With the first full week of college basketball now in the books and an exciting Tuesday night doubleheader featuring four top 10 programs, we got our first look at how some of these top schools will perform this season. Some schools have been exposed (Northwestern, Rhode Island) while others have prospered (Duke, Creighton). Here's an updated look at my top 25 after nine nights of college hoops.
College Hoops Top 25
Last Week's Position: 1
Results: W vs #2 Michigan State (88-81), W vs Southern (78-61)
You can get comfortable with Duke being in this spot for awhile. With a huge win over Coach Izzo's Spartans on Tuesday night, Coach K and his squad are, by far, the best team in college basketball. With freshman star Marvin Bagley III out for most of the game, senior Grayson Allen tore it up, going for a career-high 37 points on five made threes. Bagley returned later in the week against Southern, putting up his third double double (19 points and 11 rebounds), but the story of the week was Allen's brilliant play Tuesday and, perhaps, major signs of maturity and leadership.
Last Week's Position: 4 (+2)
Results: W vs #7 Kentucky (65-61), W vs South Dakota State (98-64)
Kansas joined Duke in winning on Tuesday night's Championship Classic event, knocking off #7 Kentucky. Senior Svi Mykhailiuk paced the Jayhawks with 17 points Tuesday. Overall, though, the Jayhawks struggled to shoot, going 35.3% from the field and 28.6% from deep. Against a much easier opponent, Mykhailiuk and company found more success from the field, with Svi leading the way again with 27 points against South Dakota State. Top freshman Billy Preston has yet to appear in a game this season, sitting out Tuesday after a single-car accident on campus. The school is reviewing the accident and is looking into the "financial picture" of the vehicle. I don't know about you, but this seems fishy. I will try to refrain from too much speculation.
Last Week's Position: 2 (-1)
Results: W vs CSU Bakersfield (91-59)
Junior guard Allonzo Trier continues to make sure that everyone knows he's here. The scoring machine is averaging a blistering 30.0 ppg on 70% shooting. You may think that this number will drop significantly over the coming weeks, but I fully believe that Trier can stay in the high 20's, at least through December. The Wildcats will face their first true test this week when they travel to the Bahamas to play in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. With a first round matchup against NC State and a potential championship matchup against Villanova on Saturday, we'll see just how good Trier and freshman DeAndre Ayton (18.7 ppg and 11.7 rpg) are.
Last Week's Position: 3 (-1)
Results: L vs #1 Duke (88-81), W vs Stony Brook (93-71)
Coach Izzo's group slides down one spot to number four after falling to Duke Tuesday night in Chicago. The Spartans fought hard against the Blue Devils but ended up falling short, both on the scoreboard and in rebounding. Being out-rebounded by Duke was a surprise to Izzo and is a reason for concern moving forward. They were able to take of business against Stony Brook later in the week, as expected, but with sophomore leader Miles Bridges (19.7 ppg and 7.0 rpg) rolling his ankle in the win, guys like Nick Ward, Cassius Winston and the emerging freshman Jaren Jackson Jr. will need to step up.
5. Wichita State (2-0, 0-0 American)Last Week's Position: 5
Results: W vs Charleston (81-63)
With only one game all week, Wichita State didn't gain a lot of attention. But a win against Charleston, who should win the Colonial Athletic Association, keeps the Shockers in the top five for another week. Senior big man led the charge against Charleston, pouring in 18 points while retrieving 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes on the floor. With the team traveling to Hawaii for the holiday, the Shockers have a potential championship matchup with Notre Dame on tap in the Maui Invitational.
6. Minnesota (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten)Last Week's Position: 8 (+2)
Results: W @ Providence (86-74), W vs Niagara (107-81), W vs Western Carolina (92-64)
I'm still very high on the Golden Gophers, and I have no reason not to be. They are undefeated and have scored 86 points or more in each of their first four games. Picking up a big non-conference win on the road against Providence on Monday moves them up to number six this week. People should tune in to watch Minnesota if only to watch junior forward Jordan Murphy. He has four double doubles on the year (24.8 ppg and 12.8 rpg) with an impressive 23 points and 14 boards against Providence. I know it's early, but if Michigan State falters at all this season, Minnesota will be right there in the Big Ten.
