ACC MID-TERM POWER RANKINGS

By Trey Harmon


Can you believe it? We’re almost at the half-way point of the ACC regular season. Check out where MRM is ranking teams at the mid-term.

#1 MIAMI
I spoke to Miami’s Reggie Johnson at ACC Media Day and he sounded more excited than anyone about the new season. Now we see why. The Hurricanes are sitting pretty at 7-0 in the ACC. They’re strong on both ends of the court but defense is what’s separating them from the pack. The Hurricanes rank first in field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense. Now that their inside man Reggie Johnson is back the Hurricanes are in great position to win the ACC. However they still have six road games to play including at NC State and at Duke.

#2 DUKE
With sharp shooting forward Ryan Kelly in the line-up the Blue Devils are my favorite to win the ACC. But even with Kelly out with a foot injury the Blue Devils are in good shape. Mason Plumlee is a Player of the Year candidate, but Quinn Cook is providing the floor leadership Duke lacked last season. Cook is second in assists at 7.4 and first in assist/turnover ratio. Duke’s only two losses have been on the road but they have a tough stretch coming up with games at Florida State, NC State, at Boston College, and UNC.

#3 NC STATE

At the moment the Wolfpack is about where we expected them to be. They’re only a half-game out of third place. The biggest concern now is the leg injury point guard Lorenzo Brown suffered against Virginia. On one hand losing to Virginia on the road isn’t bad, but that loss came at a bad time. State has Miami coming on Saturday then they go on the road to Duke and Clemson. That’s a bad stretch to have to play without your league leader in assists. I’ll take Brown’s injury into consideration when ranking State, but the next week is crucial.

#4 VIRGINIA

None of the pre-season rankings saw this coming. The Cavaliers are tied for second in the ACC and riding a four-game winning streak. The Cavs lead the league in scoring defense holding ACC opponents below 60 points. It’s hard to take the bait though as those wins have come against the ACC’s worst and a “Lorenzo Brownless” NC State. It’s even harder to trust a team that only scores 58 points a game. But IF Virginia is for real, their schedule gives them a great chance to win the ACC. The Cavs only have to play Miami and Duke once and don’t play NC State again.

#5 UNC

This season it seems like the Heels are either getting blown out by 20 or winning by 20. Despite their struggles UNC is right in the hunt to finish top three the ACC. For that to happen UNC will have to play better defense. The Heels are seventh in scoring defense and allowing 68ppg. February could make or break the Heels’ season. They have almost no room for error with back-to-back road games at Miami, at Duke, followed by a home game against Virginia.

#6 MARYLAND
The Terps suffered a setback losing to Florida St and dropping to the 3-5, but they can cover a lot of ground in February if they bring their “A” game. They have very winnable games against Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and at home against Virginia. Maryland is in need of a big win if they want raise eyebrows for the NCAA Tournament. Their non-conference schedule was pretty light except for playing Kentucky.

#7 FLORIDA STATE
The Seminoles picked up a huge buzzer beating win against Maryland to keep them in the ACC race. Florida State can cause havoc in the ACC if they can beat Duke on Saturday, then steal the next two at Georgia Tech and Wake. While winning the ACC looks to be a stretch, the “Noles” are pretty much playing for their NCAA Tournament lives. They have not beaten a Top 25 team this season, so a win against Duke, NC State or Miami is a must.

#8 CLEMSON
Clemson has yet to win an ACC road game, but those games have been tough at Duke, FSU, and NC State. They are not in a bad position sitting at 4-4 and can take a big leap forward over the next three games against Boston College, Virginia Tech, and NC State. The Tigers have an experienced front line with Devin Booker and Milton Jennings. The good: Clemson ranks third in scoring defense. The bad: Clemson ranks next to last in scoring offense.

#9 WAKE FOREST
Wake Forest is another team that has not won a road game. It doesn’t get any easier from here with games at Maryland and at UNC. But you can see Wake’s improvement and that win over NC State was huge for the program. The Deacons will return every starter except C.J. Harris and with a good recruiting class Wake could be back in the mix of the Tobacco Road rivalries.

