21. North Carolina
The Tar Heels may have lost to SMU over the weekend, but that doesn’t change my opinion of them a whole lot. Henri Veesaar is playing the best ball of his career, and Caleb Wilson is as good as advertised. Getting Seth Trimble back has been a huge help. I look for them to be near the top of ACC.
22. Virginia
This team has already far exceeded my preseason expectations, and losing in the game of the year to Virginia Tech does not dampen my tone. Malik Thomas and Dallin Hall have proven solid adds from the portal.
23. Florida
The Florida Gators have a guard problem. It is all that separates them from last season’s National Championship winning squad, because the frontcourt all stuck around. But we know that Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland have talent, and Todd Golden can flat-out coach. Can they get it solved?
24. SMU
The Mustangs notched what may be the biggest win for SMU basketball in the last decade by beating UNC at home over the weekend. The two-point-guard system with Boopie Miller and BJ Edwards has worked well so far, and this offensive explosion has the Mustangs on track to make it back to the NCAA Tournament.
25. Villanova
It’s a down year for the Big East, but right now, Villanova looks like the second-best team in it. Duke Brennan is rebounding everything, and Tyler Perkins has taken a leap in his development. I would be surprised if they don’t win their next three and start Big East play 6-0.
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