John Fanta
college basketball broadcaster and reporter
We’re in a real fun zone for the season. Marquee non-conference games still highlight the slate, and conference games are about to hit full steam across the country.
Now you have the latest top 15 polls and a few other points. college basketball.
1. U Conn (11-0)
The Huskies are one of seven teams to remain undefeated in the country and the only undefeated team to win every game by double digits. Connecticut has no holes, no embarrassment of wealth. Adama Sanogo When Donovan Klingan in the frontcourt. Andre Jackson His athleticism and versatility are exceptional, and his contributions go beyond stat sheets. Jordan Hawkins Dan Hurley leads a group with vastly improved perimeter shooting and now has the best basketball-playing group in the country.Visit UConn Butler On saturday 7pm ET on FS1.
Is UConn the best team in college basketball?
Mark Titus and Tate Frazier discuss undefeated UConn’s impressive victory over Florida.
2. Purdue (10-0)
The boilermakers weathered a difficult atmosphere Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska, beating out an improvement. Nebraska Team, 65-62.Freshman guard in last 3 games fletcher royer Combined, he had 52 points, 13 assists and just one turnover.there is no doubt that Zach Eady At this point, he will still be the National Player of the Year.
3. Arizona (8-1)
The Wildcats have a Saturday night showdown Indiana In Las Vegas, he coaches the Hoosiers 89-75. Tommy Lloyd is arguably the best frontcourt duo in the country. Azuolas Tubelis When Umar Baroand on Saturday, Pere Larson With 16 goals, he showed how high the ceiling could be for this team.
Four. Alabama (8-1)
The Crimson Tide thrashed out with one of the best wins seen all season houston Street Saturday 71-65. What made it even more impressive? Alabama trailed by 15 with over 17 minutes remaining.freshman Noah Clowney He had a sensational 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Five. Virginia (8-0)
Cavaliers pass James Madison last tuesday it was 55-50 Clark Kihei He had 18 points and 7 assists in a win for Tony Bennett’s team. Hoos has his four players averaging 10-11.6 points per game. Their schedule levels up with a home game against Houston on Saturday.
6. Houston (9-1)
No, I didn’t jump off the Cougars just because they took their first loss.The problem with this team is Marcus Susser Lacking rhythm offensively, Kelvin Sampson’s team has gone 12-44 in aggregate over the arc over the past three games. Cougars need to hit more shots because they are better on defense. Sometimes it’s so easy.
Alabama Beats Houston
Noah Clowney’s late comeback was key to Alabama’s victory over Houston.
7. Tennessee (9-1)
Defense moves and volunteers are a prime example.they locked Maryland It took place in Brooklyn on Sunday with a 56-53 victory over the Terrapins. Rick Burns’ team defensively outperforms any team in the country. Olivier Nkamuir Physicality cannot be overstated.
8. Kansas (9-1)
The defending national champions have run a reality check. Missouri On Saturday, they blew the Tigers out in the Border War 95-67. Jalen Wilson He performed like a First-Team All-American, posting 24 points and 10 rebounds in the win. The Jayhawks host Indiana on Saturday and promise to be a big game at Allen Fieldhouse.
9. duke (10-2)
How the Blue Devils Ruled Iowa Last week’s game at Madison Square Garden was impressive. Thanks to the freshman class, Jon Scheyer feels like he has one of the highest-ceilinged teams in the country.The length of the Blue Devils is Kyle Filipowski When Derek Lively IIthey have alpha Jeremy Roach. If Darik Whitehead Keep coming to the wing position, take care. 23 points and 5 assists in the last two games.
Ten. texas (7-1)
The only time the Longhorns didn’t play at the Moody Center they couldn’t close and IllinoisTexas backcourt Marcus Kerr When tyreese hunter You can take a lot of shots and go into holes from time to time. The loss to Illinois saw the duo collectively go 7-for-25 off the field. The arrest of Chris Beard on Monday morning and charges of third-degree assault against him have become a major issue for the Longhorn family.
