Dom’s CBB Top 25 (12/21)

Dom's CBB Top 25

Some quick notes on each team:

1. Gonzaga
Far and away the best team in the nation and my pick since pre-season to win the NCAA Championship. Zags beat Iowa rather easily, and Jalen Suggs made a case to be the #1 pick in next year's NBA Draft.
2. Baylor
I still look to that second half against Illinois that showcased how Baylor is a tier above everyone other than Gonzaga. The Bears force turnovers on defense, they make nearly half their threes and get offensive rebounds.
3. Wisconsin
The revolving door at #3 features Wisconsin this week after beating Loyola Chicago and then making a mockery out of Louisville. The Badgers' only loss is from a buzzer beating tip-in at Marquette.
4. Houston
The Cougs keep taking care of business even with injuries to key players. A fully healthy Houston team is a national champion contender.
5. Villanova
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is a top five player in the sport, and senior guard Collin Gillespie is the type of leader that Jay Wright has won championships with recently.
6. Kansas
After a big road win in Lubbock I could see Kansas as high as #3, but I still have some questions on the Jayhawks' offense.
7. Iowa
Iowa's offense is still a thing of beauty, but their transition defense remains one of the worst.
8. West Virginia
West Va escapaed with a win against lowly Iowa State. A big opportunity awaits Tuesday at Kansas.
9. Texas
The well-rounded Longhorns handled business against Cade Cunningham and Oklahoma State.
10. Tennessee
The Vols could have one of the best defenses I've seen in the past decade in college basketball.
11. Arkansas
Eric Musselman has assembled a masterpiece considering all these new faces in town.
12. Creighton
Excellent offense, questionable defense, but this team is going to be right there in every game in the Big East.
13. Illinois
Illinois has been losing close games, but as the freshmen Miller & Curbello grow I expect Illinois will be able to finish a close one.
14. Texas Tech
Incredible defense, but if Mac McClung is going to be the go-to on offense he needs to get more efficient.
15. Rutgers
Big home win against Illinois following wins against Maryland and Syracuse proves they are legit.
16. North Carolina
Still a young team, they could be super dangerous come March if someone (anyone!) develops a reliable three point shot.
17. Saint Louis
SLU took care of NC State before dropping a tough one at Minnesota in a game the Gophers shot 41 free throws.
18. Xavier
The addition of Belmont sharp shooter Adam Kunkel proved to be valuable with his buzzer beater to take down Marquette and remain undefeated.
19. Indiana
Trayce Jackson-Davis is a top ten player in the country.  I'd like to see the Hoosier backcourt step it's game up to compliment TJD down low.
20. Michigan State
Spartans haven't put together a complete game since their win at Duke.  Tom Izzo continues to experiment with bad lineups.
21. Florida State
The Noles looked great against Florida, but bad in a home loss to UCF.
22. Richmond
Impressive wins away from home against Vanderbit and Loyola Chicago bump the Spiders back into my top 25.
23. Virginia
They haven't played in weeks, but the day after Christmas looms a showdown with Gonzaga.
24. Missouri
They haven't played since a close win vs. Illinois.
25. Marquette
This team is battle tested and can hang with anyone.

 

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