1. Kansas (2-0)
With the talent assembled in Lawrence this season, there’s a lot to like about this Kansas squad. Bill Self’s program has been among the nation’s best, even after last year’s relative struggle, and this year is among his most talented rosters since joining the Jayhawks over twenty years ago. After finishing just 5th in the Big 12 last season, Kansas certainly has the opportunity for yet another league title.
Opening night wasn’t a major issue for the Jayhawks, as they put together an 87-57 win against Howard, led by All-American center Hunter Dickinson’s 16 points and 6 rebounds. The second game of the week was the challenge, as Kansas survived in a thriller against North Carolina, winning 92-89 at home. The Jayhawks built a huge lead early and survived the Tar Heels’ late charge, led by Zeke Mayo’s 21 points off the bench and Dickinson’s first double-double of the year.
The atmosphere in Lawrence on Friday night was off the charts as the Jayhawks built that huge advantage and did what they needed to do to secure an impressive early win. This offense really showed out against North Carolina and proved that big things could be coming for the Jayhawks this season. What awaits is another big one next week against Michigan State at the Champions Classic; one of several chances we’ll get to see the Jayhawks in major action.
Thus completes our initial Top 25 rankings for the season after the first weeks’ worth of games. Which of these currently ranked teams will make the biggest moves in the weeks ahead? Are there some unranked teams that we should be keeping a closer eye on?