#10 BOSTON COLLEGE
BC is last in the ACC at 1-6 but don’t let the record fool you. They have good pieces in place to shake up the ACC next season. Sophomore Ryan Anderson is second in ACC scoring at 17ppg, and freshman point guard Olivier Hanlan is fourth in scoring at 16ppg. The Eagles are young and if Anderson doesn’t jump to the NBA they’ll be a force next season. Unfortunately the Eagles’ February schedule is brutal with games at Miami, Duke twice, at FSU, and at NC State…just to name a few.

#11 VIRGINIA TECH
The Hokies started out red hot winning their first seven games but have only won two of their last nine games. Those wins include a double overtime victory against Georgia Tech and a one point win over Wake Forest. You would think a team with the ACC’s leading scorer (Erik Green 25.5ppg) would have more wins, but the Hokies are dead last in scoring defense, last in team assists, and have the highest turnover margin.

#12 GEORGIA TECH
The struggles continue at Tech. They’ve had a pretty tough ACC schedule having to play four of seven games on the road, against the ACC’s best. Coach Brian Gregory has a good power forward in Robert Carter to build around. The Yellow Jackets lose a lot of games but at least they have the best looking basketball court in the ACC to play on.

Don't agree with MRM's rankings? Post a comment :)

ACC Madness is Here!

UNC

The Heels seem to be hitting their stride around the same time as last season when they had to adjust to Larry Drew II leaving. This time they’ve had to adjust to losing their best defender in Dexter Strickland. Reggie Bullock has had to fill that gap and has done an exceptional job. Bullock has also given UNC an offensive spark which is something the Heels really needed. With Bullock and Harrison Barnes on the floor, UNC has two legit scoring threats on the perimeter which makes them awfully hard to guard.

BIG DANCE ADVANCE: If they can get easy baskets in transition and play lockdown defense. UNC leads the nation in rebounding and is ranked second in scoring. They should be able to ride ACC Player of the Year Tyler Zeller and John Henson all the way to the Final Four.

SENT PACKING: If they don’t defend the perimeter. With Strickland out UNC will have a tough time against teams with good backcourts. The guard play in the ACC doesn't really challenge the Heels so a team like Missouri could be a shock to the system. Also UNC does not shoot well enough to overcome large deficits. They’ve been known to have scoring droughts. If they find themselves down double digits late in the second half they’re in trouble.

ACC TOURNAMENT: It really depends on how bad the Heels want it, but I wouldn’t crown them yet. UNC will probably see MD, NC State, or Virginia, three teams who are playing for their NCAA lives, and really sick of losing to Carolina.

DUKE

Duke’s play has taken a lot of criticism for losing two games at home and barely beating Wake Forest, but this is still a team that beat Kansas, Michigan, Michigan St., and UNC.  Freshman of the Year Austin Rivers can put the team on his back but the other guys will have to step up. Duke has been tested. Their strength of schedule is ranked second and they own some impressive comeback victories against UNC, NC State, and Virginia Tech.

BIG DANCE ADVANCE: If they step it up defensively and make shots. Duke is virtually unbeatable if they run wild on the three point line. They've hit 10 or more three's in 10 games this season, and their only loss was the buzzer beater to Florida State. If the Plumlee brothers can give more offensive help inside to free up the shooters Duke could make a big run.  

SENT PACKING:  If they run up on a team that can score inside, defend and rebound. The Blue Devils ranked tenth in points allowed in the ACC.

ACC TOURNAMENT:  Forget about being blown out at Cameron by UNC. This is still Duke and they’ve won the last three ACC Tournament Championships. What we can’t forget about is the fact that forward Ryan Kelly won’t play because of a sprained ankle.

FLORIDA STATE

Jekyll and Hyde. This FSU team that beat UNC by 33 and beat Duke at Cameron is the same team that lost to Princeton and Harvard. However, the Seminoles made quite a run in January with a seven-game win streak. ACC Coach of the Year Leonard Hamilton figured out if the best offensive talent is going to Duke and UNC, then he needs to get lockdown defenders, and its paying off.

BIG DANCE ADVANCE: If they keep playing their signature defense and find some sort of offensive consistency. Actually their problem isn't scoring, its turnovers. The Seminoles rank first in field goal percentage in the ACC, but are next to last in assists/turnover ratio.

SENT PACKING: If they have to play any one from the Ivy League. Losses to Harvard and Princeton are major red flags.

ACC TOURNAMENT: Depends on which FSU team shows up. The one that got beat by 20 points at Clemson, or the one that took UNC to the woodshed?

VIRGINIA

The Cavs have not adjusted well to losing senior center Assane Sene. They were 15-2 with him in the line up, but finished the season just 7-6 after Sene injured his ankle on January 19th. And to add insult to injury, Coach Tony Bennett said Sene won’t return this season because he violated team rules.  Think about this, it took overtime and 35 points, 11 rebounds from Mike Scott just to beat Maryland. 

BIG DANCE ADVANCE: The Cavs will go as far as Mike Scott can take them. They’ve played pretty good defense all season holding teams to a league best 55 points per game. But eventually you have to score and the Cavs are tenth in ACC scoring.

SENT PACKING: Its all about tempo with UVA. They play a half-court basketball and choose getting back on defense over offensive rebounding. If they come up on a team that can run and gun it will be a short tournament for the Cavs.    

ACC TOURNAMENT: The first round bye will really help UVA as they are not a very deep team. They should beat the winner between NC State/Boston College, but will need more career performances from Mike Scott to make it past Friday.

MIAMI

The Hurricanes made an impressive run in late January with a five game winning streak. Two of those games included a double overtime win against Maryland, followed by an overtime win at Duke. This is a tough team. The Hurricanes don't really have any bad losses on the season. NC State seems to have their number, but the Canes split with Florida St. 

SENT PACKING: The Canes might not even get a chance to pack. That loss at Maryland hurt. But even if Miami does get in, it will be tough getting past the first round. They struggled out of conference losing to Purdue, Old Miss, West Virginia, and Memphis.

ACC TOURNAMENT: The U will beat Georgia Tech. If they can get the Reggie Johnson who put up 27 pts. 12 rbs. against Duke to show up, they'll be very capable of winning the ACC Tournament.

NC STATE

This was definitely a season to build on for the Wolfpack. In just one season they went from finishing next to last in the ACC to finishing fifth in conference. Depth is their main issue because of the up-tempo style that Coach Mark Gottfried likes to play. The Wolfpack showed how dangerous they can be when they had a 20 point lead at Duke (but we know how that turned out). The cavalry comes next season with a top ten recruiting class, and if sophomore C.J. Leslie doesn't turn pro, we might be talking pre-season top 25 for NC State.  

BIG DANCE ADVANCE: I don't see NC State making the Big Dance, and frankly they aren't ready. A loss at home to Georgia Tech probably sealed their fate. Plus NC State hasn't beaten a ranked opponent all season.

ACC TOURNAMENT: The Wolfpack enter the ACC Tournament with some momentum. they ended the season with back to back wins. However, winning four games in four days may be a little too much for a team with no depth. 

MARYLAND 

Ohhhh what could've been if Jordan Williams hadn't left early for the NBA. And that pretty much sums up Maryland's season. The bright spot is a pretty good recruiting class headlined by 6'9 center Shaquille Cleare, joining the ACC's leading scorer Terrell Stoglin (21 ppg.). Hopefully he doesn't leave early too. Maryland's problem is defense. They give up the most points in the ACC.

ACC TOURNAMENT: The Terrapins are struggling and they enter the ACC Tournament on a three-game losing streak. Yes they play Wake Forest, but Maryland didn't really dominate the Deacons in the regular season, winning by only six points.

