Power Rankings: One Gift for Every Top-25 Team
As we bid farewell to the thrilling marquee MTEs and tournaments of November, and wave goodbye to the conference challenges and neutral-site nonconference showdowns of recent weeks, we find ourselves on the brink of full-blown conference play. But hold your horses, because we’re not quite there yet. The last week of December is always a mixed bag when it comes to scheduling. Some leagues are diving into conference play, while others are squeezing in a bye game or, for a select few, one last big nonconference clash to wrap up the 2024 slate.
The big shake-up this past week came courtesy of Kentucky’s loss to Ohio State, which knocked the Wildcats out of the top five. Now, they’re staring down a brutal five-game stretch to kick off SEC play. They’ll face Florida, travel to Georgia, Mississippi State, and then host Texas A&M and Alabama. This stretch will either catapult them back among the national title contenders or send them further down the rankings.
With the calendar about to flip to 2025, it’s time to look ahead. And since we’re in a generous mood, let’s explore one thing each top-25 team needs in the second half of the 2024-25 season.
1. Auburn Tigers (11-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Johni Broome to stay healthy. Auburn has been the most dominant team in college basketball this season, boasting historic efficiency numbers through the first two months. However, when Broome went down with a shoulder injury against Georgia State, their title hopes seemed to hang in the balance. Fortunately, Broome returned against Purdue, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 boards.
Next seven days: vs. Monmouth (Dec. 30)
2. Tennessee Volunteers (12-0)
Previous ranking: 2
Igor Milicic Jr. to find his shooting stroke. The 6-foot-10 Croatian big man was expected to make shots from the perimeter, but he’s been more productive around the rim. Milicic returning to form from 3-point range would be a boost for the Vols, as he’s shooting just 25% from behind the arc this season.
Next seven days: vs. Norfolk State (Dec. 31)
3. Iowa State Cyclones (10-1)
Previous ranking: 3
Their offensive resurgence to continue. Iowa State is a legitimate national championship contender due to its offensive improvements. While their defense remains strong, their offense has been one of the best in the country. If this trend continues in Big 12 play, the Cyclones will remain near the top of the rankings.
Next seven days: at Colorado (Dec. 30)
4. Duke Blue Devils (10-2)
Previous ranking: 5
No freshman wall. Duke is likely to be favored in every game for the rest of the season. The Blue Devils can win even on off nights due to their size and shotmakers, as long as freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach continue to perform well.
Next seven days: vs. Virginia Tech (Dec. 31)
5. Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
Previous ranking: 6
Three-pointers to start falling. Alabama ranks 25th nationally in 3-point attempt rate, but they’re making just 31.3% of their perimeter shots. Improving this percentage will be crucial for their success.
Next seven days: vs. South Dakota State (Dec. 29)
6. Florida Gators (12-0)
Previous ranking: 7
A marquee win. Florida is one of four unbeaten teams left, but they lack a signature win. Their best victory is over North Carolina, and the SEC offers plenty of opportunities for a statement win.
Next seven days: vs. Stetson (Dec. 29)
7. Oregon Ducks (11-1)
Previous ranking: 8
Defensive rebounding. Oregon has been a surprise team, but they need to improve their defensive rebounding as they enter Big Ten play. Opponents have been grabbing too many offensive boards against them.
Next seven days: vs. Weber State (Dec. 29)
8. Kentucky Wildcats (10-2)
Previous ranking: 4
Shoot more 3s. Kentucky needs to increase their 3-point attempts, aiming for 30-35 per game. They’ve struggled to reach this mark in recent games, and improving their 3-point shooting will be key.
Next seven days: vs. Brown (Dec. 31)
9. Marquette Golden Eagles (11-2)
Previous ranking: 9
Continue forcing turnovers. Marquette excels in steal percentage and defensive turnover percentage. They need to maintain this to secure easy baskets, as they don’t get to the free throw line often.
Next seven days: at Providence (Dec. 31)
10. Kansas Jayhawks (9-2)
Previous ranking: 10
AJ Storr and Rylan Griffen to make an impact. Kansas had a strong portal class, but Storr and Griffen need to step up. Their contributions will be crucial for Kansas’ success in the second half of the season.
