NCAA Basketball: Busting Brackets’ opening top 25
By Doug Winkey
Just missed our rankings
Miami Hurricanes – Miami doesn’t have the firepower of a year ago, but The U is still 3-0 in the early going. They are top 25 in both adjusted offense and defense, but among the slower tempo teams in the nation (259th). We will wait to see how this squad handles ACC play before making any bold statements.
Michigan State Spartans – Had Sparty not gotten a dubious narrow victory over Florida-Gulf Coast, they wouldn’t be on this list at all. MSU is just 2-2 after opening as one of the top Big Ten contenders. They have some injuries to depth pieces, but this team is not producing consistently outside of All-American recruit Miles Bridges.
Wichita State Shockers – Once again, Gregg Marshall has this team looking ready for a deep March run. Watch this team closely as we move forward, especially throughout the Battle 4 Atlantis this week.
San Diego State Aztecs – Coach Steve Fisher’s team was drubbed in Spokane, but rebounded against Cal. The Mountain West favorites are superb defensively, but might need to score some more points to truly crack the top 25.
Cincinnati Bearcats – A narrow loss to Atlantic-10 power Rhode Island drops the Bearcats for now, but a victory against Big Ten sleeper Penn State keeps Mick Cronin’s squad in the mix. Watch a December 1st matchup at high-powered Iowa State to get a better feel for this team.