POWER RANKINGS
A year ago, Oklahoma was mostly an inconsistent mess on the basketball court. What a difference time can make. The Sooners are arguably the hottest team in the Big 12 less than a month into the season. They’re undefeated and they’re fresh off upsetting starstudded USC.
So, it’s no surprise they’re the biggest risers in this week’s power rankings. There was more movement than usual, too, after several teams stepped up their schedule for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Let’s get to the rankings.
1. Kansas
Last week: 1
What to know: Kansas coach Bill Self was not interested in Marquette coach Shaka Smart’s beef with the Jayhawks. Self has more to be concerned with, like finding more playmaking on the perimeter.
2. Houston
Last week: 2
What to know: The Cougars’ transition to the Big 12 has yet to be tested. But the series with Big East foes should reveal more about Kelvin Sampson’s squad with a road trip to Xavier.
3. Baylor
Last week: 4
What to know: The Bears aren’t just talented freshmen. Old guys like Jalen Bridges, RayJ Dennis and Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchuoa helped Baylor win the NIT Season Tip-Off and deserve just as much respect.
4. Texas
Last week: 3
What to know: The Longhorns might have the best backcourt duo in the Big 12 with Max Abmas and Tyrese Hunter. But success could depend more on forward Kadin Shedrick.
5. Oklahoma
Last week: 10
What to know: The Sooners are red hot. A win over USC to win the Rady Children’s Invitational was huge. But the Trojans’ DJ Rodman — the son of former NBA great Dennis Rodman — not boxing out for a rebound on the gamewinning tip-in by Otega Oweh might be the greatest gift of the season.
6. BYU
Last week: 7
What to know: The Cougars keep winning and show no signs of slowing down. And they have a little fight in them. Just watch the skirmish with Arizona State last week.
7. Kansas State
Last week: 5
What to know: Ranked opponents are giving the Wildcats fits. Fortunately, they get NCAA Tournament darling Oral Roberts at home this week considering the Golden Eagles are winless as visitors.
8. TCU
Last week: 6
What to know: The Horned Frogs’ run of playing only mid-majors finally ends this week. Perhaps that will tell us a little more about them.
9. Iowa State
Last week: 8
What to know: With six true freshmen, there will be growing pains for the Cyclones. Case in point: Blowing a 21-point lead to Texas A&M.
10. Texas Tech
Last week: 9
What to know: The Red Raiders took fifth in the Battle 4 Atlantis, but finished strong with a buzzer-beating win over Northern Iowa and a 16-point win over Michigan. Going 2-1 in the tournament brings hope compared to this team a year ago.
11. Cincinnati
Last week: 11
What to know: The Bearcats are comfortable at home. They’re 5-0 and have yet to play a road game. That changes this week.
12. UCF
Last week: 12
What to know: Ball State transfer Jaylin Sanders continues to light up the scoreboard. But that wasn’t enough to keep the Knights from losing to instate rival Stetson for the first time in two decades.
13. Oklahoma State
Last week: 14
What to know: The young Cowboys are trending in the right direction for the first time all season. They have shown promise with two wins the past week, scoring 92 or more points in each game without veteran scorer Bryce Thompson. Still, Mike Boynton’s team has a long way to go.
14. West Virginia
Last week: 13
What to know: Why OSU over West Virginia when both have terrible losses? The Mountaineers’ defeats are worse. First, it was Montmouth. On Sunday, it was Bellarmine.