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Brian Dunleavy's top 10 NCAA college basketball (CBB) rankings, from a fantasy basketball perspective, as of 12/5/17. His fantasy CBB rankings are updated weekly.
We can hear Mick's words in our heads as we write this, "When the days get shorter and the nights get long..."
No, the Stones' tune "She's So Cold" isn't about December--not exactly--but the line does carry a certain weight now that, well, the days are getting shorter and the nights longer, not only for us, but for many teams in college basketball as well.
What do we mean? Read on to see in our Rotoballer college hoops rankings, as of December 5, 2017 (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Duke, (10-0)
Duke's Trevon Duval (13.4 PPG/6.6 APG/2.2 SPG) may not be the "burning bush" or the "bleeding volcano," as Mick might say, but he's already proving himself to be one of the top point guards--on one of the top teams--in the country. And he's just a freshman.
2. Kansas, (7-0)
We sang the praises of Devonte' Graham (18.6 PPG/4.6 RPG/8.0 APG) last week, but what may be most impressive about the Jayhawks is that they have multiple players who can create shots for teammates. Lagerald Vick is averaging 4.3 APG. That would be good enough for the top spot on most teams.
3. Villanova, (8-0)
We'll never be your "beast of burden," but 6-9, 245-lb freshman forward Omari Spellman would likely consider it--for a few million dollars and a long-term NBA contract, that is. We like his upside, given that as a youngster in 'Nova's deep rotation he's already averaging 9.0 PPG and 7.4 RPG in limited minutes.
4. Texas A&M, (7-0)
Opponents trying to contain the Aggies' strong backcourt pairing of Admon Gilder (13.0 PPG/4.4 APG) and Duane Wilson (10.9 PPG/4.4 APG) have been screaming "gimme shelter" so far this season. Okay, we know: We're forcing it. But these guys are good. Seriously. They can create shots for themselves and their teammates.
5. Miami, (7-0)
Speaking of beasts, 'Canes sophomore guard Bruce Brown, Jr. (11.7 PPG/8.6 RPG/5.0 APG) is fast becoming one. We'll see if he and his teammates continue their solid play as the ACC schedule heats up.
6. Michigan State, (7-1)
Tom Izzo doesn't get into wars of words with his rivals. And with foot soldiers like 6-11, 242-lb freshman forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. (10.0 PPG/7.8 RPG/2.1 BPG) he doesn't have to.
7. Notre Dame, (7-1)
A loss to Michigan State hurts the Irish a bit this week, but they must have gotten some "satisfaction" from a bounce-back win over St. Francis (NY). Guard Matt Farrell (15.9 PPG/4.6 APG) is rounding out into a nice player in his senior season.
8. Wichita State, (6-1)
The Shockers beating No. 16 Baylor isn't exactly a, uh, surprise, so we're not in a "state of shock." Okay, we had to get the worst Mick Jagger song ever in here. Guard Landry Shamet (13.7 PPG/3.1 RPG/3.7 APG) is the player to watch in Wichita.
9. Xavier, (7-1)
It's odd. We've been to Cincinnati and it doesn't strike as a basketball Mecca. And yet, one or both of the city's D-1 programs often find themselves in the polls. With the Musketeers' win over crosstown rivals Cincy over the weekend, they get the nod--for now. There may be two sides to every story, but the only story we know is that J.P. Macura (13.6 PPG/4.9 RPG/3.3 APG) is a heck of a player.
10. Minnesota, (8-1)
The Gophers remain in our Top 10. Barely. Their loss last week to our No. 5, Miami, is nothing to be ashamed of, and they bounced back with a big win over Rutgers. But we're watching them closely. You could say they're "under [our] thumb." Ugh.
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