College Basketball has been fun so far, and there are plenty of storylines that we can look at so far. But Phenom Hoops decided to look at the surprise teams from the Power-5 schools. Below are our picks so far this season, as they have started out strong so far.
ACC – Pittsburgh Panthers
When looking at this conference, there were a few times that I believed could have been in this category, but it all came back to the Panthers who have already matched their win total from last year with 11 wins. The Panthers are 11-5 overall and 4-1 in conference play and just came up short against another team that could be on this list in the Clemson Tigers. But for how much the Panthers have struggled over the last few years, having them second in the ACC right now has to take the cake. Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton have been incredibly strong this season, both averaging 16ppg this season.
Big 12 – Kansas State
The Big 12 has been so much fun to watch and there are a few surprises so far. But the Wildcats of Kansas State have been playing extremely well, and they are showing why they are one of the top teams in the country. Kansas State has been able to get it done offensively, sharing the ball extremely well (6th in the country in assists per game), and they have playmakers all over the place. How about the play of Keyontae Johnson, who is playing off the charts in averaging 18.8ppg and shooting 58 percent from the floor.
Big Ten – Purdue
The Big Ten has been an interesting conference to watch and it is hard to say that this team has been a surprise for how good they have been but from starting the season outside the Top 25 to being one of the favorites to win it all, the Boilermakers have made their impression on college basketball. They have weapons all over; dominant down low with Zach Edey along with balanced guard play and depth, Purdue has a lot to like and it will be interesting if they can continue to stay on top of college basketball in a tough conference.
SEC – Missouri
The Tigers of Missouri have been fun this season, now entering the Top 25 and really displaying their offensive capabilities on the court. Missouri finished the season 12-21 last year, but has already secured 13 wins and is flying high. The Tigers know how to put on a show offensively, averaging 87.1 points per game this season, shooting the ball extremely well, sharing the ball well (19.1apg), and also being effective inside and out. Guard play has been extremely impressive so far for Missouri, but it is a long season in conference play; will they be able to keep it up'
Pac-12 – Utah
When looking at Utah’s schedule last year, you see a lot of L’s on that schedule, eventually finishing 11-20 overall and 4-16 in the Pac-12. This year so far, the Utes sit at 12-5 overall and 5-1 in conference play. Now, they will have some tough games coming up but credit Utah and its balanced play so far. They have four players averaging double-figures, and they have been one of the stronger teams on the boards this season. We shall see if they can maintain their play and remain in the upper half of the conference by the end of the season.
