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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the most thrilling teams to watch in the country

By Carmine Carcieri

Dec 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on in the second half against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 102-62. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks on in the second half against the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA won 102-62. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and guard Bryce Alford (20) celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 86-73 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and guard Bryce Alford (20) celebrate after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 86-73 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

1. UCLA Bruins

Who could possibly be more entertaining to watch than the Kentucky Wildcats?

Lonzo Ball and the UCLA Bruins.

The Bruins went from a team that finished 15-17 and had fans calling for head coach Steve Alford to be fired, to a squad that is 2nd in the country and the most exhilarating team to watch in the nation.

First, let’s start with Ball, who has been incredible. He is averaging a terrific 13.7 points, 8.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. He is shooting 53 percent from the field and even though his mechanics on his jump shot are unique, he still hits 43 percent of his looks.

Ball not only gets his own on offense (he has some long range), but he makes everyone on his team better. His vision is second to none, as he sees the play before it happens. He also throws some of the more ridiculous outlet passes that I’ve ever seen.

On top of his offensive skill, Ball has really good instincts on the defensive end of the floor.

But this Bruins team does not just consist of Ball. While he is the center piece of the roster, Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton, Thomas Welsh, Ike Anigbogu, Aaron Holiday and T.J. Leaf have all taken their games to the next level.

Holiday and Leaf, in particular, have been off the charts.

Holiday is making himself some money in his sophomore season, as he has shown an all-around game that many did not expect to see in year two. The brother of NBA point guard Jrue is making shots from three, attacking the basket, handling the ball, distributing and is the team’s best on-ball defender.

Then there’s Leaf, who’s played his way into being a potential NBA lottery pick. He is athletic, versatile and active on both ends of the floor.

Next: Chris Boucher battling ankle injury

UCLA is better than Kentucky in transition. They are better as a whole offensively. And they even have a better passer from the lead guard position in Ball. In other words, don’t miss a game UCLA plays. Please, it’s for your own good.

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