It’s wonderful to have college basketball back. Fans of the sport were blessed with big games between titans of the sport in the opening week. They also got to see chaos among what were supposed to be the best mid-majors in the game.

Every Monday Student Union Sports is going to take a look at the highlights of the college basketball week outside of the power structure. Let’s see who stood out in the opening week.

Team of the Week: Ohio

It’s rare that a mid-major school can lose its superstar and recover to be special again the next year. That is exactly what Ohio is trying to do after Jason Preston declared for the NBA Draft last spring.

Stepping into his shoes is Mark Sears, the sophomore guard was solid in relief duty when Preston was injured last Spring. He’s clearly taken his game to another level this winter.

Sears was the catalyst for two huge victories over Belmont and Cleveland State, preseason favorites in the OVC and Horizon League respectively. The guard had 27 points in the 92-80 win against the Bruins and 15 against the Vikings.

It’s not just Sears for the Bobcats though. Jason Carter, Ben Vander Plas and Ben Roderick form a talented and experienced core capable of getting Ohio back to the dance. The race between them and Buffalo will be an entertaining one to follow throughout 2022.

Player of the Week: Alex Barcello, BYU

BYU is another mid-major squad that had a terrific first week. They did it on the back of their stud transfer. After a senior year in which he averaged 16/4/3 a game on ridiculous efficiency, Alex Barcello is back for more.

The super senior had a fantastic debut against Cleveland State when he scored 24 points on just five field goal attempts in a convincing win. He followed that up with 17 more against a San Diego State squad that should challenge in the Mountain West. How well Barcello continues to play will be the x-factor in weather or not BYU challenges for a WCC title.

Top 10

1. Gonzaga: The Zags showed why they were voted number one in the preseason AP Poll. Drew Timme scored 37 points in a wire-to-wire win over #5 Texas.

2. Colorado State: The Rams opened the 2022 season with a dominant victory over Oral Roberts. Jr. John Tonje scored 31 points in the win showing the college basketball world this team is more than David Roddy and Isaiah Stevens.

3. BYU: Another team that had a super impressive week. When Te’Jon Lucas gets going for the Cougars they will be a dangerous team.

4. St. Bonaventure: The Bonnies have not gotten off to the best start this season but they have yet to lose. Osun Osunnuyi’s injury in Sunday’s comeback win against Canisius is something to keep an eye on.

5. Loyola-Chicago: It was a stress free week for Drew Valentine. The Ramblers got two convincing wins and might not be tested till they play Michigan State. 

6. Drake: The Bulldogs rolled to wins against subpar opponents in the opening week. A home test this Saturday against Richmond will tell college basketball fans a lot about this team.

7. Ohio: The Bobcats have a very against Kentucky in Rupp Arena this Friday night. If they win that they will shoot up these rankings.

8. Buffalo: The Bulls dropped a tough game against Michigan Tuesday night. They showed good fight to get back in the game when it looks like they were going to get blown out early. Jeenathan Williams is a stud.

9. San Diego State: A mixed bag of a first week for Brian Dutcher’s crew. The Aztecs split tough games against UC Riverside and BYU.

10. Furman: The Paladins got a great first week win at Louisville. The Paladins get another chance at Quad 1 win their next time out against Belmont.

Just Missed: Nevada, UAB, Saint Mary’s