1. Arizona (16-0)
From the very moment the season began, Arizona has been telling us that they’re one of the best teams in the nation, and perhaps the cream of that crop. The Wildcats knocked off Florida on opening night, upset UConn on the road, and have spent the last few months stockpiling more and more impressive performances. The Wildcats look like the team to beat in a very stacked Big 12 field and this past week showed us no reason not to believe that.
They made quick work of their fellow Wildcats on Wednesday, getting a 101-76 win at home against Kansas State to start the week. Brayden Burries continued a great freshman campaign with a 28-point effort while Motiejus Krivas had 25 points and 12 rebounds. On Saturday, Arizona secured the 86-73 road win at TCU. Koa Peat had 20 points while Jaden Bradley and Anthony Dell’Orso added 17 points apiece in another solid team effort.
Between the returning pieces, the freshmen stars, and the head coach on the rise in Tommy Lloyd, Arizona looks like a team that many will pick to cut down the nets just under three months from now. In all likelihood this season won’t end perfect, but the Wildcats are a machine that can win games in a number of ways and aren’t just leaning on one or two guys. The next few weeks are rather open for the Wildcats, who face Arizona State and UCF ahead.
Another brilliant week of college hoops has passed us by with numerous exciting matchups and moments, but what did we really learn about these teams? Do you agree with the changes made to this week’s edition of the rankings?