We're not Sports Illustrated. We don't hold ourselves in such high esteem.
But we have our own SI "cover jinx" here at RotoBaller College Hoops headquarters (we have our own home theater system, too, but don't tell the rest of the staff). It seems that every time we pick a new No. 1 (Baylor this time), they go out and make us look silly by losing.
Fair warning in case you even dream of laying down a bet on our new top team this week (not that we condone wagering). Here are our CBB rankings for the week of February 6th (won-loss records in parentheses).
NCAA College Basketball (CBB) Rankings
1. Gonzaga, (24-0)
We've been reluctant to follow the herd and anoint the 'Zags the best in the land, if only because of their conference schedule. But undefeated is undefeated, and if they remain that way we'll really have a story.
2. Villanova, (22-2)
As the Big 12 falters and its top teams knock each other off (sounds like football), the Big East rises to the top. Or at least Villanova does. Actually, Gonzaga-Villanova in the championship game would make a lot of Jesuits happy, especially those who enjoy seeing natural scorers like Josh Hart (18.9 PPG).
3. Baylor, (20-3)
Suddenly, Baylor has lost two in a row. We get the Kansas loss, but at home to K-State?! We're mad at you, Baylor.
4. Kansas, (20-3)
And almost as suddenly, the Jayhawks went from being the hottest team going, to being, well, ordinary. But if you're going to lose to Iowa State--no shame there, really--it's better that it happens in February, rather than March. Frank Mason III has slumped a bit, but Josh Jackson (16 PPG, 7 RPG, 3 APG) is showing why he was one of the top recruits in the country.
5. Oregon, (21-3)
Dillon Brooks is getting his game together. And Tyler Dorsey (12.6 PPG) has been solid all season. The Ducks are in the hunt.
6. Wisconsin (20-3)
On Wisconsin. And on Nigel Hayes (13.3 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.1 APG). Maybe the Badgers' best all-around player.
7. Arizona, (21-3)
Losing to Oregon is understandable. But losing by 27 might be a red flag. Just sayin'. Dusan Ristic puts up solid numbers (11.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG).
8. North Carolina, (20-4)
We still like North Carolina. And we've always liked Joel Berry II (15 PPG). Assuming the Tar Heels play another game this season, we think they'll win most of them.
9. Cincinnati, (21-2)
We sort of look at the Bearcats in the same light as Gonzaga. Great record, yes, but against the AAC. Still, with another of our former No. 1s (Kentucky) struggling, Kyle Washington (13.7 PPG, 7 RPG) and his mates get a spot in our rankings.
10. UCLA, (21-3)
We forgot about the Bruins for a while, but their pasting of Washington drew our attention. Lonzo Ball (15.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 7.8 APG) is an attention-grabber on his own.
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