16. Arkansas
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before – John Calipari has a group of talented freshman that are improving as the season progresses. The Razorbacks kicked off SEC play with a huge win over Tennessee, and appear to be a true contender in the conference.
17. Texas Tech
The consensus thought was that Texas Tech should have gone after a true point guard in the transfer portal this offseason. Well, they chose not to, simply because they knew that Christian Anderson could run the show and be more of a true floor general. He’s proving them right, averaging 7.5 assists per game to this point.
18. Georgia
Mike White’s Bulldogs pulled off a nearly impossible comeback to force OT against Auburn over the weekend, a game which they would eventually win. Blue Cain has gone from “just a shooter” to a do-it-all glue-guy who is instrumental to their success.
19. Iowa
Ben McCollum is a winner. And he’s taking his same style from Drake and utilizing it at Iowa, with his same point guard, Bennett Stirtz. The slow-tempo and tough defense are going to make them a tough out every time they take the court.
20. Kansas
This Kansas team is still one of the most talented rosters in the country, but there is cause for concern after a loss at UCF. Darryn Peterson has been in and out of the lineup with a hamstring injury, and it appears the team is not used to playing with him. They have to figure it out fast with Iowa State coming to Lawrence in a week.
