The first month of the college basketball season is officially in the rearview mirror, and it’s safe to say we learned a lot. With more high-profile early season matchups than any season in recent memory, we have plenty of compelling early data points to point us toward the best of the best in the sport. And while opinions of who the biggest threats are to cut down the nets in Indianapolis will change throughout the season, history suggests those that start hot tend to shine in March. Every national champion since 2004 has been in the top 12 of the AP poll in the sixth week of the season, and only two champions since ’09 have lost a game during their early season tournament.
Here’s a look at KenPom’s top 10 right now and who’s a serious contender from that group, plus more high-profile teams to buy or sell as December hoops get underway.
