Midseason top 25

1. Michigan 15-0- Led by Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. they’ve looked unbeatable thus far. If Glenn Robinson Jr. and Nick Stauskus continue to play at a high level, and can get some consistent post play they should win the Big10 title. Player to watch: Mitch McGary C
2. Duke 15-0- Their lack of bench support is alarming, but the starting five is the best in the country. Mason Plumlee and Seth Curry will need to continue their dominating play if they want to avoid another early tournament exit. Player to watch: Quinn Cook PG
3. Arizona 14-0- Mark Lyons has been everything they could ask for and then some. Upper-classmen Nick Johnson and Solomon Hill have been excellent too, and the scariest thing for other teams is they haven’t even gotten their three talented freshman going yet. Player to watch: Kaleb Tarczewski C
4. Louisville 13-1- Russ Smith aka “Russdiculous” has been just that so far averaging 20 points per game. Chane Behanan and Peyton Siva are solid on offense and spectacular on defense. Getting Gorgui Dieng back is huge entering conference play. Player to watch: Wayne Blackshear SG
5. Indiana 13-1- On paper, they still have the most talent in the country, and had it not been for a crazy shot by Butler’s Rontei Clarke they’d still be number one. Zeller needs to step up his game a bit, but Oladipo has been better than advertised. Player to watch: Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell PG
6. Syracuse 14-1- Michael Carter- Williams has made me look like a genius at times after ranking him the best player in the Big East. He needs to shoot better the second half of the season, but overall he’s been great. Player to watch: DaJuan Coleman C/ Rakeen Christmas PF
7. Gonzaga 15-1- The addition of Kelly Olynyk has put them over the top. They and Indiana have the most overall depth and talent, and this could be the year Gonzaga wins it all. Player to watch: Gary Bell Jr. SF
8. Minnesota 14-1- They established themselves with their physicality against the Spartans last week. Andre and Austin Hollins are terrific guards that can light it up from deep or score on the drive. One of the best teams in a crowded Big10. Player to watch: Trevor Mbakwe PF
9. Kansas 12-1- Their only loss came against Michigan State back in November, but there are still a lot of questions with this team. A recent close game against Temple exposed them against quicker guards, which they could run into in the tournament. They also need more consistent play next to Withey. Player to watch: Kevin Young PF
10. Missouri 12-2- This team is set up to make a very deep tournament run. Phil Pressey is a terrific point guard and leader. Lawrence Bowers looks great after missing all of last year with an injury. Transfers Keion Bell, Jabari Brown, and Earnest Ross all bring something different to the table. Player to watch: Alex Oriakhi C
11. Illinois 14-2- Another amazing Big10 team. Senior guard Brandon Paul is one of the best players in the nation. If Egwu can continue to progress and Tracey Abrams can keep up with other talented guards Illinois will need to be taken seriously come tournament time. Player to watch: Joseph Bertrand SG
12. N.C State 12-2- After a couple of losses early (one of which was on the road against top ranked Michigan) they’ve started to settle in. A tremendous and balanced starting five is their strong point, but an overall lack of bench support is a concern. Player to watch: Tyler Lewis PG
13. Notre Dame 14-1- The Irish aren’t getting a lot of buzz behind them, but are quietly putting together a strong season. The rise of guards Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins have put them on the radar to win the Big East. Player to watch: Pat Connaughton SF
14. Butler 12-2- Rontei Clarke’s spectacular game winning shots caught the headlines early in the year, but the rest of the team can get it done too. Their big win over Indiana proved they can hang with the best, and coach Brad Stephens knows how to win in the tournament. Player to watch: Roosevelt Jones SF
15. Florida 10-2- I haven’t been overly impressed with Florida thus far, but with guards Mike Rosario and Kenny Boynton they can score with anyone. Patrick Young is a physical force in the paint, but he needs help. Player to watch: Will Yuguete PF
16. Creighton 15-1- Season three of the Doug McDermott show is in full effect as he’s averaging 23 points per game. Senior Gary Gibbs and junior Ethan Wragge will need to become solid second and third scoring options when teams double team McDermott in the tournament. Player to watch: Gary Gibbs PG
17. San Diego State 12-2- Jamaal Franklin and Chase Tapely might be the best and most underrated guard duo in the nation. If SDSU can get any post help at all, they could be a force in the tournament. Player to watch: Winston Shepard PF
18. UNLV 13-2- This team is a complete enigma right now. Their stars from last year, Anthony Marshall and Mike Moser, have been terribly disappointing as neither one is averaging over nine points. Freshman Anthony Bennett has established himself as one of the best players in the nation, so if either Moser or Marshall return to form this team could be unstoppable. Player to watch: Mike Moser PF
19. Kansas State 12-2- Bruce Weber’s more laid back style has helped Will Spradling become a more consistent shooter. Rodney McGruder is back to playing like he was last year. They need more consistent offensive production from the post, but the Big12 is very winnable this year. Player to watch: Nino Williams SF
20. Michigan State 12-3- The Spartans have been a little offensively challenged at times this year, but different players have had huge performances on different nights. If they can put it all together they still have the talent to make a Final Four run. Player to watch: Branden Dawson F
21. Ohio State 12-3- I really don’t think they should be ranked at all, but the play of DeShawn Thomas has been impressive. Aaron Craft isn’t nearly the offensive threat he is defensively, and they just can’t find a consistent line-up. Player to watch: Lenzelle Smith Jr. SG
22. Cincinnati 13-3- Their shooting has been worse than I expected so far, but they could get hot at any moment. The loss of Yancy Gates in the paint is proving to be too hard to overcome. Player to watch: David Njarsuk C
23. UCLA 12-3- Shabazz Muhammad will likely be the top pick in next year’s draft, and the Wear twins have emerged as consistent offensive threats. They need either Adams or Anderson to step up if they want to make a tournament run though. Player to watch: Kyle Anderson SF
24. Maryland 13-1- They don’t have a win that just pops out at anyone yet, but they’ve been solid and the talent is there. If they can survive ACC conference play, they will be a team to watch for. Player to watch: Alex Len C
25. Baylor 10-4- Baylor is a microcosm of their star point guard, Pierre Jackson. He can be amazing and score points in bunches, or turn it over 10 times in a game. With Isaiah Austin back and playing great they can be a team to watch for, but they need to be more consistent. Player to watch: Corey Jefferson PF