The Associated Press ballot of Kevin Dunleavy (Washington Examiner). Not much change as most teams are slowing down for exams and playing over-matched teams.
1. Duke (9-0)
Blue Devils get deserved 11 days off after spectacular opening month. Freshman Plumlee close to return according to Coach K.
2. Indiana (9-0)
Interesting test Saturday in Indianapolis against giant-killer Butler. Will be without rotation guy Austin Etherington (fractured kneecap) who is done for year.
3. Syracuse (8-0)
Carter-Williams leads nation in assists (10.4 pg) and second in steals (3.8 pg).
4. Ohio State (6-1)
Three laughers before playing Kentucky on Dec. 22.
5. Louisville (8-1)
Smith needed only 27 minutes to score career-high 31 against Missouri-KC.
6. Florida (7-0)
Gators have dominated quality teams Wisconsin (18), Marquette (33), and Florida State (25). Play at Arizona on Saturday.
7. Michigan (9-0)
Beilein against his old school, West Virginia, in NYC on Saturday. Freshman Stauskas is No. 2 in the nation in 3-point shooting (60.5 percent).
8. Arizona (7-0)
Beat Southern Miss despite 0-for-7 shooting by Xavier-transfer Lyons and 27 turnovers by team.
9. Kansas (7-1)
Withey leads nation in blocks (5.6 pg).
10. Illinois (10-0)
One of four Big Ten teams in this top 10.
11. Missouri (8-1)
Tough holiday schedule for Tigers – Illinois (Dec. 22), at UCLA (Dec. 28), and Bucknell (Jan. 5).
12. New Mexico (10-0)
Lobos are No. 5 in RPI. Will do it up NBA home-and-home style with games against New Mexico State on Dec. 15 (home) and Dec. 19 (away).
13. Cincinnati (9-0)
Junior Kilpatrick leads nation in +/- (24.2 pg). Most aware of this still live their parents’ basement.
14. Gonzaga (9-1)
If you have any idea what “offensive rating” means, then this will have relevance: Gonzaga senior Hart leads the nation in it by a huge margin, 201.3 to 157.3, over second-place Lucas Eitel of Indiana St.
15. UNC (7-2)
This is usually the time of year when Ol’ Roy’s tan finally begins to fade and the Tar Heels begin to gel.
16. Michigan St. (8-2)
Play at historic Jenison Arena for the first time since 1989, hosting Tuskegee Saturday in the “Jenison Jubilee,” a celebration of a 1963 NCAA tournament game in which Mississippi State defied a state law against playing integrated Loyola. Those teams will meet as well as part of the event.
17. San Diego State (7-1)
Beside themselves over game against University of San Diego on Saturday.
18. Creighton (9-1)
Sunday win over Akron left Zips 0-25 versus ranked teams in 32 years in D1.
19. Notre Dame (8-1)
If Brey reminds you of Fletch as the aircraft repairman you’re not alone.
20. Pittsburgh (9-1)
Behind Woodall, Panthers lead the nation in assist/turnover ratio (2.01 to 1).
21. Wichita State (9-0)
No. 8 in RPI. Will be tested at Tennessee on Thursday.
22. Minnesota (10-1)
Tubby Smith reached 500 wins Saturday night in win over USC.
23. Oklahoma State (7-1)
With Achilles repaired and 25 fewer pounds, 6-11 Jurick is much improved.
24. Georgetown (7-1)
Syracuse-like length makes Hoyas tough to score on. Last three foes have averaged 39 ppg.
25.Virginia Tech (7-1)
Green has hit more free throws (69) than anyone in nation and is second in scoring (24.6 ppg) behind Lehigh’s McCallum (24.9).
Next six –
26. Oregon (8-1)
27. VCU (6-3)
28. Kentucky (6-3)
29. Maryland (8-1)
30. North Carolina State (6-2)
31. UNLV (7-1)
