NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Duke, Michigan vie for the top spot

RENO, NV - DECEMBER 15: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack and brother Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talk to head coach Eric Musselman of the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Lawlor Events Center on December 15, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Johnson #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels handles. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

15. North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 8-3 (0-0 ACC)

Last Week: No. 10

Does North Carolina really belong this high in my power rankings? Perhaps not but it would be very difficult for me to drop this team further than five spots simply for losing a neutral-site battle with Kentucky. The Tar Heels are still among the most talented teams in the nation even though they lack a few key ingredients to be a top-10. Perhaps most importantly, though, UNC needs to find someone other than Coby White who can create for themselves.

Additionally, Luke Maye and Nassir Little are struggling to reach the expectations set for them heading into the year. For Maye, his offensive production has taken a significant step back this season because his 3-point shooting percentage is down from 43.1% to just 35.1% this year. If he is able to get that stroke back, that adds an entirely new dimension to his game. Little, on the other hand, has been solid on the offensive end but has not shown the defensive intensity many were expecting. Without Little playing better defense, it will be hard for him to gain more minutes.

On the whole, North Carolina has plenty of talent to return to the top-10 but they need to figure it out in a hurry. ACC play is an absolute gauntlet and the team needs to be prepared or will they will fall further in the rankings rather than climb.

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