2) San Francisco Dons (7-1)
Analytics have been extremely kind to the Dons, who currently sit at 20th in the NCAA’s new NET Rankings. I know analytics don’t mean much in November, but these numbers have many fans of the team buzzing, and getting excited about their chances to make some real noise this season. Through eight games that noise has been justified, with the Dons winning 7 in a row before dropping a close game to the Top 25 Buffalo Bulls.
Like Pacific, San Francisco has relied on balance to win games. Unlike the Tigers, however, the Dons have been extremely successful, ranking 9th in scoring defense and 76th in scoring offense. Charles Minlend in particular has had a successful return to the court, after sitting out last year with an injured shoulder.
San Francisco will probably return to earth, but their balance and efficiency will spell trouble for any team that isn’t fully prepared.
1) Gonzaga Bulldogs (8-0)
Gonzaga has been a constant at the top of the WCC rankings and that is not likely to change this season. The Bulldogs already have multiple quality wins over Duke, Arizona and Creighton, and have maintained the second best scoring offense in the process. The Zags have done so efficiently, putting together the best field goal percentage in the country.
Between Rui Hachimura, Josh Perkins, Zach Norvell and Brandon Clarke, it is difficult to pinpoint the most important player on the roster. This will be even more difficult when Killian Tillie returns, allowing the Zags to feature the most dangerous starting five in the country.
Mark Few is one of the best coaches in the country, but this year’s team may give him the best chance he has ever had to compete for a National Championship. And that includes the 2017 Gonzaga team.