1. Syracuse (27-2)
Now with three teams tied at the top with identical records, you have to look at the best wins. Syracuse has it all. Let me list all the skilled teams they have beaten this year: California, North Carolina, Cornell, Florida, West Virginia, Georgetown, Villanova and Cincinnati—all of whom have been ranked. This team is the real deal.
2. Kentucky (27-2)
Even with a loss, Kentucky can still remain at number two because they were so far ahead of the rest of the pack. Why do they get the edge over Kansas? Kansas lost to an unranked Oklahoma State team, while Kentucky lost to a ranked Tennessee team who also beat Kansas.
3. Kansas (27-2)
The third team in a deadlock at the top had number one almost all year, but they suffered a tough lost to Oklahoma State. When I look at Kansas, I see a great veteran team, but I wonder about their firepower. I think if they can play at an upbeat pace, they will be very difficult to stop.
4. Kansas State (24-4)
The Wildcats, as I say every week, are the biggest surprise of the year. Many people didn’t even have them ranked to start the season, and now they are in the top five. Just imagine if they had beaten Kansas in that overtime game back in late January.
5. Duke (25-4)
The Blue Devils are one of the few ACC teams that are actually playing the way they were supposed too. They are currently the sole leader of the ACC, and a big game this week against Maryland will most likely decide the regular season title. North Carolina fans must be crying themselves to sleep every night.
6. New Mexico (27-3)
The Lobos had a great week, and they are on fire. They beat Brigham Young to continue their winning streak. Could they be the mid-major that advances into the final four? Hmm …
7. Purdue (24-4)
Just when you thought the Boilermakers were on a roll, they lost at home to Michigan State. This team had the opportunity to be a No. 1 seed, but now I'm not so sure they're worthy. With Robbie Hummel out, I think it will be tough for this team to remain a top 10 team.
8. West Virginia (22-6)
With Villanova on the downfall, the Mountaineers are on the rise and have become the next team behind Syracuse in the Big East. If it wasn’t for that one slump they had mid-season, this team could be in the top five.
9. Ohio State (23-7)
The Buckeyes are clearly the big comeback story of the season. After losing several games early in the season, many thought they were done when their star Evan Turner was injured. However, they bounced back and showed us why they were a preseason top 10 team.
10. Pittsburgh (22-7)
Except for their recent loss to Notre Dame, the Panthers have been on a roll, winning five or six games. In the past month they have beaten both Villanova and Syracuse, and they could give some teams a scare in March.
11. Villanova (23-5)
This team had been dominant through the early portions of the season, but now they have struggles lately. It’s one thing to lose to Syracuse, but another to lose by 18. I don’t see this team going extremely far this year in the tournament.
12. Michigan State (22-7)
The Spartans had a big win this week over Purdue, and now they are just a half game back from being on top of the Big Ten standings. Everyone considered this team a top five team early in the season, and maybe they are proving those people correct once again.
13. Butler (26-4)
Even though Butler had some losses early, they've been on fire lately. With Kansas falling, they are one of the few teams undefeated in conference. Even if they are stuck with a No. 5 or 6 seed again this year, they may actually be able to advance into the Sweet Sixteen or further.
14. Vanderbilt (22-6)
This team barely lost to Kentucky last week, and they have the second best record in the SEC. Expect some great games in the SEC tournament because Vandy could meet Tennessee in the semis.
15. Tennessee (20-7)
How can you not put Tennessee in the top 15? Even with seven losses, they have beaten Kansas and Kentucky, which calls for some recognition. Although they are inconsistent if they are playing well in the tournament, they could beat anyone.
16. Georgetown (19-8)
The Hoyas have really been struggling as of late. While they have lost three of their past four games, they will get an opportunity to play West Virginia this week. If they are able to win, their tournament resume will be greatly helped.
17. Wisconsin (21-7)
You can’t really say anything bad about the Badgers because they've played great. However, I don't consider them a title threat because they're lacking something. Still, if they can win out in their Big Ten games, and catch a little luck, they may win the Big Ten title.
18. Brigham Young (26-4)
The Mountain West Conference is great this year, and BYU is one of the many strong teams in it that has a tournament berth practically guaranteed. Although a loss to New Mexico last week hurt this team, you can’t punish them too much because it was such a hard-fought game. I can’t wait to see this team in the tournament.
19. Temple
The Owls have done extremely well in conference play, and with a signature win over Villanova earlier this year, it is clear they can play with the best. While they don’t have many major games left this season, a good showing in the Atlantic 10 tournament will help them out.
20. Gonzaga (24-5)
This is the first year in a while that Gonzaga has been challenged as the top mid-major. In previous years the ‘Zags had been undefeated in the West Coast Conference, but this year they have not achieved that mark. While I think this team could be dangerous in the tournament, I don’t see them being able to compete with teams like Kansas or Kentucky.
21. Baylor (22-6)
The Bears are right at the top of the Big 12, and with wins over Texas, Missouri, and Texas A&M (twice); this team should not be taken lightly. They have three players who all average over 10 points, and their forward/center Ekpe Udoh averages a double-double.
22. Texas A&M (20-8)
Even though the Aggies lost earlier this week to Baylor, a double-digit victory earns over Texas earns them some kudos. It is crucial they both beat Oklahoma State and Oklahoma to finish the Big 12 season.
23. Xavier (21-7)
Xavier has come up strong late in the season. In a very tough Atlantic 10 Conference, the Musketeers are 12-2 in conference play and this past weekend they defeated Richmond 78-76 in double overtime. They now will have a chance at the Atlantic 10 Title.
24. UTEP (22-5)
The Miners are dominating Conference USA with a 13-1 record. They have won 12 games in a row, and if they keep up this hot streak they will be extremely dangerous come tournament time.
25. Oklahoma State (20-8)
How can I not put this team in the top 25? While there are other deserving teams of this 25th spot, it’s impossible to forget this team’s rather easy win over Kansas. Now they must continue to win in order to improve their tournament seed.
On the bubble: Maryland (21-7), Cornell (25-4), Richmond (22-7), Marquette (19-9), Utah State (23-6), Louisville (19-10), Virginia Tech (21-7), Northern Iowa (25-4), Murray State (27-4), Mississippi State (21-8)
Off the list: Texas (19), Northern Iowa (24)
Newcomers: Baylor (21), Oklahoma State (25)
Jimmy Loomos, Maine South
