First, it was exams.
Then, it was the winter break. Now, we're sure the Trump administration will do something to disrupt the college basketball schedule--and thus our schedule.
Actually, that was just a lame attempt to up our Google search traffic.
Our rankings aren't lame, however. At least we hope not. Here are the Rotoballer college hoops rankings, as of December 27, 2017 (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Villanova, (12-0)
The Wildcats don't face a tough test until they play Xavier on January 10th. We're not guaranteeing they'll still be undefeated heading into that game, but the odds are in their favor so long as big boy freshman Omari Spellman is scoring (11.3 PPG), rebounding (7.8 RPG) and blocking shots (1.5 BPG).
2. Michigan State, (12-1)
Either the Big 10 is having a down year, or the Spartans have a back-loaded schedule. Frankly, it's probably a mixture of both. Tom Izzo, of course, also has a freshman force in the paint in Jaren Jackson Jr. (10.4 PPG/7.6 RPG/3.4 BPG). Good luck driving to the hole on him, Rutgers and Maryland.
3. Arizona State, (12-0)
We'll know more about the Sun Devils after their match-up with in-state rivals Arizona on Saturday. But while Bobby Hurley may be lamenting the closure of his high school in Jersey, it's not showing in his coaching performance.
4. Texas A&M, (11-1)
Since we're focusing on big men this week, we might as well mention the Aggies' Robert Williams,
who may be averaging only 7.3 PPG, but he's also grabbing 10.1 RPG and swatting 2.5 BPG. A January 9th showdown with Kentucky is on the horizon.
5. Xavier, (12-1)
Until the aforementioned January tilt with 'Nova, we'll remain "all for one" with the Musketeers. (Sorry. Dated reference.) The X-Men lack a real pivot presence, but sophomore forward Tyrique Jones is slowly growing into his 6-9, 242-lb. body (9.8 PPG/6.0 RPG).
6. West Virginia, (11-1)
Sogaba Konate just sounds like he's 6-8, 260. And he plays like it, too, averaging 8.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 2.9 BPG.
7. Duke, (12-1)
If we're on the subject of college big men (and we guess we are), then it isn't exactly bold to say that Marvin Bagley III (21.1 PPG/10.9 RPG) is the premier low-post player in the country. We can already picture him standing next to Adam Silver on draft day.
8. TCU, (12-0)
The Horned Frogs sneak into our rankings, and their Kenrich Williams is a big... guard. The 6-7 Williams is averaging 14.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.7 APG and 2.5 SPG. He ain't sneaking up on anybody.
9. Virginia, (11-1)
We've always liked the Cavaliers' program, and with the recent struggles of UK and UNC, the Hoovs get into our rankings, at least for this week. This team's stats don't jump off the page--or screen--but their "guy" is sophomore guard Kyle Guy (16.1 PPG). He can shoot the rock, especially from deep (45.3% from 3-point range).
10. Oklahoma, (10-1)
We're including the Sooners because, as regular readers know, we are obsessed with the Big 12. It also gives us an excuse to join the chorus of those talking up fabulous freshman point guard Trae Young (28.7 PPG/10.4 PPG). That should get us some hits on Google.
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