16. Vanderbilt
What impresses me the most about this Vanderbilt team is their ability to learn from and mask their weaknesses. We know that Vanderbilt is a small team, with only one offensive creator (Tyler Tanner), and yet they’ve been able to beat bigger opponents with elite defenses, like Auburn and Texas A&M.
17. Saint Louis
The Billikens are rolling through the Atlantic Ten. They have reached the point where they are a lock for an NCAA Tournament bid, even if they don’t win the A10 tournament, which will be something that all bubble teams will have to pay attention to come Conference Tournament week.
18. Nebraska
A little bit of regression was to be expected after the dream 20-0 start to the season. But still, the Cornhuskers only have three losses, all to top-10 opponents. Getting Rienk Mast back from injury/illness will only help them out the next time they have to play a top-tier opponent.
19. Louisville
Simply put, this team can absolutely bury you if it’s a hot shooting night for them. Only three teams in the country take 3-pointers at a higher rate, and only 80 teams shoot them at a higher percentage. It’s all systems go now that Mikel Brown is back in the lineup and 100% healthy.
20. Arkansas
This season may boast the best freshman class of all time in college basketball. One of the more under-the-radar freshmen is Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. For some reason, he’s not talked about on the same level as a Kingston Flemings or Keaton Wagler, but he’s going to have a chance to prove his worth this March.
