1. Arizona: T.J. McConnell, the transfer from Duquense, is the real deal, solidifying this Arizona team. Nick Johnson is the Wildcats' main scoring threat averaging 15.5 points a game. Their x-factor is big man Brandon Ashley. If he plays well, then him Aaron Gordon and Kaleb Tarczewski are 3 legit big men who can bully teams around.
2. Syracuse: It pains me to pick 'Cuse 2nd. Boeheim just sits their with his 2-3 zone. With that being said, there's nothing I like more than watching a inferior team get hot and light it up against the zone. But, in all seriousness, the Orange won the Maui Invitational back in November beating a very talented Baylor team in the process. They recently added solid non-conference wins with a blowout win against Indiana and a win against St. John's at MSG. C.J. Fair leads the team with 18.5 PPG.
3. Wisconsin: Bo Ryan has a classic Wisconsin team with his big white boys who can hit the outside J. Wisconsin has already beaten teams like Florida, Notre Dame, Saint Louis, Virginia, and Marqutte. While the Badgers are sitting at 12-0, I can't help but think that this team will have a superb regular season and then lose in the Sweet 16 come tourney time. Frank Kaminsy and Sam Dekker are top two on the team in points and rebounding.
4. Ohio State: Somehow, the buckeyes still have Aaron Craft at point guard, and this kid can play. One of the best defenders in nation and has the ability to score when his team most needs a bucket. Ohio State has not been tested much, with their best win coming early against Marquette, but Thad Matta will most certainly have this team geared up come Big Ten play.
5. Oklahoma State: The most athletic team in the nation in my eyes. Marcus Smart, Brian Williams, Le'Bryan Nash, Markel Brown. Watching this team get out in transition is incredible. These boys can play and not to mention that Marcus Smart is one of the top pro prospects in the game right now. Big guard who can defend and now can really shoot the three. Their only blemish was against a Memphis team on a neutral site after OSU already blew them out at home.
6. Michigan State: Tom Izzo has yet another talented team that can compete for the National Championship come March. Keith Appling has developed into a go-to-guard for the Spartans, and add that with Gary Harris makes for a very dynamic backcourt. They also have an athletic Adrian Payne chillin' in the post which could provide for match-up problems. They looked good against Kentucky early in the year but proceeded to get rocked by North Carolina at home earlier this month, but I am not worried about that.
7. Villanova: It's hard for me to put this team this high because we all know this team will succeed during the year, knocking off top team after top team, but then lose in March to someone who is not nearly as talented as them. They beat both Kansas and a very talented Iowa down in the Bahamas. Ryan Arcidiacono has the confidence to knock down and big shot for this team. Their big scoring threats come from guard James Bell and JayVaughn Pinkston who are both averaging over 16 PPG. Also, Jay Wright is extremelly well dressed so he has that going for him.
8. Wichita State: This team is 100% legit. Mid-major or no mid-major, this team can play. They are returning a ton of players from their Final Four run last year, and now shooter Ron Baker has developed into a scorer for the Shockers. Cleanthony Early, who played a big role in last years run, is 2nd in the team in points, behind Baker, and first in rebounds. Point Guard Fred VanVleet is their point guard who knows how to manage this team. Would not be surprised if they made another run.
9. UCONN: I may be a little biased, but I definitely could have ranked them higher but felt like number 9 was a good fit for them. Their best win has been at home against Florida, who was playing without Freshman guard Kasey Hill and their leader Scott Wilbiken left the game early with an injury. They have also beaten Maryland, Boston College, and Maryland in close contests. Now, none of those teams are great teams, but they were good wins for the Huskies who are trying to gear up for March after being banned from postseason play last year. Shabazz Napier leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists and is on the top of many analysts Wooden Awards lists.
10. Duke: Jabari Parker is really really really good. He's been compared with Carmelo and I definitely see, but would like to see him post up a little more against smaller defenders. Rodney Hood, the transfer from Mississippi State, is also really really good. Considered a bigger player for the Blue Devils, but he can really drive to the hoop and finish. Their two losses were against Kansas and Arizona, two teams that have post presence, which is certainly the biggest concern for Duke. They have no size whatsoever and when they run into size, they struggle.
Of note: Florida is really good when healthy so watch for them. UMass is off to one of their best starts since a long time, lead by guard Chaz Williams.. North Carolina is really good, but are still in the process of working out some kinks, but they are getting to top 10 level.
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