With Selection Sunday quickly approaching, it is time to start taking a look at the teams that are going to make noise outside the power structure. Every Monday, I will spotlight a team and player that has made significant noise in the week prior. This week we will start with the undefeated Winthrop Eagles.
Winthrop Golden Eagles:
Conference: The Big South
Record: 13-0
Kenpom Rank: 113
Winthrop’s undefeated start is no surprise to diehard college basketball fans as they returned almost their entire roster from last year. Most importantly, they returned PG Chandler Vaudrin. The senior is a walking triple-double threat and is a catalyst for an offense that is 4th in the nation is tempo. The signature wins have been over SOCON favorites Furman and UNC Greensboro. Winthrop gets really exciting when one looks at their remaining schedule and sees they are a favorite in every game. Kenpom gives them a 20% chance to finish the season undefeated. If that happens they will definitely be a story come March.
Projected Seed: 11-13
Player Watch: Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky
The one time most hyped recruit in Hilltopper history has exploded in his Junior season. After tearing his ACL during the 2019-20 season he has more than bounced back. The center is playing at an All American level for the tourney hopeful Hilltoppers as he has contributed to huge victories over Alabama and Rhode Island. The NBA hopeful is averaging 17 and 12 with three blocks a game, he will certainly be a name to watch come March.
Top 10 1/18
- Gonzaga: Simply the best team in the country. Entering the big dance undefeated would surprise no one.
- Saint Louis: The Billikens are on a COVID pause at the moments. Non-conference wins over LSU and NC State helped build a strong resume prior to A10 play.
- Drake: Perhaps the surprise of the college basketball season. 13-0 Bulldogs start five upper-classmen and are favored in every remaining game.
- Utah State: Aggies have rolled off 10 in a row capped by a sweep of conference favorite SDSU. Neemias Queta is the best center in America no one talks about.
- Boise State: Have won 13 in a row since losing to Houston opening night. Derrick Alston is going to be the latest product out of Boise to be drafted come June.
- Richmond: The victory at Rupp Arena’s shine has worn off but the Spiders will remain a threat in a deep A10. Guard Jacob Gilyard is climbing up the NCAA All-time’s steals list.
- San Diego State: Have fallen off since early season victories over UCLA and Arizona State. Matt Mitchell’s health will play a significant roll in if they can get into the field of 68.
- Loyola Chicago: The Ramblers are pacing the MVC in early conference play. Senior Cameron Krutwig is one of the most entertaining players in college basketball.
- BYU: The Cougars have multiple good wins that could be a difference maker come March. Arizona transfer Alex Barcello has been stellar in the back court.
- Winthrop: The Golden Eagles are 13-0 and are favored in every game left. A win over elite mid-major Furman is the best on the resume right now.
Others Considered: Western Kentucky, Dayton, Davidson, Saint Bonaventure, Belmont