NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Seton Hall soars, Auburn drops

Arizona climbs back into my Top 25 for the first time in several weeks after defending its home court in dominant fashion. During this past week alone, the Wildcats showcased why they are so tough to beat at the McKale Memorial Center as they took down Utah (by 16) and Colorado (by 21) in blowouts. While I am still skeptical of this team’s ability to win outside of Tucson, it’s hard to argue with how well they played in these two victories. Head coach Sean Miller once again has an incredibly talented but young roster that is yet to reach its ceiling.

Leading the way to this point in the year has been a trio of freshmen. Nico Mannion is perhaps the most well-known and there are very good reasons for that. With superb abilities as a future NBA lead guard, Mannion is posting 14.1 points and 6.1 assists per game so far this season. Additionally, Josh Green has come along nicely in recent weeks as a versatile 6-foot-6 wing putting up his own solid numbers.

Zeke Nnaji, though, is the one leading the team in scoring. The 6-foot-11 big man has raised his professional stock significantly since the preseason while posting 16.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He has been a huge reason for Arizona’s success and will look to continue to win his battles in the paint.

On the whole, Arizona could easily be ranked higher in this list. The Wildcats are very talented and efficiency metrics respect that. They are 0-3 in true road games so far this season, though, and that leaves me a bit wary. Three straight road games approach and we will see just how far the ‘Cats could rise in the coming weeks.