Auburn, Duke, Tennessee, Houston, Iowa State: The Dominant Teams to Watch this Season
Auburn, Duke, Tennessee, Houston, and Iowa State have emerged as dominant teams in college basketball this season. Auburn leads the pack with five players ranking in the top 100 of offensive rating at KenPom, making them one of the most efficient teams in the country. With an adjusted offensive efficiency margin of 5.1 points ahead of UConn, Auburn is positioned as a strong contender for the national championship game.
Similarly, Duke has seen significant improvements since inserting Sion James into the starting lineup, leading to six double-digit wins and solid defensive performances. Tennessee is also making waves with Chaz Lanier’s impressive shooting prowess, earning him a spot as a potential first-team All-American for the second straight season.
Iowa State boasts a top-10 ranking on both offense and defense, mirroring the success of Baylor’s 2021 national championship team. With their strong performance against Baylor, Iowa State is positioning itself as a serious title contender this season.
Houston continues to dominate with its defense, reminiscent of last year’s success, while UConn’s Tarris Reed has transformed into one of the nation’s most efficient big men, showcasing remarkable improvements in his play.
Michigan State is defying the odds as one of the worst 3-point shooting teams but excelling in free throw shooting. West Virginia’s recent triumph against Kansas marks a significant milestone, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 conference.
With notable performances from Michigan, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, the current college basketball landscape is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. As these teams continue to showcase their skills on the court, fans can expect an exciting journey towards March Madness.