College basketball remains as popular as ever across the USA and a breeding ground for the next generation of pro basketball superstars. The current season in college ball shows not only the number of awesome players in it now but also the number of top teams that compete across the many different conferences.
With so many teams playing in so many conferences, it can sometimes be tough for fans to work out which side in college basketball is best. To help with this, regularly updated power rankings are used to rate sides and get a better feel for the cream of the crop. Power rankings can also be useful if you like to bet on college games.
By getting a feel for which sides are the best, you can make a more informed choice on who to back. If you also look for the best college basketball bets today online when placing wagers, you stand more chance in general of getting it right.
Latest power rankings see Purdue at number one
The most recent college basketball power rankings saw Purdue climb to number one, and highlight the superb season they are having overall. They are way out in front in the Big Ten conference and have been strong both home and away this year. This ability to play well away from home should serve them especially well come March Madness time.
Although there is strong competition for their prime power ranking spot, the Boilermakers still reign supreme until next week at least. Their lofty position is no surprise when you consider their recent performances.
A 75-70 win against Michigan on January 27 was followed up by a 77-61 victory over MI State on January 29. Prior to playing on February 1, 2023, Purdue were sitting on an impressive 21-1 record overall and an eight-game winning streak. This winning streak in particular has helped the team get to top spot in the latest power rankings and has shown what a fabulous unit they are.
Zach Edey key to Purdue’s power ranking performance
Content Summery
Although the side’s improved defensive abilities have helped them reach the top of the latest rankings (the side have held multiple opponents to a score less than 70 this year), you cannot overlook the huge influence of center Zach Edey.
To say he is an elite-level prospect and looks to be a once-in-a-lifetime talent is not hyperbole. He has really lit up college ball this season and played so well that many pick him out as the best talent within it. Many also expect Edey to progress smoothly in pro ball and eventually end up on the list of best ever NBA players.
In the 77-61 win over MI State, he simply ran the show and took his team to victory. Not content with netting 38 points, he also grabbed 13 rebounds! Stats like this show the edge he gives to Purdue, which has enabled them to rise up the power rankings.
Can Purdue win the championship?
With the team looking so strong in the latest rankings, it is only natural for people to start tipping them for the title. If they do, they will be the first Big Ten team to do so since Michigan State in 2000!
Although anything can happen at March Madness, Purdue do have a very good chance. Edey will be a huge plus for them and could score the points needed to take them all the way. When you add in their improved defense and a core of perimeter shooters (including the impressive Fletcher Loyer), it looks promising for them.
Who might challenge Purdue for the power ranking spot next week?
This will rest on how the upcoming games pan out across the week and whether we see any surprises sprung in these fixtures. Alabama, though, rose up to second place in the latest rankings and look to be in very good form now. Their huge 101-44 win against Vanderbilt on February 1 will certainly help and another win against LSU at the weekend could make it interesting.
Houston slid down to third in the latest power rankings after a loss to Temple blotted their copybook last week. You would expect Kelvin Sampson to get the team firing again and avenge this defeat when they play Temple again on Sunday, February 5. If they do hit winning form, they will be challenging for top power ranking spot again.
Purdue enjoy their status as top college ball side
The weekly power rankings are a great chance to see which sides are in top form currently and who look strongest overall as we head into the final part of the season. Purdue undoubtedly deserve their place at number one for now but it will be interesting to see if they can hold on to it moving forward.