2. Arizona (11-0)
That number may indicate a #2, but Arizona is basically #1b right now with how their season has begun, especially with that top ranking already in the national polls. The Wildcats have several premier wins, shocking Florida and UConn and knocking out Auburn and Alabama in recent weeks in two games that were less close. The offense is operating on another level and has a unique blend of talent that can absolutely win a title in three and a half months.
The great start continued on Tuesday, as the Wildcats won 96-62 over Abilene Christian in their easiest game in a few weeks. Six Wildcats scored in double figures, led by Brayden Burries and his latest 20-point effort. Arizona headed to Phoenix for a tougher challenge with San Diego State, but a fiery second half helped put the Aztecs away in a 68-45 win. Five different players scored in double figures this time while Tobe Awaka’s 9-point, 15-rebound effort off the bench was certainly impressive.
There have been games where the shooting isn’t perfect but the interior attack does more than enough to win. Sometimes the defense finds another gear and the Wildcats are truly battle tested and an impressive unit for what they’ve accomplished to this point in the season. The battle are barely beginning as Big 12 play is on the horizon, though dates with Bethune Cookman and South Dakota State await before the New Year.