Auburn, Iowa State, and Duke Dominate Men's Basketball Rankings

As the college basketball season heats up, several powerhouse programs have established themselves at the top of the rankings. Auburn, Iowa State, and Duke have emerged as dominant forces, with strong performances propelling them to the leading positions in the latest men’s basketball Power 37 rankings.

1. Cooper Flagg’s Quest for the Naismith Award

Duke’s freshman sensation Cooper Flagg is making waves this season. If he continues at his current pace, he could become the first freshman to win the prestigious Naismith Award since Zion Williamson in 2019. With a rare combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, Flagg is averaging an impressive 19.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Auburn’s Johni Broome remains a strong contender despite a recent ankle injury. Fans eagerly anticipate his return to see how this race unfolds in the final stretch of the season.

2. Conference Strength Could Shape Tournament Bids

The depth of talent in conferences such as the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC is expected to influence NCAA Tournament bids. The highly competitive nature of these leagues ensures multiple teams will earn tournament invitations. Notably, discussions continue around the possibility of the Pac-12 and Mountain West merging to create a super conference. This strategic move could provide more opportunities for teams like Utah State and San Diego State, which have consistently demonstrated strong performances in recent years.

3. Bryant’s Phil Martelli Jr. Leading a Strong Comeback

After a tough 116-66 loss to Grand Canyon, Bryant’s head coach Phil Martelli Jr. has successfully turned the team around with back-to-back victories against Maine and Vermont. This impressive recovery highlights his ability to refocus his squad and navigate the challenges of conference play.

4. Saint Louis Shines in the A-10 Conference

With the return of key players such as Isaiah Swope and Robbie Avila, Saint Louis has emerged as a major contender in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) conference. Under the leadership of head coach Josh Schertz, the Billikens have taken down conference favorites like Saint Joseph’s and St. Bonaventure.

5. The SEC’s Fierce Competition

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has proven to be a battleground this season. Programs like Oklahoma started strong but have struggled against SEC competition. Despite a tough stretch of games against Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, the Sooners remain a formidable team in the race for a postseason berth.

Top 5 Power Rankings

Auburn (15-1) – The Tigers secured a critical win over South Carolina even after losing Johni Broome to injury.
Iowa State (14-1) – A thrilling overtime victory against Texas Tech has solidified their dominance in the Big 12.
Duke (14-2) – The Blue Devils continue to separate themselves in the ACC standings.
Alabama (14-2) – A major road win at Texas A&M further strengthens their standing.
Florida (15-1) – The Gators have emerged as one of the most surprising teams, dismantling Tennessee and beating Arkansas on the road.

Games to Watch This Week

Illinois vs. Michigan State – A crucial Big Ten matchup with conference title implications.
Kansas vs. Iowa State – A potential showdown that could determine the Big 12 hierarchy.
Alabama vs. Kentucky – A key battle that may shape the SEC race.
Purdue vs. Oregon – A must-win for the Ducks to stay competitive in the Big Ten.