This is your annual reminder that it is almost impossible for a college basketball team to finish a perfect season. In the 2014-2015 season, Kentucky made it all the way to the Final Four undefeated, and in the 2013-2014 season, Wichita State made it through the regular season but lost in the round of 32. This year’s Michigan team looked like an absolute buzzsaw through the first month of the season, pummeling teams every chance they got. But over the weekend, they lost to Wisconsin, ending their hopes of perfection. There are a few teams left who could do it, but I highly doubt it will happen. So, where do the Wolverines rank now? Read on for our Top 25 College Basketball Rankings to find out.
College Basketball Rankings: Top 25 Overall
1. Michigan
That’s right, I don’t care that they lost. I just don’t. Contrary to the belief of some, this team has not peaked too early! This team is a complete buzzsaw, and I’m not going to let one game where Wisconsin made 15 3-pointers change my opinion of them. That type of shooting is going to be necessary to beat the Wolverines – good luck scoring on Aday Mara and Morez Johnson on the interior.
2. Arizona
The Wildcats are currently undefeated and ranked #1 in the AP poll, and I think they will stay there for a while. They only play one KenPom top-20 opponent in the next 35 days in an incredibly back-loaded schedule. This may give freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries more time to develop.
3. Iowa State
The Cyclones dodged a bullet and survived a Tamin Lipsey foul trouble game on Saturday against Oklahoma State to remain unbeaten. It’s hard to beat a team that shoots 41% from 3, which is exactly what Iowa State has done thus far this season.
4. Purdue
I don’t think there is a more predictable postseason award in College Basketball right now than the Cousy Award (given to the nation’s best point guard), which will surely go to Braden Smith. The star guard who was formerly in the (quite long) shadow of Zach Edey is now the primary option and running the show for the most efficient offense in the country.
5. Gonzaga
Because of the conference they play in, Gonzaga is a team where you really have to trust their advanced analytics as opposed to schedule or box score-watching. And right now, Mark Few’s crew has a very balanced profile, ranking in the top-12 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency, per KenPom.
