the best overall résumé of any team in college basketball. Forward Johnathan Motley continues to make strides in his game, leading the Bears in scoring and rebounding with averages of 16.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Fellow big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. has made his presence known as well, blocking more than four shots per game in the middle of Baylor’s active matchup zone.

And on the perimeter Miami transfer Manu Lecomte has been the best transfer in the country, grabbing the reins at the point and showing himself to be capable as both a scorer and a distributor. Players such as guard Al Freeman, forward Terry Maston and guard/forward (and team leader) Ishmail Wainright have also chipped in, resulting in Baylor having the look of a team capable of ending Kansas’ 12-year run as Big 12 regular season champions. And even if Baylor can’t do that, their work in non-conference play puts them in good position for a high seed come Selection Sunday.

1. Villanova

Record: 8-0

The reigning national champions take the top spot, as they’re off to an 8-0 start that includes a win at Purdue. Jay Wright’s Wildcats, who were faced with the question of how they’d account for the losses of Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu, really haven’t missed a beat and that’s due to their senior class. Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins and Darryl Reynolds are the team leaders, with Hart being a skilled wing who will be in national player of the year conversations all season long. Add in sophomore point guard Jalen Brunson, junior wing Mikal Bridges and reserves Eric Paschall and Donte DiVincenzo and you’ve got a rotation that lacks neither talent nor toughness. The one issue right now is the health of guard Phil Booth, who’s missed the last five games due to tendinitis in his right knee. Ranked in the top ten in both adjusted offensive (2nd) and defensive (9th) efficiency, Villanova should be a fixture at or near the top of the polls all season long.

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