Ten things we’ve learned from the first two weeks of college basketball
It may be way too early in the college basketball season, but not too early that we can’t make some early judgments:
1. Kansas is a legitimate No. 1
Never mind that charity game loss to John Calipari and Arkansas last month. The Jayhawks were missing key pieces that game. All are back. Got a firsthand look at Bill Self’s squad when it beat Michigan State 77-69 in the Champions Classic in Atlanta. Before that, it beat North Carolina 92-89. Kansas is ranked No. 1 for a reason.
2. No big dropoff at Purdue
Purdue lost its big man in 7-foot-4 star Zach Edey, now of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Boilermakers have not lost their way, however. After losing to UConn in the national championship game of last season’s NCAA Tournament, coach Matt Painter’s club proved it will be a major player again this season with its 87-78 win over then No. 2-ranked Alabama last week in West Lafayette.
3. UK’s Dec. 7 game won’t be a pleasure trip
If 2023-24 was a down year for Gonzaga, the Zags appear determined to bounce back in a big way. Mark Few’s club routed Baylor 101-63 in its opener. It threw down 113 points on UMass Lowell last Friday. No wonder Ken Pomeroy ranked Gonzaga No. 1 in offensive efficiency heading into Monday night’s game against San Diego State. Kentucky plays Gonzaga in Seattle on Dec. 7.
4. Pat Kelsey needs patience at Louisville
From his energetic opening press conference, to his transfer portal haul, through his connections with the fans, new coach Pat Kelsey brought immediate enthusiasm to Louisville basketball. The results may take a little longer, however. Tennessee’s 77-55 spanking of the Cardinals on Nov. 9 proved that. The ‘Ville visits Kentucky on Dec. 14.
5. Call Auburn the “Fighting Tigers”
Bruce Pearl’s willingness to share his political views, plus the publicity garnered by an in-flight fight between two of his players — reportedly freshman forward Jahki Howard and senior forward Ja’Heim Hudson — have overshadowed the fact Auburn has looked really good. A 74-69 win over Houston good. A Johni Broome is back for what seems like his 10th season good. The former Morehead State star is averaging 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds.
6. Texas’ Tre Johnson is a star
Cooper Flagg got all the attention — deservedly so — but there are other fab freshmen out there. Texas’ Tre Johnson is certainly one. Ranked as the nation’s sixth-best prospect by 247Sports, Johnson leads the SEC in scoring at 23.5 points over his first four games. That included a 28-point debut in the Longhorns’ loss to Ohio State.
7. Florida sticking with Golden (for now)
If you expected Florida coach Todd Golden to be suspended over allegations of sexual harassment and stalking, as reported by the school’s student newspaper, The Alligator, you were wrong. UF says it is investigating. Meanwhile, the Gators are 4-0 and No. 21 in the latest AP poll.
8. DePaul already seeing a difference
After DePaul lost its last 20 games last season, former UK associate athletics director and current Blue Demons AD DeWayne Peevy pulled the plug on Tony Stubblefield and hired former Ohio State coach and Nicholasville native Chris Holtmann. So far, better than so good. DePaul won all of three games last year. It’s 4-0 this year.
9. The SEC looks strong
Yes, it’s early but kenpom has the SEC atop his conference rankings, ahead of the Big 12, Big Ten, Big East and ACC in that order. Seven SEC teams are in the AP Top 25 — No. 4 Auburn, No. 8 Alabama, No. 9 Kentucky, No. 11 Tennessee, No. 20 Arkansas, No. 21 Florida and No. 23 Texas A&M.
10. A father’s duty is to protect his son
When Rick Pitino-coached St. John’s defeated Richard Pitino-coached New Mexico 85-71 on Sunday, father Rick took exception at the crowd chanting “Who’s your daddy? Who’s your daddy?” at son Richard. The elder Pitino gestured toward the crowd and could be seen saying “stop” several times.
