NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Duke rises, newcomers snag spots

Clemson was the toughest team for me to leave out of my preseason top-25. And after going undefeated this week while other teams fell, the Tigers slide into the No. 23 spot this week. With five players currently averaging in double-figures through two games, it has been Clemson’s balance that has been so impressive this season. Obviously, the Tigers have not faced extremely difficult competition (The Citadel and North Carolina Central) but they won both of their first two games by 20 points exactly.

Looking ahead, it does not seem likely that Clemson will be truly tested until they face Nebraska on Nov. 26. As long as they continue to take care of business, the Tigers should be a top-25 team for at least the majority of this month. Clemson’s non-conference schedule does not seem all that challenging on paper but there are a few opportunities for slipping up. The Tigers do not play a true road game until Dec. 22 at South Carolina.

Considering this, Clemson is in great shape to pile up wins before entering the ACC schedule. He might not be the leading scorer on the team through two games but Marcquise Reed is doing a little bit of everything for the Tigers right now: 13.0 points (.400/.300/.875), 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He is doing an excellent job not only creating for himself but for his teammates as well.