Dec. 01--The nonconference tournaments have shaken the college basketball rankings again.
Syracuse is one of five new teams on my Associated Press Top 25 ballot. Indiana is among the underachievers that fell out.
(Last week's ranking in parentheses; records through Sunday.)
1. (1) Kentucky 6-0
2. (2) Maryland 6-0
3. (3) Michigan State 7-0
4. (4) Kansas 4-1
5. (5) Iowa State 5-0
6. (6) Duke 6-1
7. (7) Oklahoma 4-0
8. (8) Villanova 6-0
9. (9) North Carolina 5-1
10. (13) Virginia 5-1
11. (10) Arizona 6-1
12. (18) Purdue 6-0
13. (NR) Syracuse 6-0
14. (24) Xavier 7-0
15. (23) Texas A 6-1
16. (12) Gonzaga 4-1
17. (NR) Cincinnati 7-0
18. (21) Oregon 5-0
19. (22) SMU 4-0
20. (20) Vanderbilt 5-1
21. (19) Connecticut 4-2
22. (NR) Louisville 5-0
23. (NR) West Virginia 6-0
24. (15) Miami 5-1
25. (NR) Providence 6-1
Dropped out: Indiana (11), California (14), Wichita State (16), Notre Dame (17), Utah (25).
--What a week for the Orange. Syracuse debuts in the rankings after beating Charlotte, Connecticut and Texas A in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. Freshmen Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon are names to learn.
--Xavier also makes a giant move. The Musketeers are off to their best start since 2011 and have six double-digit victories, including impressive wins against Michigan and Dayton.
--Why did Texas A make such a big jump despite losing to Syracuse? A combination of reasons. The Aggies lost to a team playing as convincingly as any, and they also beat a tough Gonzaga team. And teams such as Indiana, Cal, Notre Dame and Wichita State playing horribly last week opened the door for a move up.
--Louisville coach Rick Pitino argued the Cardinals had been unranked because of their off-court scandals. His theory isn't true, and his rant isn't why the Cardinals are now on my ballot. Louisville has not played anyone impressive (Samford, Hartford, North Florida, St. Francis and Saint Louis), but the Cardinals have skilled players who could make an impression this season.
sryan@tribpub.com