CLEMSON

We're waiting for Coach Brad Brownell to take Clemson to the next level, but the Tigers took a step back this season. Finishing 8-8 in conference is ok, but their 16-14 record is a head scratcher. Coach Brownell has a recruit coming by the name of Jarron Blossomgame. With a name like Blossomgame...can't wait to see him play! 

ACC TOURNAMENT: The Tigers play Virginia Tech who they just beat a week ago. Clemson has a little bit of momentum. They are 5-2 in their last seven games, while the Hokies have lost four straight. 

VIRGINIA TECH
It seems Virginia Tech is on the bubble every year...but this season they aren't even close. Why did they struggle so much? They can't shoot. The Hokies are dead last in field goal percentage.

ACC TOURNAMENT: The Hokies ended the season on a four-game losing skid. Their first round game against Clemson will be close, but even if the Hokies win they probably won't get past the second round. They didn't win two consecutive conference games all season.

WAKE FOREST
The Demon Deacons want to remember their near come back victory against Duke. They have good pieces in place with guards C.J. Harris (16.8 ppg.) and Travis McKie (15.9 ppg). Their issue is defense where they rank next to last in points allowed.

ACC TOURNAMENT: The Demon Deacons could actually pull off the upset against Maryland. They've got the size and shooters to get past the first round. However, they don't have the horses to get past UNC.

GEORGIA TECH

The glory days of Georgia Tech basketball seem to be long gone. I am not a fan of conference expansion but when I see what's happened to Georgia Tech, I don't blame the ACC for bringing in Pitt and Syracuse. Hopefully Coach Brian Gregory can rebuild this program. They'll be an experienced team next season and he has some size coming in with 6'8 forward Robert Carter.

ACC TOURNAMENT: Georgia Tech's leading scorer and rebounder Glen Rice Jr. was suspended and will not play in the ACC Tournament. Sooo...there you go.

BOSTON COLLEGE
Yes, the Eagles have been beat up on this season, but they are a team of freshman. What kills them in games is the inability to make shots. They rank next to last in field goal percentage. 

ACC TOURNAMENT: A first round match-up against NC State will be hard for the Eagles. I think BC is just too young to beat a Wolfpack squad playing for an NCAA Tournament birth.

Believe the Hype: Kentucky slugs out win over UNC 73 - 72

(AP Photo/James Crisp)

Lexington, KY -- The most anticipated game of the college basketball season between No. 1 Kentucky and No. 5 UNC lived up to expectations.


It was like watching an Ali-Frazier match with both teams slugging it out in a game that went down to the final second.


But in the end it was Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis' block on John Henson with six seconds on the clock that lead UK to a 73 - 72 win over UNC.


UNC had the ball on the last possession. Kendall Marshall passed to Tyler Zeller. When Terrance Jones came to double team, Zeller passed to Henson, who pulled up for a jump shot. But Davis gave Henson a dose of his own medicine, swatting his shot and grabbing the loose ball.


The block was so stunning that the UNC players forgot to foul and time expired. 


Davis may have saved the win, but the player of the game was his freshman teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.


He put up a double-double, with 17 points and 11 rebounds, most of which came in the second half. 


Both teams started the game at a track meets pace lead by Harrison Barnes who scored 14 points and Terrance Jones who also scored 14 points (13 in the first half). 


ANALYZE THIS


Most analysts thought UNC would have to dominate the paint to win, or UK would need to shoot well from the outside. But it was actually UNC that was shooting the lights out, and UK that was controlling the paint. 


UNC shot 61 percent on 11 - 18 three pointers. But only shot 41 percent overall.


Kentucky meanwhile shot only 23 percent on 4 - 17 three pointers, and 44 percent overall.


As close as this game was, two stats killed UNC. Turnovers and Rebounds. UNC was out rebounded 36 to 33 and gave up 14 offensive rebounds, which for them, should not happen with Henson and Zeller in the front court.


Kentucky also forced UNC into 13 turnovers, while the Wildcats only committed nine.

Ironically this game ended much like the last match-up when UNC played UK in the Elite 8 last March.


