NCAA Basketball: Ranking the final 8 unbeaten teams of 2021-22 season

Nov 21, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Dalen Terry (4) celebrates with his team mates after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 80-62 to win the Roman Main Event Championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 9

NCAA Basketball USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

7. USC Trojans (9-0, 2-0)

Even without top-3 NBA Draft pick Evan Mobley, the Trojans once again are looking strong on both ends of the court, thanks to a key transfer and improved play amongst their returning rotation plays. Although this team hasn’t played any ranked teams, this has been a solid opening schedule, featuring wins over San Diego State and at both Temple and Florida Gulf Coast, along with a huge win in league play at an improved Washington State.

There’s no Evan but Isaiah Mobley has taken over the frontcourt, averaging a team-leading 14.0 ppg and 9.6 rpg. Chevez Goodwin took advantage of the extra year and is putting up 12.6 ppg and 7.1 rpg, while former top-50 prospect Max Agbonkpolo is having an impact as a junior (8.9 ppg). And Drew Peterson has become the all-around stat stuffer so far, putting up 10.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and a team-leading 3.7 apg.

What’s helped USC remain in the top-25 range this season has been the effectiveness of Memphis transfer Boogie Ellis. The former top-30 prospect had some ups and downs at his previous stop but currently is averaging 12.4 ppg and 3.4 apg on a career-high 47% shooting from the field. He’s been a good distributor and scorer and gives the Trojans real balance offensively.

Neutral site games against Georgia Tech and OK State will be their toughest tests before heading back to Pac-12 play, where they already have a pair of victories. It may not be between UCLA and Arizona in terms of the regular-season title.

Home/NCAA Basketball News