7. Kentucky (3-1, 0-0 SEC)Last Week's Position: 6 (-1)
Results: L vs #4 Kansas (65-61), W vs East Tennessee State (78-61)
Freshman Kevin Knox is beginning to emerge as the go-to-guy that Kentucky needs him to be. With a 20 point, 7 rebound effort against Kansas earlier in the week followed with 17 points and 10 boards against East Tennessee State, he's starting to look like they top recruit and playmaker that everyone thought he could be. Aside from him, the Wildcats struggled to find much more help in their loss to Kansas. Hamidou Diallo had 14 points but failed to hit from beyond the arc. If it's not Diallo, I believe freshman point guard Quade Green can become this guy, dropping 21 points against East Tennessee State.
8. Villanova (3-0, 0-0 Big East)Last Week's Position: 9 (+1)
Results: W vs Nicholls (113-77), W vs Lafayette (104-57)
The one-two punch of Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges will be exciting to watch this season. Bridges set career-high marks Tuesday night against Nicholls with 23 points, 5 steals and 4 blocks only to top it later in the week with 24 points against Lafayette. With Brunson averaging 17.7 ppg and 4.7 apg, he is still the heart and soul of coach Jay Wright's Wildcats. The emergence of Bridges on the wing with the leadership of Brunson makes this team one of the best in the nation.
9. Notre Dame (3-0, 0-0 ACC)Last Week's Position: 10 (+1)
Results: W vs Mount Saint Mary's (88-62), W vs Chicago State (105-66)
Senior Bonzie Colson continues to make his case for National Player of the Year, leading the Fighting Irish to an 88-62 victory while scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds. He came back Thursday night to score 15 points, grab 7 boards, and swatting away 5 shots. What I like so much about Notre Dame this season is that there are multiple guys that can score. Sophomore guard Temple Gibbs, who could be in for a breakout year, dropped 23 against Chicago State and Senior guard Matt Farrell added 18 to go with 5 steals.
10. USC (3-0, 0-0 Pac 12)Last Week's Position: 7 (-3)
Results: W vs North Dakota State (75-65), W @ Vanderbilt (93-89 OT)
The Trojans had a scary week. With the game tied at the half against North Dakota State and the Bison leading by five midway through the second half, USC relied on junior Bennie Boatwright to lead the comeback, scoring 28 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. On Sunday night, the Trojans once again faced an early season challenge, trailing Vandy by nine midway through the second half. This time, it was senior Jordan McLaughlin bringing the team back, pouring in 35 points and hitting a clutch three to send the game to overtime. I'll keep them in the top 10, but the Trojans won't be able to mess around when the tougher opponents come up.
11. Florida (3-0, 0-0 SEC)Last Week's Position: 11
Results: W vs Gardner-Webb (116-74), W vs North Florida (108-68), W vs New Hampshire (70-63)
I think Florida found their new guy. Rice transfer Egor Koulechov started off the season with a bang, dropping 34 points. He's followed that up with back to back double doubles (13 points/10 rebounds and 14 points/10 rebounds). The Gators struggled, though, to put away New Hampshire, leading by just a bucket with six minutes to go. Guys like Kevarrius Hayes need to provide some front court scoring to complement that of guards Koulechov and KeVaughn Allen.
12. Alabama (3-0, 0-0 SEC)Last Week's Position: 12
Results: W vs Lipscomb (86-64), W vs Alabama A&M (104-67)
Normally, I try to keep myself from saying "I told you so," and it is still November, but after the week that Collin Sexton and Alabama had, Avery Johnson's Crimson Tide has suddenly been thrust into the college hoops spotlight and I feel like I can say I told you so. Sexton, who is just getting going on putting together the ultimate freshman highlight reel, had 22 points and 5 assists against Lipscomb followed up with a 25 points and 5 assists game against Alabama A&M. It was fellow freshman John Petty, though, who got all the attention, dropping 30 points on TEN made three pointers Friday night. The TEN threes made broke a school record. Petty was on fire. Oh, did I mention freshman John Petty made ten shots from behind the arc?!
