In 49 states, it’s just a game. In the state of Indiana, we need our own in-state college basketball power rankings. Every week we’ll help settle the ongoing debate regarding who are the best of the ten Division One college basketball teams in the hoops crazed state of Indiana.
We are now six weeks into the men’s college basketball season, and we are starting to get clarity on the teams that are contenders and pretenders in the Hoosier state.
Here are the state of Indiana NCAA Division One men’s college basketball power rankings after six weeks.
Let the debate begin.
Current Indiana teams in Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology through 12/11: Indiana (5), Purdue (6), Butler (9).
1. Indiana Hoosiers (B1G) (8-2) – Al Davis would be proud, because while these Hoosiers have flaws, they find ways to just win baby. Three straight KenPom top 50 wins by a grand total of five points. A really good contest on Saturday against Butler could turn these rankings on their head.
2. Butler Bulldogs (Big East) (7-2) – If at this point you are surprised that Butler is a good team, shame on you. A win over Florida made that clear. Kamar Baldwin and Paul Jorgensen have been an impressive backcourt duo. Saturday’s matchup against Indiana looks even on paper, with the teams ranked 25th and 26th by KenPom.
3. Purdue Boilermakers (B1G) (6-4) – The rest of the country is starting to see what we saw from the jump — this is a one man team. Fortunately for Purdue, Carsen Edwards is that good, and the Boilers will be a tough out against most teams because of it.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (ACC) (6-3) – Mike Brey teams are known for shooting the rock — and this team can’t shoot, ranked 300th nationally in field goal percentage. TJ Gibbs leads the Irish in scoring but shoots just 34% from the field. A win over Purdue would help change the narrative that this is a rebuilding season in South Bend.
5. Ball State Cardinals (MAC) (6-4) – Winners of four of five after a tough stretch of schedule, but a disappointing loss at Evansville to split that series. We still see the Cardinals as one of the better teams in the MAC.
6. Indiana State Sycamores (MVC) (6-2) – We’ll learn a lot more about the Sycamores with a pair of power five nationally televised games coming up, but one thing is clear — this duo of Jordan Barnes and Tyreke Key is the real deal, and is likely to keep them in most ballgames.
7. Valparaiso Crusaders (MVC) (6-4) – Valpo is getting good production from Rik Smits’ son Derrik who is averaging 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. A win over UNLV and loss to High Point kind of leaves you scratching your head. We’ll learn more against Ball State next.
8. IUPUI Jaguars (Horizon) (6-3)- The Jags continue to be a pleasant surprise, now with wins over Boston College and Bradley. Camron Justice is a natural scorer that leads the way for Jason Gardner.
9. Evansville Purple Aces (MVC) (5-4) – The Aces pulled together their most complete game of the year with the win over Ball State, Shea Feehan exploded for 29 points and all starters reached double figures. Does Walter McCarty have Evansville turning a corner?
10. Fort Wayne Mastodons (Summit) (6-6) – The team whose name seems to change every other year seems to trade wins for losses every other game. IU fans know John Konchar is a really good player, but do the Dons have depth?
You can follow us on Twitter: @daily_hoosier
Find us on Facebook: thedailyhoosier
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
