ESPN released its initial Basketball Power Index for the 2019-2020 college basketball season and there are some very interesting and eyebrow-raising things to make note of. Much like its FPI (Football Power Index), the equations and metrics that go into it can be a little fuzzy and out of whack, but the website does provide a little insight into what goes into making the sausage.
There’s a lot that apparently goes into it, and even ESPN itself agrees that the system isn’t perfect and will need improving as time goes on. It has only been around since 2011 and was created as a ratings index to rival the RPI.
With all that being said, where does this sorcery have Ohio State ranked to start the season? It has the Buckeyes right at No. 25 overall in the preseason.
Now, we might be a little biased here, but that seems quite a bit low considering the amount of returning production and influx of top-flight talent that’s a part of the equation this year. Ohio State only lost guards C.J. Jakson and Keyshaun Woods.
Then, consider it has three top thirty recruits coming into the fold, is extremely deep, and continues to be coached by a guy that’s gotten the most out of his roster his first two years and something seems off.
Regardless, the FPI top ten looks a little more in-line. It has Michigan State No. 1 followed by Florida, last year’s national champion Virginia, Villanova, and Duke rounding out the top ten.
Other teams from the Big Ten appearing in the top 25 are Wisconsin at sixth (no way), Purdue (11), Iowa (20), and Penn State (24). By the way, the preseason Amway Coaches and AP Polls only have three teams from the Big Ten appearing in the top 25.
Here’s to hoping Ohio State exceeds expectations for the third straight year.
