Getting junior forward Dillon Brooks back into the swing of things will be important for Oregon entering conference play, but he seems to be playing inconsistently. He scored nine points on 3-of-9 shooting in a win over Fresno State and the Ducks improved to 11-2 on the season. This team has the potential to be scary, but it needs to figure out its identity.
For the third straight game, junior big man Jock Landale finished with a double-double as the St. Mary’s Gaels improved to 10-1 in Week 7. The Gaels are led by the big man and might have a very efficient offense, but it seems to be a gritty defense that carries them. They had no problem disposing of Texas A&M CC and S.C. State. However, can they compete with Gonzaga in the WAC?
Arizona is still playing without Allonzo Trier and that hasn’t seemed to bother it all that much. While they would be a much more complete team with Trier competing, the Wildcats seem to be figuring out ways to win with Lauri Markkanen, Rawle Alkins and Kobi Simmons leading the way. New Mexico didn’t stand a chance against Arizona last week.
Junior guard Trevon Bluiett is continuing his quest for player of the year honors by leading Xavier past Eastern Washington with ease last week. He is averaging 19 points per game on the season and he’s one of the main reasons why the Musketeers are 10-2. The Big East will be quite the test this season as it looks like there’s plenty of stiff competition.
Indina is one of those teams that could be a Final Four favorite and potential a top team in the country or a first round exit because of a massive upset. The Hoosiers have shown the ability to beat teams like North Carolina and Kansas this season, but losses to IPFW and Butler have proven the opposite. While Butler is a solid team, the Hoosiers looked defeated early in that contest two weeks ago. Two easy wins in Week 7 and they’re sitting pretty at No. 16.