In that game Terrance Jones blocked a layup by UNC guard Kendall Marshall that might have tied the game.

The Revival of Barber-Scotia

CONCORD, N.C. -- For as long as I can remember, Concord, N.C. has been known for three things. Phillip Morris, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Barber-Scotia College. Phillip Morris is gone, the Speedway almost left, and Barber-Scotia has been hanging by a thread. That thread is a small group of people who have dedicated themselves to resurrecting this historically black college that graduated civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, and many of our parents and grandparents. The school’s rich history and reputation was tarnished when it lost its accreditation in 2004 and nearly shutdown. 

Now as the 2011-2012 college basketball season kicks off, Barber-Scotia is using the sport to make a comeback with a new men’s and women’s basketball team. For a school in Scotia’s financial position it would be very easy to eliminate women’s basketball, especially in this economy. However, being that Scotia was founded as a school for women, including women’s sports says a lot about the school’s dedication to its heritage. 

Barber-Scotia President Dr. David Olah says their basketball team is more about community presence than money. “We’re not doing it to raise money, it’s more about re-establishing our prominence in the community, so people know we are here. One of the problems we have is re-establishing our credibility. We think basketball is a great ambassador program for us.” said Dr. Olah.

One of the people helping revive Scotia is its new women’s basketball coach Marcel Webster. Coach Webster, as well as men's Head Coach Marcus Pryor, face all sorts of challenges. They have no money to offer scholarships. They’ve also had to hit the recruiting trail and convince players to come to a school that is not accredited. Losing accreditation has really hurt Scotia’s reputation, but Webster says it’s not stopping them. "Believe it or not we've been overly successful in signing players. Players have embraced what we're trying to do, from an academic stand point, from an accreditation stand point, and from a women's basketball stand point. We've been truthful about everything we say we're going to do, and though its been difficult, we've been successful." said Webster.

One major selling point is the school's new basketball court. It has been completely resurfaced and detailed with the team's Saber mascot at center court. The name "Al Coefield Court" is inscribed along the sideline. Webster says that court will be a huge factor for the school's resurgence. SunDrop Bottling is one company that has already invested in the school by paying for the shot clock and the score board. Webster said the basketball court was in such bad shape before its makeover, that teams refused to come play at Scotia. The women’s unbelievably hard basketball schedule shows how bad opponents didn’t want to play in Scotia’s gym. Out of their 32 games this season, they’ll only play 10 home games, and their first 14 games are on the road. 

The Lady Sabers have embraced being the underdog and have not let their school’s situation get them down. “I could’ve went to other schools and played, but I wanted to make a difference and help start the school back up” said freshman Shanequa Jackson. 

The team has also been passing out flyers in the community to drum up support and get people to the games. “We get positive feedback but the first thing people say is, I thought that school was closed!” said freshman guard Tesha “Hollywood” Wilson. “It just makes me work harder and get the school known because this is my school!” said Wilson. 

Another factor that really helps Scotia is it’s now part of an athletic conference. The college was recently accepted into the USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association) which Webster says is more proof people are taking notice and believe the Scotia can be nationally relevant again. The men's basketball team played last season, but they did not belong to a conference. Now they have something more to play for and that will be a huge boost to the team's confidence.

Barber-Scotia expects to get its accreditation back within the next year. Dr. Olah says the school still has some debt to remove before that can happen, but academically the school is successful. 

That success was displayed this past May when the school had its first graduate in seven years. Benita Boyd graduated with a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies. She was the only person to walk across the stage. Her niece, also named Benita, now plays point guard for the Lady Sabers.

If you would like to check out the men’s and women’s Barber-Scotia basketball games, click here www.b-sc.edu.

Mad talent found at Elite 75

Nearly 200 kids showed up for the Elite 75 Prep basketball camp at Cannon School in Concord, NC. The event gave 9th - 12th graders the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of some of the top scouts in the nation, including college scouts, representatives from NIKE, and ESPN’s Dave Telep and Paul Biancardi. The camp featured some of the top up and coming players in the nation. Here are several players that caught my eye. 

