NCAA basketball rankings Top 50 2021: Gonzaga, UCLA vie for top spot

NCAA basketball rankings Top 50 2021: Gonzage, UCLA vie for No. 1; Duke, Michigan, Kentucky in Top 10

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Drew Timme #2 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the first half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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March Madness, NCAA Tournament (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

40. LSU Tigers (SEC)

The Tigers could swing in two wildly different directions after replacing Trendon Watford, Cam Thomas and Javonte Smart with transfers Adam Miller, Theo Pinson and Tari Eason. Pinson will need to be a senior leader on this very young LSU squad that could experience some growing pains early.

39. Richmond Spiders (Atlantic 10)

It looked like Richmond was an NCAA Tournament lock after upsetting Kentucky at Rupp Arena last season but things didn’t go according to plan after the Wildcats flopped and a lengthy COVID outbreak ruined the Spiders’ season. Most of the roster is back for another run at the NCAA Tournament and they should make it with a few key wins in non-conference play.

38. Louisville Cardinals (ACC)

The Cardinals were the last team left out of the field a year ago after a pair of COVID pauses left them with just 20 games played on the season. Chris Mack’s team is down Carlik Jones and David Johnson but a strong incoming recruiting class should stabilize Louisville as a team that belongs in the top half of the ACC.

37. Colorado State Rams (Mountain West)

A loss to Utah State in the Mountain West tournament cost the Rams a spot in the NCAA Tournament but they have pretty much run it back for a shot at redemption. The duo of Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy will be tough for any conference opponent to match.

36. Drake Bulldogs (Missouri Valley)

Late-season injuries to Roman Penn and Roquan “Tank” Hemphill cost Drake a chance to show what they could really do in the NCAA Tournament. Both are back, along with most of the Bulldogs’ core, which could make Drake a dangerous mid-major team out of the Missouri Valley.