[Related: Chris Beard arrested on felony family violence charge]
11. Arkansas (9-1)
although I lost Trevon Brazil A season-ending ACL injury has left the Razorbacks struggling, but Eric Musselman still has one of the best teams in the country. Ricky Council IV AAC Sixth Man of the Year Wichita One of the most important players for Hogs.Saturday’s win Oklahoma, the junior played all 40 minutes and scored 26 points.While a superstar freshman Nick Smith, Jordan Walsh And the company has stolen a lot of headlines, with the Council providing a strong presence via the portal.
12. Baylor (7-2)
keonte george One of the best freshmen in college basketball. Last week against Tarleton State, the five-star 6-foot-4 guard had 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Bears. Scott Drew’s team ranks 5th in the nation in KenPom Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Interesting defensive end, Baylor is his 47th. Can the Bears get closer to their DNA on the edge of the floor?
13. Gonzaga (7-3)
The Bulldogs have won three of their last four, with one loss being a one-point neutral-site loss to Baylor, a team one slot up. Julian Strother Acting as a dynamic wing option for Mark Few’s offense that could also playoff Drew TimThe 6.7-foot junior has scored in double figures for four straight games and had 18 points and 12 rebounds in Friday’s win. Washington.
14. UCLA (8-2)
Bruins win five straight, 6.5-foot junior guard Jalen Clark A huge leap for Mick Cronin’s team. Clarke, who scored 24 points Saturday against Denver, increased from 6.7 points per game and 3.8 rebounds he had to 15.1 points per game and 6.1 boards per game. This week he gets to learn more about UCLA. The Bruins visit Maryland on Wednesday (9pm ET on FS1), before accepting kentucky at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
15. Indiana (8-2)
With a mix of Hoosiers, Illinois and Maryland, it was tough picking a team in this 15th slot. However, IU is chosen because the Hoosiers shouldn’t be criticized for losing to Arizona in Las Vegas.The Hoosiers still can back up our claim that he is the second best in the world. do you want? big tenThey’re visiting Kansas for the big game on Saturday.? That’s a tall order, but it’s a matchup they can win, as the Jayhawks have some issues with their frontcourt.
Race Thompson drains a 3 against Arizona.
Indiana forward Race Thompson scored three crucial points against Arizona on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Wildcats.
5 Other Observations About College Basketball
1. How about Chris Jans and 9-0? MississippiThe Bulldogs are just outside the top 15 polls and are one of the biggest surprises in college basketball.?senior forward Toll Smith A notable name, averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. They are an elite defensive team.
2. Don’t sleep on Shakasmart MarquetteThe Golden Eagles are on track to beat with another quality non-conference victory on Sunday Notre Dame 79-64 in South Bend. sophomore guard cam jones One of the most underrated backcourt players in the country. On Sunday he scored his 25 points and had no turnovers in 35 minutes.
3. memphis A dangerous team, Penny Hardaway’s group has a lead guard who steers the ship kendrick davisIn Saturday’s Top 15 Wins auburn, SMUs The transfer was 27 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Can the Tigers make a statement in Alabama on Tuesday night?
Four. Pennsylvania haven’t played in the NCAA Tournament since 2011, the Nittany Lions have a wealth of experience, a balanced offense, and a level of connection that can guide Micah Shrewsbury through the drought this season. I’m here. His 15-point victory in Illinois on Saturday was quite impressive. Andrew Funk When Miles Dredd 11 points in total. Jalen Pickett The engine of the team. He is averaging 16.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game this season.
5. College Basketball Saturday is going to be a blast.
Noon ET: No. 14 Indiana vs. No. 8 Kansas
1:00 PM ET: No. 5 Houston vs. No. 2 Virginia
1:00 PM ET: No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 15 Gonzaga (Birmingham)
5:15 PM ET: No. 16 UCLA vs. No. 13 Kentucky (New York)
10:30 PM ET: No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 9 Arizona
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John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and writer for FOX Sports. He has covered the sport in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1, to serving as lead his host on the BIG EAST digital network and providing commentary on The Field of 68 Media Network. Follow him on Twitter @John Fanta.
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