Kennedy Meeks - PF/6’8/Charlotte, NC

Kennedy Meeks was probably the most recognizable player at the camp. The 6’8 junior is nearly impossible to miss when he walks into the gym. Meeks is currently ranked No. 29 on ESPN’s 2013 Class and is easily compared to former UNC player Sean May. The obvious plus for Meeks is his size but scouts agree its his hands that separate him from the pack. Meeks is strong when he gets the ball in the post and has nice touch on his shot. I saw him hit several jump shots and he showed some nice spin moves in the post. Meeks still has a lot of work to do on his body and needs to get better at running the floor. Meeks is a junior at West Charlotte High School and will graduate in 2013.

Dwayne Morgan - 6’7/SF/Baltimore, MD

The first name I heard when I arrived at the camp was Dwayne Morgan from Baltimore. The scouts are very high on the 6’7 tenth grader because of his size and skill level at his age. I heard one scout predict Morgan would be the number one player in Baltimore. Morgan can shoot from the outside and take the ball to the basket. I saw him hit three or four jump shots in a row. None of the players that defended Morgan could check him. Morgan’s game and body screams “potential”. Again, he’s only in the tenth grade. It will be interesting to see how his game develops as he gets stronger and puts on more weight. However, he certainly left an impression at the Elite 75. I had never heard of Morgan before Elite 75, 12 hours later he was the headline on ESPN’s recruiting page. Morgan attends City High School and will graduate in 2014.

Josh Newkirk - PG/6’1/Raleigh, NC

One of the dominant players at the camp was Josh Newkirk. The 6’1 point guard is very quick and can blow past defenders off the dribble. One attribute that separated Newkirk from the rest of the camp was his attitude. He showed more killer instinct than anyone else.  The strength of his game is driving to the basket and finishing. When he drives to the hole he’s looking to dunk it. Newkirk can hit the open jump shot but needs to work on shooting off the dribble. Newkirk is a junior at Word of God Christian Academy and will graduate in 2013.

Labryan Shiftlet - SF/6’4/Greenville, SC

A player that quickly caught my eye was Labryan Shiftlet of Greenville, S.C. Shiftlet has a similar game to Newkirk. His jump shot is a little better than Newkirk’s, but Newkirk is more explosive. Shiftlet is a very high energy player. He was able to score with a dribble step back jump shot and in transition. Shiftlet is a junior at Greer High School and will graduate in 2013.

Da’Jon Streeter - PG/6’5/Logan, WV

Coaches like to have players that are match up problems and Da’Jon Streeter is just that. He’s a 6’5 point guard that can break you down off the dribble. I saw him constantly  blow past defenders, get to the hoop, and finish. I also saw him make a number of good passes showing he can find the open man. The strength of his game is dribble penatration, but he gets a little out of control at times. If he can run the point in college he’ll be tough to stop. Streeter is a junior at Logan High School and will graduate in 2013.

Blake Cranor - F/6’5/Lake Norman, NC

Blake Cranor is not the flashiest or quickest man on the court but he could make a good roll player. Cranor is a good spot up shooter and has the body to bang inside. 

He’s a junior at Lake Norman High School and will graduate in 2013.

The pace of the games at Elite 75 were “run and gun” so it was hard to gage how well players played defense in a half court setting.

The camp put a real focus on work ethic. Skills guru Ryan Goodson of Goodson Basketball talked to the kids about having intensity and passion in their workouts. He shared stories about how NBA star Kevin Garnett is a leader when it comes to getting his team motivated. Goodson told the kids that on some occasions, Kobe Bryant doesn’t leave the gym until he makes 150 shots in a row. Goodson also showed off some of his dribbling skills, dribbling two and three basketballs at a time.

Judging from this camp, we’re in store for a lot of good high school basketball this season. The talent coming out of high school over the next four years is special so college basketball fans get ready! 

