We're making two New Year's resolutions for 2017--or at two that are relevant to you, dear reader.
For the first, we pledge to stick with Villanova until another team proves that they are better than the 'Cats, and it is starting to look unlikely that such a team will emerge from the pack.
For the second, we're going to constantly remind ourselves of the age-old axiom that, more often than not, experience wins in college sports--even when opposed by a team of future NBA stars like, well, you know...
We plan to hold to these resolutions until at least next week. Until then, here are our CBB rankings for the week of December 26th (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Villanova, (12-0)
Jay Wright's team continues to prove its championship pedigree, and guard Josh Hart (20.1 PPG) continues to polish his basketball resume. Is Hart an NBA-caliber player? He's a winner and a shooter, and thus at least worth a look.
2. UCLA, (13-0)
Here's another old sports cliche: It's hard to go undefeated, no matter who you're playing. Well, the Bruins continue to do just that, though it's been a bit easier for them than most teams, what with pure point guard Lonzo Ball (13.8 PPG, 8.3 APG, 5.8 RPG) running the show.
3. Kansas, (11-1)
'Nova and UCLA may be perfect, but the Jayhawks are the hottest team in the country. They lost their opener (to Indiana), and since then... Well, the record speaks for itself. Freshman Josh Jackson (15.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG) is a beast. What were we saying about experience?
4. Baylor, (12-0)
Undefeated... Big 12... What's not for us to like about the Bears? Baylor also has another old-school point guard, Manu Lecomte (11.6 PPG, 5.4 APG), running the show.
5. Duke, (12-1)
Thank goodness for Luke Kennard (20.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG). Otherwise, this whole Grayson Allen controversy could trip up the Blue Devils. Sorry. Giving up bad jokes wasn't one of our resolutions.
6. Creighton, (12-0)
Remember the thing about going undefeated? Well, 'nuff said. And speaking of point guards, Creighton has one in Maurice Watson Jr. (12.8 PPG, 9.0 APG).
7. Gonzaga, (12-0)
See above. The 'Zags are winning with balanced scoring (four guys averaging in double figures, with two others just on the cusp) and stout defense. It ain't pretty, but it sure is effective.
8. UNC, (11-2)
The Tar Heels, like their arch rivals Duke, have a controversy hanging over their heads. How it will affect the rest of their season remains to be seen.
9. Louisville, (11-1)
We admit it: We didn't see the Cardinals' win over in-state rivals Kentucky coming. But, we have to give the devil, or at least coach Rick Pitino, his due. They say defense wins championships... We'll see if Pitino proves that again.
10. Kentucky, (10-2)
Less stubborn people might drop the Wildcats from their Top 10. But, we're not gonna do it. Not when freshman De'Aaron Fox (16.3 PPG, 6.8 APG) keeps playing so well.
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