NCAA Tournament 2019: Reranking the teams remaining in the Sweet 16

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Brandon Clarke #15 and the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate after their win against the Baylor Bears in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: The Kentucky Wildcats huddle. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

9. Kentucky Wildcats

Results: Wins over Abilene Christian (79-44) and Wofford (62-56)

Kentucky, when healthy, is much better than I think most of the country gives them credit for. Of course, they are still missing PJ Washington at this point in time but that should not cause them to slip all that far. I mean, seriously, while seemingly every other top-seeded team struggled to secure opening weekend victories, the Wildcats looked very strong. And, in my opinion, they also had the toughest second-round matchup of any No. 1 or 2 seed.

Washington might still miss the next game or two but I still think that they are awfully dangerous. Reid Travis is the veteran leader on the roster that many seem to overlook while the young talent on the roster is second only to Duke. If Tyler Herro starts to get it going from the perimeter, this a national title caliber team. Head coach John Calipari is one of the best in the business and I find it odd that I need to defend ranking Kentucky inside my top-10 right now.

Kentucky has only lost to two teams, both of whom are still in the Sweet 16 (Auburn and Tennessee) since Jan. 5. Their ability to roll through every other team deserves to be commended and their play in the NCAA Tournament so far has given me no reason to drop them. If Washington returns quickly, then they will rise up the rankings.

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