13. Cincinnati (3-0, 0-0 American)Last Week's Position: 13
Results: W vs Western Carolina (102-51), W vs Coppin State (97-54)
I wouldn't have expected the Bearcats to have scored 306 points through their first three games, but here we are. Sophomore guard Jarron Cumberland has emerged as the leading scorer, averaging 16.3 ppg in addition to 6.0 rpg. Including Cumberland, though, Cincinnati has six guys averaging double figures so far. They've tortured teams like Western Carolina with a 40 minute full court press. Watch for this to continue. Top to bottom, this is one solid team.
14. Miami (3-0, 0-0 ACC)Last Week's Position: 14
Results: W vs Florida A&M (90-59)
The Hurricanes were able to put away Florida A&M easily in their only game this week, but they had to do it without star freshman Lonnie Walker IV. Walker IV twisted his ankle after just ten minutes. While the injury is not serious, it provided Coach Larranaga with a better look at the rest of his team. Three guys (Ja'Quan Newton, Dejan Vasiljevic, and Bruce Brown Jr.) scored 15 points to lead the way. Walker IV will be back on the floor Wednesday to take on La Salle in his hometown, Reading, Pennsylvania.
15. North Carolina (2-0, 0-0 ACC)Last Week's Position: 15
Results: W vs Bucknell (93-81)
Last Wednesday, the Tar Heels had to play without Pittsburgh transfer Cameron Johnson, who suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. He'll be out for more than just Wednesday's game, scheduled to miss up to six weeks after surgery. Without Johnson, North Carolina turned to junior guard Kenny Williams (10 points) to take over the off-guard duties. Luke Maye continues to show that he wasn't a one hit wonder, leading the team with 20 points and 9 boards. A 12 point win against an 0-4 Bucknell can be concering, but Bucknell is the best 0-4 team in the nation right now and should win the Patriot League.
16. Seton Hall (4-0, 0-0 Big East)Last Week's Position: 16
Results: W vs Indiana (84-68), W vs NJIT (82-53)
Big man Angel Delgado continued feasting early last week. With 19 points and 11 rebounds against Indiana, Delgado posted his third straight double double. He finally slowed down on Saturday against NJIT, receiving some much needed rest. The rest only allowed for 16 minutes of play and 5 points. Senior Desi Rodriguez picked up the slack, dropping 19 points and 7 rebounds. With Rodriguez emerging alongside Delgado, Seton Hall is going to be a tough out moving forward.
17. Xavier (3-0, 0-0 Big East)Last Week's Position: 17
Results: W vs Rider (101-75), W @ Wisconsin (80-70)
In this year's Big East, Xavier's Trevon Bluiett has a very good shot at leading the league in scoring. Through four games, Bluiett is averaging 25.3 ppg. He's also averaging 7.7 rpg. The Musketeers picked up their first big win of the year, knocking off Wisconsin in Madison. Bluiett had 25 points and 9 rebounds against the Badgers. Perhaps Bluiett is on his way to more than just leading scorer in the Big East.
18. Purdue (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten)Last Week's Position: 18
Results: W @ Marquette (86-71), W vs Fairfield (106-64)
Just like Xavier, Purdue also picked up a nice non-conference win against another school in the state of Wisconsin, this time taking down Marquette in the Bradley Center. I continue to be impressed by the play of sophomore Carsen Edwards, who scored 15 against the Golden Eagles and 18 against Fairfield on 6-11 shooting in both games. Vince Edwards messed around and put up a double double in just 22 minutes against Fairfield with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
19. Creighton (3-0, 0-0 Big East)
Last Week's Position: 27 (+8)
Results: W @ #20 Northwestern (92-88)
The biggest jump this week is also one of the newest members to the top 25. Creighton's win against Northwestern Wednesday night didn't come as a major surprise to me, though. If you read my 2017-18 College Hoops Preview, you'll know that I was high on the Bluejays entering the season. With the backcourt duo of Khyri Thomas (24 points against Northwestern) and Marcus Foster (12 points) plus the emergence of sophomore Martin Krampelj (17 points), the sky is the limit for this squad.
