About 95% finished with non-conference play. We have a few games next week, the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in late January, and a few more stragglers. With that in mind, here are five quick thoughts on the season so far as we head into national conference play.
1. favorite story
Zach Edey is front-runner for Comfortable National Player of the Year. The last time someone came this far at this point in the season, his name was Zion. Edey is averaging 22.6 points, 13.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. According to KenPom.com, he’s statistically his MVP in every Purdue game.
2. Disappointment you never thought was coming
Clayton (6-6), Dayton (8-5), Florida (7-5), Villanova (7-5), Michigan (7-4), Notre Dame (7-5), Oregon (7-6). These are the seven teams I expected him to advance to the NCAA Tournament with single-digit seeding. Now set the number of teams to join up/down to 2.5.
3. The story of the “great team”
I’ve heard this season that there are no great teams. Sorry, I didn’t buy it. There’s still plenty of time for that plot to unfold, and I think UConn, Purdue, Kansas, Arizona, and Houston can all achieve the “greatness” tag. There may even be one or two promoted to that status by March.
4. Freshmen don’t dictate much
The nation’s best freshman is Brandon Miller from Alabama, who averages 19.2 points.He’s the only diaper dandy in the top 100 nationally for points per game. 247 sports ranking For the best player in its class in 2022.
5. Best game ever 3
Nov. 27: Alabama 103, UNC 101, 4OTs (PK85): i was in portlandThe stands in the secondary arena were probably 20% full. But it’s tempting and will be the only four overtime games you’ll get this season between the two major teams, not to mention two teams with the talent to make the Final Four.
Nov. 23: Arizona 81, Clayton 79 (Maui Championship): Two teams came out strong, sinking crowd-shaking shots and returning Maui to normal for the first time in three years. This turned out to be the game that worsened Clayton’s season. At the time this article was published, he was 6-6 and the Jays have not won since.
December 17: UNC 89, OH 84, OT (CBS Sports Classic): A game that could turn UNC’s season for the better was a reversal thriller at Madison Square Garden interrupted by Pete Nance’s buzzer-beater to end regulation. A play the Tar Heels have never practiced before.
Hey Nineteen Power Ranking
Note: My rankings aren’t just about people I consider “best”. It’s a weekly encapsulation of 19 of the most watched, most successful and/or most “interesting” teams, combining team quality with winning quality, but without being ashamed of its recent biases, the important It rewards a good winning streak. Please give us your thoughtful feedback: @Matt Norlander.
