2011-12 NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Top 5 Teams in the Country: While there have been a few marquee matchups between the top-ranked teams thus far, the college basketball world has been mostly dominated by powerhouse programs beating up on lesser competition. However, conference play is about to begin, and it won’t take long for the contenders and pretenders to sort themselves out. In the meantime, here is a look at the top teams in the country heading into the heart of the season.
- Kentucky Wildcats (10-1)
Despite the loss on the road to Indiana via a buzzer beater, the Wildcats are a young, talented team that is only going to improve as the year progresses. Kentucky has five players averaging more than 11 points per game, and all five players are either sophomores or freshmen. The Wildcats can shoot from the perimeter, run the court, and force plenty of turnovers. More importantly, freshman big man Anthony Davis gives Kentucky an interior presence few other teams can match. He is averaging more than four blocks per game, and he and fellow freshman Michael Gilchrist aren’t afraid to do a little dirty work inside. Like any young team, the Wildcats will have some lapses, but victories against Kansas and North Carolina have already shown how good they can be.
- Syracuse Orange (12-0)
Despite the scandal swirling around the program, the Orange has gone out and taken care of business. Even though the team is currently No. 1 in the polls, a weak schedule and last season’s late collapse raise some questions. Forward Kris Joseph and guard Dion Waiters give Syracuse a nice inside-outside scoring combination, and this year’s group has the length and athleticism that makes Jim Boeheim’s zone defense so effective. Six players are currently averaging at least one steal per game this season, and as long as the Orange is forcing turnovers, they can keep winning games. In the end, the Big East schedule will be the real test for this group, but for now, Syracuse has impressed.
- North Carolina Tarheels (11-2)
Thanks to Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Harrison Barnes, North Carolina has the best frontcourt in the nation. Not to mention the fact that point guard Kendall Marshall is pushing the tempo and averaging more than 10 assists per game. In terms of experience and talent, the Tar Heels can match up with any team in the nation. However, focus is going to be an issue with a team that is only concerned about winning a national title, and North Carolina’s loss to UNLV probably won’t be its last blip. In many ways, they resemble the Emeka Okafor Connecticut team that slopped its way through the regular season but won it all when it counted. The Tarheels will be focused come March.
- Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1)
With convincing wins against Florida and Duke already on their resume, this year’s Ohio State team gas already established itself as a contender. Three players are currently averaging more than 15 points per game, and point guard Aaron Craft may be the best perimeter defender in the country. What the Buckeyes lack in scoring depth, they make up for in big bodies and solid defenders off the bench. While a loss on the road to Kansas can be dismissed because of the absence of sophomore center Jared Sullinger, Sullinger’s nagging back and leg injuries are a growing concern. At the end of the day, the Buckeyes need Sullinger to make a title run. However, Ohio State is the real deal if he stays healthy.
- Louisville Cardinals (11-0)
The undefeated record is nice, but the Cardinals’ only memorable came by two points against a Vanderbilt team that was obviously over-hyped to start the year. That being said, Louisville has depth and experience on its side, and six players currently average more than nine points per game. The Cardinals rebound, create turnovers and pressure the ball as well as any team in the country. Time will tell if Louisville will hold up in conference play, but if this team falters, it will likely be because of a lack of offense. Rick Pitino’s teams rarely get outhustled.
| College Basketball: Ohio St @ Kansas Date: 12/10/011 Time: 3:15 PM EST on ESPN Vegas Odds – Favorite: Ohio St -3.5 Total: Over/Under 137.5 |
Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Basketball season for daily Free College Basketball Picks and Vegas College Basketball Lines plus daily updated Men’s 2012 National Championship Futures Odds.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2011 NCAA College Basketball Odds Daily! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN SBG Global Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get EXCLUSIVE BONUSES upto 265% FREE added to your SBG Player Account Funds. |