3. Michigan Wolverines
When it comes to the Michigan Wolverines, you can’t help but notice the amount of firepower on this roster. Generally, there’s always the one guy on a team who can do it all for their program. Though, in contract a team like Michigan, (12-1, 8-1 Big 10), is utilizing multiple players willing to function in unison offensively and defensively -- creating difficult matchups for any team that comes up against them.
Player to look out for -- Freshman center Hunter Dickinson is a player many need to keep their eyes on. He’s developing at a rapid pace and serves as an integral piece for the Michigan Wolverines program. At 7’2, Hunter rim-runs very well for his size. The textbook big-man gives opposing teams chaos down low and knows where to place the ball on the floor -- putting the team's offense in automatic scoring position.
4. Villanova Wildcats
A 73-81 loss suffered to Virginia Tech on November 11 shouldn’t cause Villanova (10-0, 5-0 Big East) fans to press the panic button come tournament time. You win some, you lose some (this one was bad, though). But, since that loss, Villanova has won six straight (including a big win against No 17. Texas) and has the No. 1 seed in the Big East at 5-0. This team should go far in March, as expected.
Player to look out for -- Returning guard, and leading scorer for the Wildcats, Colin Gillespie, provides much needed, veteran leadership for this program. Gillespie's ability to back down smaller guards with his size serves great for this team’s offense. Currently the senior guard is averaging 15.9 points per game on 44.3% shooting and 44% from beyond the arc.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
The most intriguing, yet hottest, team on this list goes to the No. 9 ranked (in the nation) Alabama Crimson Tide. The team replaces Tennessee with a No. 1 spot in the SEC standings. On Tuesday night, Alabama defeated Kentucky, 70-59 en route to their 10th straight victory at 14-3.
With wins against No. 3 SEC ranked Tennessee (ranked 18th overall), No. 4 SEC ranked LSU, and the win against Kentucky, tonight, Alabama is a team that should have everyone's attention. It’s safe to say Alabama (14-3, SEC 9-0) deserves a spot on this list.
Player to look out for -- Guard John Petty, senior, is playing, outright, phenomenal. Last Tuesday night, in leading his team to a win over LSU, Petty set a record for most 3’s made in Alabama Crimson Tide history.
Although, Tuesday night, the senior guard came up with just 10 points on 4-7 shooting, he still shows a lot of promise for this team moving forward.
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