NCAA Basketball: Busting Brackets' opening top 25

NCAA Basketball: Busting Brackets’ opening top 25

By Doug Winkey | Nov 23, 2016

Nov 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) shoots the game winning shot against Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) and forward Chase Jeter (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 11, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Kris Jenkins (2) drives past Lafayette Leopards guard Nick Lindner (11) during the first half at The Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Villanova Wildcats

The defending national title team has come out ready to protect their crown. The Wildcats are 5-0 with tough wins over Purdue, Western Michigan and Central Florida. Their biggest remaining non-conference test is on December 10 at home against ACC dark horse Notre Dame.

Josh Hart has been the star of the show, as he is averaging 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He is shooting 57 percent from the field, including 42 percent from deep.

Teams just can’t stop him right now; they can only hope to contain him. Fellow returnees Jalen Brunson, Kris Jenkins and Mikal Bridges are also doing solid work through the first couple of weeks.

Fordham transfer Eric Paschall has added a gritty punch as a stretch four. He is averaging 8.8 points on 44 percent shooting. Don’t be surprised if Jay Wright leads Villanova to another Big East title and a deep run into March Madness again.

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