There has been some wild action in the first month and half of the season and with some prime-time games tipping off this week, college basketball is going to get even more intriguing. Here is a look at the ten best teams in the country, which includes some of the usual suspects like Kansas, Texas and Duke, but also two programs that have jumped back onto the national scene in Kentucky and Purdue. Who will be the four teams that make it to Indianapolis in early April? As we all know, anything is possible when it comes time for March Madness. However, these ten teams are the most impressive thus far, and appear to have the best chances of succeeding in making it to the Final Four.
1. Kansas
The Jayhawks have been the consensus No. 1 team in the nation since the beginning of the season. Freshman sensation Xavier Henry has lived up to the hype and this has allowed other players to step into their specific roles. Despite a decrease in numbers, both Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins are as reliable for Coach Bill Self as ever. Both players were key in setting the tone in Saturday’s game against Temple. Additionally, the Morris twins have continued to solidify the deepest backcourt in the country. In terms of firepower, Kansas is the closest thing to an NBA team in the nation. Prior to a brutal Big 12 schedule, KU will have to play a tough out of conference road game against Tennessee. With size, speed and depth there is no question that the Jayhawks have emerged as the elite team.
2. Texas
Kansas might be number one, but Texas is not far behind. They had a monster recruiting class and each one of their freshmen has delivered. Damion James has elevated himself into one of the best scorers in college basketball and Dexter Pittman embodies the toughness for Coach Rick Barnes’ defense. Texas will need these two seniors to continue to lead this team. Despite a brutal schedule, the Longhorns have managed to handle whatever comes their way, be it North Carolina or Michigan State. It won’t get easier for Texas, as they have two difficult road games versus Arkansas and Connecticut, in addition to their Big 12 schedule. However, in the long run, look for the Longhorns to be in the mix for a #1 seed when tourney time comes around.
3. Kentucky
He has played less than two months at the collegiate level, but John Wall just might be the best player in the country. A few weeks ago he had a better performance at the Garden than Billy Joel and had NBA types like Pat Riley ooohing and ahhhhing in the stands. Make no mistake, John Wall is the real deal and he, along with Demarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson, all have the ability to drive this team deep into March. With Florida struggling, expect Kentucky to establish itself as the top squad in the SEC. Thus far, the Wildcats have thrived despite a tough schedule, with wins against UCONN, North Carolina and Louisville. This team is one of the best defensive teams out there, and with a long ways to go in the season, Coach John Calipari will make the defense even more effective. After a couple of down seasons in Lexington, the cats are back!
4. Purdue
It’s almost 2010, and Purdue has still not lost a game this season. They play exceptional team basketball and as each game passes, they gradually attain more national attention. E’Twan Moore is one of the best scorers in the Big Ten and he is having his best season yet. Meanwhile, this team shares the ball as well as anybody and with Michigan State struggling because of a tough schedule, Purdue is top contender in the Big Ten. All eyes were on the Boilermakers this weekend when they took on West Virginia, and Purdue was able to take care of business at home. With a win against a top ten team, Purdue is under the radar no longer.
5. Duke
Things are looking good in Durham as Coach K has one of the best teams that he has had in the past several years. Duke seems energized this season, and that is due in large part to the leadership and maturity of Jon Scheyer. Averaging over 18 points a game, Shcheyer has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the country. He can play both guard positions and is he is the key motor that establishes Duke’s elusive ball movement. Ironically, as Scheyer has played point guard more often with his minutes slightly increasing, his assists have more than doubled, but his turnovers have decreased. Aside from one heartbreaking loss to Wisconsin on the road, Duke would have a spotless record. After a match-up with Iowa St., the long road of the ACC awaits the Blue Devils, who now have one conference win under their belt after torching Clemson this past weekend. At 12-1, this team has an identical record to what it had exactly one year ago. It has been over five years since this program has made it out of the sweet sixteen and this just might be the year where that streak is put to an end.
6. Villanova
Wildcat Senior guard Scottie Reynolds is as good at getting to the basket as any point-guard in the Big East. This past weekend he had one of the best games of his career carrying the offense against Marquette. Villanova will go as far as Scottie Reynolds can take them. Coach Jay Wright wouldn’t want it any other way. However, one setback for this team is their lack of size down low. In order for Nova' to be successful, they'll have to utilize their speed.
7. Syracuse
Despite losing a top-notch backcourt to the NBA, this team has been able to get two new players to step in and neither played one second of basketball for ‘Cuse last season. Scoop Jardine is no Johnny Flynn, but he has established himself as a young leader in the Orange offense. Wesley Johnson, the former Iowa State Cyclone, has become Coach Jim Boheim’s go-to guy.
8. West Virginia
Coach Bobby Huggins is not happy after the effort he saw his team display against Purdue this weekend. WVU will regroup because they are talented, tough and understand the importance of avoiding an early season letdown. With upcoming games against Rutgers, Notre Dame and South Florida, expect the Mountaineers to push ahead in the Big East.
9. Michigan State
The Spartans have already lost three games, but don’t be deceived by their record. Florida, North Carolina and Texas are all tough opponents and the Spartans have held their own with a very demanding schedule. Kalin Lucas is an exceptional player and with a guard like him running the Spartans offense, expect this team to go toe to toe with Purdue for a Big Ten title.
10. Kansas State
Mayhem in Manhattan, however it's not related to New York. In regards to the other Kansas... the Kansas State Wildcats have been playing with an attitude and enthusiasm that has been absent in the past. Guards Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente provide a lethal backcourt tandem that help make this program a true force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.
Honorable Mention Teams on verge of breaking into Top 10: Pittsburgh, Cincinatti
