Equivalent-Yard3824's Week 2 Ballot
| Rank | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UConn | (+1)The reigning champs have an easy November to integrate their new parts, but Karaban is already off to a hot start as the returning starter |
| 2 | Auburn | (+6)A dominant win over an always solid Vermont squad and then muscling through Houston in a road-type environment, no one can claim to top this early resume |
| 3 | Houston | (-2)My preseason number one proved what they are capable of, taking Auburn to the brink, but their execution in close games without Shead will be a story. |
| 4 | Gonzaga | (+2)A showcase win over Baylor showed the highs, but struggling at home against ASU reveals there could be some bumps in the road for a team without a single go-to guy. |
| 5 | Alabama | (-2)Oates has the boys running at one of the highest tempos and this offense is a machine thus far; the two freshmen Philon and Reid both off to solid starts adding to their firepower |
| 6 | Duke | (-2)Aside from some cramping issues, no blemishes on Duke's dominant start, Kon has emerged and the veteran transfers (specifically Sion and Maliq) give this team a different edge. |
| 7 | Kansas | (-2)We saw the good and the bad for Kansas all in one game against UNC, they'll need a 3pt threat to emerge to prevent the offense from going stagnant |
| 8 | Iowa State | (+2)With just one Buy Game to start the season, we learned the least about ISU of any big program, but the Defense remains legit racking up turnovers and limiting good looks at an elite rate. |
| 9 | Tennessee | (+2)As good as the defense is, Zeigler will have to be better with 15 turnovers in 2 games leading the way, still the dominant road win over Louisville is one of the better wins thus far. |
| 10 | North Carolina | (-1)The lack of size and experience was on full display against Kansas as Dickinson dominated their frontcourt and RJ never touched the ball to close. Solid fight, but room to grow. |
| 11 | Arizona | (+0)Dominant wins against undermatched teams, we'll learn more about this team as they face Wisconsin and Duke over their next two. |
| 12 | Purdue | (+1)Smith and TKR are the dudes, but it's definitely a step down in terms of overall depth and options from last years team. |
| 13 | Creighton | (+1)Probably not a good sign that 49pts on 18-20 wasn't enough to completely put away a Rio Grande team without anyone over 6'8'' |
| 14 | St. John's | (+1)Pitino has a 10-11 man rotation at the moment allowing him to push the pace and play in transition for a full 40 minutes, they're hell to play already. |
| 15 | Indiana | (+1)The triple big lineup has feasted against cupcakes, but they'll need to find some guard play and shooting against more even opponents |
| 16 | Clemson | (+1)For a team with this much experience, there have been some uncharacteristic defensive lapses, but overall Hunter/Schieffelin are playing well. |
| 17 | Baylor | (-10)They got caught with their pants down against Gonzaga, but I liked their fight against Arkansas, it'll take time for Drew to get all the new pieces connecting on D &no true PG is an ongoing issue |
| 18 | Texas Tech | (+3)JT Toppin could be a star and this defense is everything it was advertised, forcing opponents to use up the entire clock and chuck up bad shots. |
| 19 | Rutgers | (+1)Harper looked great in his debut and while the offense looked a little stagnant at times, adding Ace Bailey should cure all wounds |
| 20 | Marquette | (+2)Kam Jones is going to contend for BE POY and is the type of player that can singlehandedly bring this MU team to the Final 4, luckily he won't have to with Joplin and Ross sharing the load |
| 21 | Wake Forest | (+3)Not the most dominant in their two Buy Games, but Sallis and crew turned it on to clutch a home win over Michigan after trailing big early. |
| 22 | Dayton | (+3)Scored 32 of their 71 pts in the final 10 minutes to come back against NW, they'll need a more consistent offensive output moving forward, those lulls could kill them. |
| 23 | Texas A&M | (-5)UCF is no slouch, so it's not a bad loss, but it exposed the flaws of this team who plays so slow every posession matters even more and a lack of playmakers outside of Wade is tough to overcome. |
| 24 | Cincinnati | (+2)It was two easy opponents, but scoring at will for 80 minutes is a great sign for a team that's going to hang their hats on D |
| 25 | Ohio State | (+12)A strong win over Texas as they survived the Havoc, they never trailed and responded to every run with composure, solid group win. |
Overall Rationale
Next Five: Arkansas, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Mississippi St.