12. Creighton Bluejays - Ashworth’s improved play
Creighton has arguably the best trio in NCAA Basketball, with Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, and Ryan Kalkbreener all averaging at least 17 ppg. But they’ve also gotten more production from transfer guard Steven Ashworth, now averaging 10.9 ppg and 4.1 apg. After a very inconsistent start to the season, the senior guard had 11 straight double-digit games to give them a needed fourth option. This version of Ashworth is good enough to make the Bluejays a real contender.
11. Auburn Tigers - Looking to get Jaylin Williams back
The Tigers have one of the best frontcourts in the sport, led by Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams. However, Williams, who is second on the team in scoring and rebounding with 13.0 ppg and 4.7 rpg, recently suffered what looked to be a serious knee injury. The good news is that Auburn is hopeful he can return as soon as the SEC Tournament and have him ready for the Big Dance. They’ll need him to make a run.
10. Duke Blue Devils - Filipowski’s health
The biggest national storyline from this past weekend was the court-storming incident at Wake Forest, with star forward Kyle Filipowski seemingly getting injured. The good news is that it doesn’t seem too serious, with Coach Jon Scheyer labeling him as “sore”. Duke needs him and the rest of the team at 100% to win in March but it’s also going to be interesting to see how the sophomore and the program handles even more of the national spotlight going forward.