The Big 12 is having an elite year, while the Mountain West is reeling from an ugly nonconference season.
At the same time, the WCC is consistent, and the Big Ten is always respected.
So how do the teams in the West all stack up?
Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West.
1. Arizona (20-0, 7-0)
The Wildcats are on the brink of the best start in program history.In escaping Provo with a 21-0 record on Monday, Arizona matched its best start to a season.
Tommy Lloyd’s team is versatile and can overcome poor games from key players.
2. BYU (17-2, 5-1)
There may not be a better trio of players in the country than AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Robert Wright III.The Cougars are among the top teams in the country and can make a deep run in March. BYU’s dramatic comeback against No. 1 Arizona on Monday underscored that, even if it fell just short.
There are still lots of games left to be played. Yet, a trip to the Elite 8 feels within reach.
3. Gonzaga (21-1, 9-0)
The Zags are dealing with injury issues.Star forward Braden Huff is out for an extended period, and big man Graham Ike has missed the last few games.
The good news: It’s only January. With two months remaining to get healthy, there are still reasons to be bullish on Gonzaga.
4. Saint Mary’s (19-3, 8-1)
Consistency. That’s the definition of Saint Mary’s basketball under Randy Bennett. You always know what you’re going to get.This year, the Gaels are once again in position to make the NCAA Tournament and advance to the Round of 32.
The question is: Can Saint Mary’s finally get out of the first weekend?
5. UCLA (14-6, 6-3)
The win over Purdue changed the dynamic of UCLA’s season. The team was floundering all year and falling short of expectations.Taking down the Boilermakers changed the picture. How the Bruins finish the season will remain critical.
However, it’s easier to forget about bad losses with a resume win over one of the most respected teams in college basketball.
6. San Diego State (14-5, 8-1)
The Mountain West had a horrible nonconference season that will limit the number of bids it gets.But San Diego State currently sits at the top of the standings and holds a one-game advantage over Utah State and New Mexico.
Joe Lunardi is currently projecting just two at-large bids from the MWC, putting SDSU squarely on the bubble.
7. California (15-5, 3-4)
The Bears have their best team in years.Owners of a nonconference victory over UCLA and a respectable win over North Carolina, the program is in contention to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
Mark Madsen’s team needs one or two more marquee wins to secure their spot.
8. New Mexico (16-4, 7-2)
Eric Olen is exceeding expectations in his first season at New Mexico.The losses to Boise State and New Mexico State are questionable. But the victories over Santa Clara, GCU, VCU, and Mississippi State are solid.
The Lobos are certainly on the Bubble and might be one of the Last Four In if the Selection Show were held today.
9. USC (15-5, 4-5)
Other than the loss to Northwestern, USC’s resume looks strong enough to make the NCAA Tournament.Beating Wisconsin on the road was a great win and taking down Seton Hall in the nonconference helps.
It always makes a difference to play in a respected power conference like the Big Ten, too.
10. Utah State (16-3, 7-2)
The Aggies don’t have any resume-defining wins. That’s not a good sign with March right around the corner.The program does hold some clout with the NCAA Selection Committee, which probably explains why Joe Lunardi is projecting Utah State in the field.
But there’s a lot of work left to be done, and Utah State might end up on the outside looking in.
Just Missed: Santa Clara, Stanford
