* *In parentheses are the team’s
record and the team’s previous ranking**
1. Michigan State (4-0, #1): The Spartans remain one of the two
undefeated teams, outscoring their opponents by a total of 43 points, winning
each game by an average of 11 points. Freshmen like the Trifone brothers and PK
Brannigan have produced and have combined with consistent sophomores to create
a well-oiled machine.
2. Texas (4-0, #3): George Reed has looked like the MVP up to this
point in the season, scoring with ease and spreading the wealth like a true
pro. The Klingman brothers and Lee Gardella have shored up the backcourt and,
as always, Matt Hayes and Jack Garfield create their own opportunities on the
boards.
3. Stanford (2-2, #5): Aidan Coyle provides a formidable post presence
that not many other teams can match, and Nicky Wildish runs the point guard
like a savvy veteran. Solid three-point shooting from Anthony DiMeglio and
depth all throughout the roster makes Stanford a tough matchup for any
opponent.
4. Syracuse (3-1, #7): Two wins in the past week pushes ‘Cuse into the
top half of the power rankings for the first time this season. Jamie Schofield
has been quite the surprise so far this season, doing everything for the
Orangemen. As always, the experience from Timmy Lochtefeld and Daniel Traver is
invaluable.
5. UCONN (2-2, #4): Conor Davey has been a beast thus far, his
versatility on display every game for the Huskies; he has gotten in foul
trouble, though, hurting his squad in their loss to Syracuse a while back. If
he can avoid those fouls and Liam Donoghue continues to hold down the
backcourt, UCONN may be able to rise yet again.
6. Duke (2-2, #6): Duke split the games this week, winning handily
over Missouri; the Blue Devils ended the week on a sour note, however, losing
to Texas by two. They will be tested after break in a huge game against
Michigan State, and if the sophomores continue to step up when needed, Duke may
be able to move back up the rankings.
7. Missouri (2-2, #9): Missouri may have fell to the Blue Devils, but
I think that was because of the mismatch in size; the Tigers proved themselves
in an easy win over North Carolina, formerly the #2 team in these rankings.
Jack Duggan has been absolutely incredible so far, finding his way into the
paint and scoring effortlessly. With Michael Maccarone running the point
consistently, Missouri should be able to continue to rise.
8. Georgia Tech (2-2, #8): Syracuse may have outplayed the Yellow
Jackets on Wednesday, but GA Tech’s performance against Georgetown was really
impressive. The Drakes and Liam Gallagher in the backcourt have continued to
produce scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, and Dolan
Gregorich has been too much to handle for smaller opponents.
9. North Carolina (2-2, #2): The Tarheels have fallen significantly
following two losses to Michigan State and Missouri. If they can return to
their form during their wins over Georgetown and Kentucky, where team chemistry
was on full display, they can certainly find their way to the top of the
rankings again.
10. Kentucky (1-3, #10): The Wildcats found their first win of the
season when they defeated Indiana on Wednesday, largely due to the success of
the team’s suffocating defense. However, Kentucky has one of the smallest point
totals in the league so far and needs to look to convert on higher-percentage
shots than three-pointers, moving the ball into the paint.
11. Georgetown (0-4, #11): The
Hoyas may have lost to Georgia Tech on Sunday, but they got off good shots that
will eventually fall. Kevin Pendo got numerous good looks, but he was just
unlucky. If the sophomores and freshmen can work together to get interior shots
to drop, Georgetown should end up near the middle of the standings in the
upcoming weeks.
12. Indiana (0-4, #12): Indiana has the lowest point total in the
league thus far, averaging about 23 points a game, while letting up 33 points
per game. The Hoosiers need to focus on working the ball into the paint for high-percentage
shot attempts and using their big men, like Cooper Drippe and Jack “White
Chocolate Wonder” Griffiths, on both sides of the ball.
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