Florida Is New Number One
Tar Heels loss puts Gators on top of college basketball rankings
Jan 15, 2007
Conference play continues to devour good college basketball teams, once again altering our NCAA Suite 16.
- Florida -- The Gators hammered South Florida and once again appear to be the class of college basketball.
- Wisconsin -- The Badgers had a relatively easy win over Big Ten rival Ohio State and salvaged a victory over Northwestern, extending Wisconsin's win streak to 13.
- UCLA -- Arron Afflalo nailed a buzzer-beating jumper, and the Bruins upended a very good USC team. UCLA is one last-second miss shy of being unbeaten and still number one in the college basketball rankings. Regardless, the Bruins are a force.
- Kansas -- The Jayhawks destroyed a very good Oklahoma State team by 30, before beating Iowa State in two very impressive Big 12 victories. Kansas can beat you a lot of different ways.
- North Carolina -- There's no shame in the Tar Heels being upset by 13-4 Virginia Tech in ACC play. North Carolina is 15-2 and still has one of the top players in the country in Tyler Hansbrough, along with a scary-good supporting cast.
- Ohio State -- The Buckeyes lost to a very good Wisconsin team but rebounded for a very impressive win over Tennessee, in a game that Greg Oden dominated from start to finish.
- Oregon -- In the last two weeks, the Ducks have clos wins over then-number 1 UCLA and number 8 Arizona. Oregon is 16-1, leads the Pac 10 and has five double-figure scorers.
- Air Force -- We understand that putting the Falcons in the top 10 is bold, but Air Force has won 14 straight games and proved its toughness with a buzzer-beating win over Wyoming. We wonder how long a team that plays mostly five guys can keep it up. Until they lose, though, Air Force will remain in the top 10 in our college basketball rankings.
- Oklahoma State -- Sure, Kansas destroyed the Cowboys by 30, but anyone can have an off night in the NCAA. Oklahoma State, though, is 15-2, has a legitimate Player of the Year candidate in Mario Boggan and has plenty of quality wins.
- Notre Dame -- The Fighting Irish have adjusted nicely to the loss of Kyle McAlarney, who is suspended indefinitely on a drug-related arrest. Notre Dame is getting big minutes from three outstanding freshmen and consistent great play from Russell Carter and Rob Kurz. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is 15-2 and in solid form in our college basketball rankings.
- Butler -- The Bulldogs suffered a shocking Horizon League loss to Illinois Chicago, before pounding South Dakota State. Butler is 15-2, though, and still worthy of a spot in our Suite 16.
- Pittsburgh -- We don't believe the Panthers have a true quality win, yet, but Pittsburgh is 16-2 and unbeaten in the Big East.
- Tennessee -- After a big win over SEC West rival Mississippi State, the Volunteers dropped a heart-breaker to Ohio State in a career game for freshmen star Greg Oden. Tennessee, however, has a star of its own in Chris Lofton and plenty of support.
- Texas A & M -- The Aggies are 15-2 and undefeated in the Big 12.
- Clemson -- The Tigers suffered their first loss of the season to Maryland but are still 17-1 and very deserving of a spot in our college basketball rankings.
- Nevada -- With a stellar record of 16-1 and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference, the Wolf Pack checks into the final spot in our Suite 16.
The copyright of the article Florida Is New Number One in College Basketball is owned by Mark Barnes. Permission to republish Florida Is New Number One in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