Charlotte's Skeen leading VCU to victory

Jamie Skeen. We haven't heard that name in a long time. Sunday Skeen scored 21 points to lead the VCU Rams to a 79-63 win over George Mason University. The win puts the Rams just one game away from a conference championship and an automatic birth in the NCAA Tournament.
Skeen used to dominate at North Mecklenburg high school and played two seasons at Wake Forest before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth in 2009. While Skeen was at Wake Forest he averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. Now the senior forward is averaging 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds for VCU.
The Rams play Old Dominion Monday night to earn their spot in the NCAA Tournament. It would be Skeen's first trip to the Big Dance and the Rams' first appearance since 2009.

THE HOT LIST

 

It's almost Tournament time and there are only a few games left in the regular season for college basketball. However with all the upsets going on, you must be really nervous about filling out those Tournament brackets. But remember, its all about who is hot at the end of February. So MRM has developed the Hot List.

1. TEXAS

Ok... forget about getting beat by Nebraska. Texas is still the only team to beat Kansas in Lawrence this season and that earns them major respect. The Longhorns were on an 11 game winning streak before getting upset by the Cornhuskers.

2. DUKE
Say hello to the nation's new #1 team (for now). The Blue Devils have acted like losing to St. John's never happened and are now on a six-game winning streak. Nolan Smith has put the team on his back averaging 26.6 ppg. over the last ten games. We'll see how tournament ready they are when they step out of conference to play #24 Temple on February 23.

3. ST. JOHN'S

It's the return of the Red Storm. St. John's showed they are for real by beating #4 Pitt, their fifth win over a Top 25 team. The Red Storm is also on a four-game winning streak and 6-1 since beating Duke on January 3. Saturday's win over Pitt also earned St. John's a spot in the Top 25 for the first time in more than a decade.

4. UNC

The Heels bounced back from the Duke loss with wins over Clemson, Wake Forest, and Boston College. UNC is one of the hottest teams in the country, but too bad their shooting isn't, just .45% from the field. Freshman point guard Kendall Marshall should be a lock for ACC Rookie of the Year. He's averaging 5 apg. but he'd probably average 10 assists if UNC could shoot.

5. PURDUE

The Boilermakers are on a four-game winning streak highlighted by their victory over Ohio State. They're now in position to win the Big Ten if they can finish strong. It won't be easy though, as three of their last four games are on the road at Indiana, at Michigan St., and at Iowa.

6. GEORGETOWN
The Hoyas took a little hit with a loss to a desperate UConn team, but Georgetown is 9-1 in their last ten games. The Hoyas are basically getting it done with good shooting. They're second in the nation in field goal percentage.

7. NOTRE DAME
My vote for surprise team of the year (next to St. John's). We knew Ben Hansbrough had a little game, but who would've thought he's a beast. Saturday's loss to West Virginia snapped a seven-game winning streak for ND. However, nobody figured the Irish would be in second place in the Big East and in position to win the regular season.  

8. TEMPLE

Has anyone noticed the Owls are on an eight-game winning streak and have wins over Georgetown, Maryland, and only lost by four to Villanova?  If that didn't grab any one's attention, they'll get plenty of recognition if beat Duke on February 23.

9. ARIZONA
Arizona was flying stealth but they've popped up on radar with a big win over Washington to push their winning streak to eight games. It's good to see the Wildcats back too. A bad Arizona team is about as depressing in the PAC-10, as the ACC is with a bad Wake Forest.

10. UTAH ST.
The win over St. Mary's should've put the Aggies on everyone's bracket radar. The Aggies are now 20-1 since December 7.

11. FLORIDA

The Gators have been through some tough ones lately. An overtime win against Vanderbilt, followed by a two-point win over Kentucky, and a one-point win against Tennessee. This is a tough, battle-tested team on a five-game winning streak.

12. UCLA

The Bruins are on a six-game winning streak and 9-1 in their last ten games. The Bruins haven't made much noise nationally, but this is a team that lost by only one point to Kansas, and has wins over BYU and St. John's (which actually means something now).