Next seven days: vs. West Virginia (Dec. 31)
11. Texas A&M Aggies (10-2)
Previous ranking: 11
Wade Taylor to return soon. Taylor, a key scorer, missed a recent game due to injury. His return is vital for A&M’s offense, as he’s been efficient and consistent this season.
Next seven days: vs. Abilene Christian (Dec. 28)
12. UConn Huskies (10-3)
Previous ranking: 12
Improved 3-point defense. UConn has turned their season around but still struggles with defending the 3. Opponents have been shooting well from beyond the arc, and UConn needs to address this issue.
Next seven days: at DePaul (Jan. 1)
13. Ole Miss Rebels (11-1)
Previous ranking: 13
An inside presence in SEC play. Ole Miss needs to improve their interior game, especially in rebounding. They face challenges against bigger teams, and players like Malik Dia and John Bol will be crucial.
Next seven days: at Memphis (Dec. 28)
14. Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-3)
Previous ranking: 16
Graham Ike on the court. Gonzaga’s shooting has improved, but Ike needs to be more consistent. His performance will be key for Gonzaga’s success in March.
Next seven days: at UCLA (Dec. 28)
15. Oklahoma Sooners (12-0)
Previous ranking: 17
Sam Godwin to hold his own. Oklahoma lacks height, affecting their rebounding and defense. Godwin’s performance will be crucial in addressing these issues.
Next seven days: vs. Prairie View A&M (Dec. 29)
16. Mississippi State Bulldogs (11-1)
Previous ranking: 22
Better 3-point defense. Mississippi State’s perimeter defense has been a strength in the past, but this season, opponents are shooting well from 3. Improving this will be key for their success.
Next seven days: vs. Bethune Cookman (Dec. 30)
17. San Diego State Aztecs (8-2)
Previous ranking: 18
A statement start to Mountain West play. San Diego State has been successful in recent years, and a strong start in conference play will solidify their position as league favorites.
Next seven days: vs. Utah State (Dec. 28)
18. Houston Cougars (8-3)
Previous ranking: 19
Stay the course. Houston started the season ranked in the top five but faced early losses. With upcoming favorable matchups, they have a chance to rise back into the top five.
Next seven days: at Oklahoma State (Dec. 30)
19. Michigan State Spartans (10-2)
Previous ranking: 23
Hope the recent 3-point uptick is real. Michigan State’s shooting has improved recently, and maintaining this trend will be crucial for their success.
Next seven days: vs. Western Michigan (Dec. 30)
20. UCLA Bruins (10-2)
Previous ranking: 14
Improved transition defense. UCLA’s defense is strong, but they struggle in transition. Addressing this weakness will be key for their success against top teams.
Next seven days: vs. Gonzaga (Dec. 28)
21. Cincinnati Bearcats (10-1)
Previous ranking: Unranked
Backcourt health. Cincinnati has faced injuries in their backcourt, affecting their performance. Once all players are healthy, they should be ready to compete at a high level.
Next seven days: at Kansas State (Dec. 30)
22. Dayton Flyers (10-3)
Previous ranking: 15
Win the free throw battle. Dayton’s losses have come when opponents attempt more free throws. Winning this battle will be crucial for their success.
Next seven days: vs. La Salle (Dec. 31)
23. Purdue Boilermakers (8-4)
Previous ranking: 21
Figure out the turnover situation. Purdue has struggled with turnovers, especially in losses. Addressing this issue will be key for their success in the second half of the season.
Next seven days: vs. Toledo (Dec. 29)
24. Baylor Bears (7-3)
Previous ranking: 24
Defend. Baylor has struggled defensively in various areas. Improving their defense will be crucial for their success in the competitive Big 12.
Next seven days: vs. Arlington Baptist (Dec. 27), vs. Utah (Dec. 31)
25. Memphis Tigers (9-3)
Previous ranking: 20
Avoid a repeat of last season. Memphis needs to maintain their strong start and avoid the late-season collapse they experienced last year. With key wins already, they have the potential to succeed.
Next seven days: vs. Ole Miss (Dec. 28)
Dropped out: St. John’s Red Storm (No. 25)
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello
