College Basketball Power Rankings – Week 15

College Basketball Power Rankings for Week 15 of the season feature a familiar face on top and Duke’s return to the list after an up-and-down season.

Note: These are the schools I believe are playing the best right now, not necessarily the Top 10 based on resume or AP Rankings.

10. Duke

Coach K is back. They are getting healthy. Luke Kennard gets buckets. Grayson Allen and Jayson Tatum have elevated their games. This team has the highest ceiling in college basketball. They are gaining the look of a Final four team at just the right time.

9. Oregon

Despite the loss to UCLA, I remain a believer in Oregon. As balanced a team as you’ll find in the nation, they are elite offensively and play at the same level defense. There are multiple stars on this team who are capable of stepping up and being the guy depending on matchups.

8. Arizona

The return of Allonzo Trier has given the Wildcats an entirely new identity. Alongside Lauri Markkanen and Kobi Simmons, they have as good a “Big Three” as any in the nation.

7. UCLA

They have begun to play a little defense in Westwood. This adds an entirely new layer of intrigue to the Bruins. They can light up a scoreboard, but against Oregon they displayed the ability to turn the water off on their opponent.

6. North Carolina

Theo Pinson’s return gives this team that glue guy it has sorely been missing. Tar Heels possess great size, athleticism, and length. Their dominate the backboard and run incredibly efficient offense.

5. Louisville

Donovan Mitchell has emerged as a star. The Cardinals are wildly athletic and play at a frenetic pace. Their ability to dictate tempo can be overwhelming for the opponent.

4. Baylor

A team typically known for its offensive prowess, has changed the game. One of the nation’s strongest defenses play a physical brand of basketball that wins in the trenches.

3. Kansas

The emergence of Joshua Jackson gives this team extra juice. The Jayhawks go as far as this perimeter will take them. These guards are good enough to overcome an average frontline.

2. Gonzaga

Finished their last true obstacle of the regular season, winning at St. Mary’s in convincing manner. This team will finish the season perfect and worthy of a #1 seed. A balanced team that has depth.

1. Villanova

The most consistent team all year. Josh Hart is a bonafide star that is capable of putting the team on his back, a la Kemba Walker in 2011. Kris Jenkins playing at a high level makes this team elite.

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