20. Louisville (2-0, 0-0 ACC)Last Week's Position: 20
Results: W vs Omaha (87-78)
After struggling in their first win against George Mason two weeks ago, Louisville struggled to put away Omaha convincingly this week, nearly leading the Mavericks back into this one. Junior Deng Adel has been the best player on this squad, putting up 21 points and 8 rebounds in 34 minutes of action. I'm waiting for senior guard Quentin Snider to step up though. He shot just 2-9 from the field and has had trouble getting into a rhythm thus far.
21. Texas A&M (2-0, 0-0 SEC)Last Week's Position: 21
Results: W vs UC Santa Barbara (84-65)
A&M followed up their first week upset over West Virginia with a resounding 19 point victory over UC Santa Barbara. Junior D.J. Hogg continued the scoring trend for Texas A&M, putting in 24 points for the Aggies. With star Robert Williams set to return from his two game suspension tonight against Oklahoma State, A&M is scary moving forward. Hogg and big man Tyler Davis (18.5 ppg and 9.5 rpg) have stepped up. Throw Williams into that mix and look out.
22. Oklahoma (2-0, 0-0 Big 12)Last Week's Position: 24 (+2)
Results: W vs Ball State (108-69)
That's now back to back 108 point showings by the Sooners. Freshman point guard Trae Young continues to impress, dropping his second straight double double of the year with a 22 point, 13 rebound effort against Ball State. Oklahoma will head out west to participate in the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational. There's a chance that they can play against both North Carolina and Michigan State by this time next week.
23. Texas (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Last Week's Position: 26 (+3)
Results: W vs New Hampshire (78-60), W vs Lipscomb (80-57)
The seven foot Mo Bamba led the Longhorns against Lipscomb Saturday, posting his first collegiate double double (13 points and 10 rebounds). He also had 5 blocks through just 19 minutes of action. But Texas had to play without their star freshman earlier in the week after a concussion forced Bamba to miss the New Hampshire game. Junior Dylan Osetkowski, sporting some sweet surfer-like hair, scored 17 points and snatched 14 rebounds. The San Diego native is more of a glue-guy moving forward, but his double double has to have Shaka Smart happy.
24. UCLA (3-0, 0-0 Pac 12)Last Week's Position: 25 (+1)
Results: W vs Central Arkansas (106-101 OT), W vs South Carolina State (96-68)
Despite an overtime win over Central Arkansas, a game where the Bears led by one with just four seconds to play, I still have UCLA holding onto a top 25 spot. Aaron Holiday came up big, scoring 24 points and recording 5 steals to secure the win. Once again, with just a six point lead at the half to South Carolina State, the Bruins were able to pull away late. I'm growing skeptical of this team and wondering if the whole China situation is still on the minds of these players, but for now, UCLA stays in the top 25.
25. Maryland (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten)
Last Week's Position: 28 (+3)
Results: W vs Butler (79-65), W vs Bucknell (80-78)
Early in the week, it seemed like I had Maryland ranked too low. They cruised to a 14 point win over a solid Butler team with sophomore Anthony Cowan going for 25 points and 10 rebounds. Then, later in the week, it seemed like I had Maryland ranked too high. Trailing Bucknell by 15 at the half, the Terrapins outscored the Bison 45-28 in the second half, squeezing out a 2 point victory in front of the home crowd. Their win against Butler plus a number of schools ahead of them falling out of the top 25 (see below) has Maryland up to #25 this week.
Dropped out of Rankings: Rhode Island (previously 19), Providence (previously 22), Northwestern (previously 23)
Moved into Rankings: Creighton (previously 27), Texas (previously 26), Maryland (previously 28)
That will do it for this week. Now that we are more than a week into the college basketball, expect to see even more content on my blog. Check back next week for another run through of my updated top 25.
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