11. Kansas
I still can’t figure out this Kansas team. They lose to Cincinnati at home, then return 54 hours later and dominate Houston. They’ve got Darryn Peterson, who is among the top draft-eligible point guards in the nation, but are we even sure he’s a point guard? I don’t get it. One thing I do know – don’t bet against Bill Self on Big Monday. He’s now 41-0 in his career while playing Monday games on ESPN.
12. Michigan State
This Spartans team can certainly cause issues for some teams in the NCAA Tournament. You simply have to have two on-ball creators to beat them, because Jeremy Fears is going to totally eliminate one (sometimes by using questionable tactics). Unfortunately, most of the teams that they will see on the second and third weekends of the NCAA Tournament do indeed have two.
13. Tennessee
The Volunteers are on the rise and haven’t lost to any team other than Kentucky since January 10. This is an elite rebounding team that also has two elite scorers in Ja’Kobi Gillespie and ascending freshman Nate Ament. What’s not to love about that profile?
14. Virginia
Time just keeps going by, and Virginia just keeps on winning. They are certainly the quietest 24-3 team in the nation, and have one of the best frontcourts in the nation, led by Thijs De Ridder. This week will be a big one for the ‘Hoos, as they take on ACC contenders NC State and Duke.
15. St. John’s
The Red Storm have their biggest week of the season coming up in the next 7 days, heading to UConn on Wednesday before a home game against Villanova on Saturday. We’ll find out if this team is for real, and we’ll find out if Zuby Ejiofor can slam the door on the Big East POTY Award.
