Arizona and Alabama Surge in Early Men’s College Basketball Rankings
The early days of the college basketball season have already produced significant shifts in rankings, with the Arizona Wildcats and Alabama Crimson Tide making notable impacts. Both teams secured impressive road victories against top-five opponents, propelling them up the rankings as the season begins to take shape.
Over the first ten days of November, Arizona proved its critics wrong concerning its shooting capabilities. The Wildcats faced the defending champions, the Florida Gators, and while they attempted only five three-point shots, converting two, their dominance in the paint and at the free-throw line contributed to a decisive 81-point performance. This strength around the rim helped alleviate concerns about their perimeter shooting.
Alabama, ranked lower heading into the season, displayed an explosive performance against St. John’s, with standout efforts from its guards. The trio of Labaron Philon Jr., Aden Holloway, and Latrell Wrightsell combined for an impressive 63 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. Philon, in particular, shone with 25 points, demonstrating exceptional control and shooting ability.
Top Performers and Upcoming Challenges
As the rankings reflect, the Purdue Boilermakers maintain their position at the top, despite facing challenges in their recent game against Oakland. They secured an 87-77 victory, with key contributions from Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, while freshman Jack Benter emerged as a surprise asset, averaging 11.0 points and 6.5 rebounds.
In second place, the Houston Cougars have maintained a strong defensive record, allowing an average of just 50 points per game across their first three matches. Notable performances from freshmen Chris Cenac Jr. and Kingston Flemings signal a bright future for the program.
The UConn Huskies, currently ranked third, have also enjoyed a strong start with an average margin of victory of 38 points in their initial games. However, the upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge, with matchups against BYU and Arizona looming.
Another team making waves is Louisville, which remains in the top five following a strong showing against Kentucky. The Cardinals’ guards have demonstrated impressive capabilities, hinting at their potential for a deep tournament run.
The Illinois Fighting Illini have also climbed the rankings after a recent victory over Texas Tech. They are showcasing one of the most potent offenses in the country, with Kylan Boswell stepping up as a key player.
Current Rankings and Future Matchups
As of November 13, 2023, here are the current top teams in men’s college basketball:
1. **Purdue Boilermakers** (2-0) – Upcoming games: at Alabama (November 13), vs. Akron (November 16).
2. **Houston Cougars** (3-0) – Upcoming game: at Auburn (November 16).
3. **UConn Huskies** (3-0) – Upcoming games: vs. BYU (November 15), vs. Arizona (November 19).
4. **Arizona Wildcats** (3-0) – Upcoming games: at UCLA (November 14), at UConn (November 19).
5. **Louisville Cardinals** (3-0) – Upcoming game: vs. Ohio (November 15).
6. **Alabama Crimson Tide** (2-0) – Upcoming games: vs. Purdue (November 13), vs. Illinois in Chicago (November 19).
As the season progresses, teams will continue to battle for supremacy, with early performances setting the stage for potential tournament runs. The dynamic nature of college basketball guarantees that the rankings will shift as teams face new challenges in the weeks ahead.
