College Basketball Power Rankings – Week 14
College Basketball Power Rankings for Week 14 of the season feature three ACC teams and three non-Power Five schools.
College Basketball Power Rankings for Week 14 of the season feature three ACC teams and three non-Power Five schools.
Note: These are the schools I believe are playing the best right now, not necessarily the Top 10 based on resume or AP Rankings.
10. Cincinnati
The Bearcats are rugged and play a disruptive brand of basketball. Known as a defensive juggernaut, Mick Cronin finally possesses a capable offense to compliment his defense.
9. Arizona
Don’t read too much into the lopsided loss at Oregon. It was just one loss, no matter how badly the score looked on the scoreboard. The Ducks got crazy hot, but this doesn’t alter the fact that Zona is still very dangerous. They remain one of the most balanced teams in the nation, with top 40 rankings in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
8. Virginia
Despite a pair of recent losses to Villanova and Syracuse, I remain a steadfast believer of Tony Bennett’s guys. Defense wins championships. With the Cavaliers’ ability to control the tempo of a game with their brand is uncanny. This teams finds way to take a way your best weapons and make others beat you. With so many elite offenses in the game this year, this is the one team built to stop them.
7. North Carolina
Tar Heels are as dangerous a team as any in the nation. It starts with those long, athletic forwards that flat out produce. Justin Jackson, Isaiah Hicks, and Kennedy Meeks are the heart and soul of this team that beats you up in the trenches. The Heels possess solid guard play as well. They still await the return of Theo Pinson and when he does? Watch out.
6. Oregon
The dismantling of Arizona put the nation on notice. Ducks reminded everyone how they earned that one seed last year and why they are deserving of one this year as well. They spread you out, play at a frenetic pace, and can light up a scoreboard. Doesn’t sleep on the defense either, a ball hungry team with a left rim protector as that last line of defense in Chris Boucher.
5. Lousiville
Despite being unhealthy, the Cards continue to win. The reason: Donavan Mitchell. He has been elite for this team. A playmaker who makes things happen. Assuming point guard duties in Quentin Snider’s absence have been a seamless transition. Mitchell is the main vein through which everything flows for U of L and he has this team playing at a high level. They get healthy in the next few weeks and you can expect Louisville to ascend higher.
4. Baylor
The identity of Baylor basketball has shifted this year. In years past, their success has typically been associated with winning with offense. This year, it has been with defense. Johnathan Motley and Jo Lual-Acuil are the heart and soul of the Bears. They defend, rebound and score it. The guards must give this team more for them to make a deep run in March.
3. Kansas
Frank Mason III continues to make a compelling statement for national player of the year but that can only take you so far. Devonte Graham and Joshua Jackson continue to produce as complimentary pieces but the Jayhawks need help from the frontline and bench. Can Mason III be 2011’s Kemba Walker? It’s entirely possible.
2. Villanova
They have the experience and talent via the big three of Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, and Jalen Brunson. This team has been as consistent as any all year long. They are so well coached, this is a team that doesn’t beat themselves. You have to go out and beat them. I am most comfortable pegging this team a final four team as any in the country.
1. Gonzaga
Maybe they have feasted on a lesser conference but this team is scary good. And it’s not like they are without some quality wins. Victories over Iowa State, Florida, and Arizona validate this team. They are the perfect blend of experienced talent and blue-chip youth. And they are incredibly deep. Skilled, productive guards and great size and interior scoring to boot. Mark Few’s beat team he has ever had in Spokane.
