Top College Basketball Teams to Watch

The 2022-23 season has begun on an exciting note. While it has only been a couple of weeks, some teams are already showing they intend to mount a serious challenge for the national championship title. Similarly, several players have taken the season by storm, quickly racking up points.

In this post, we will be looking at the current top teams to watch out for in college basketball. So, let’s dive right in.

1.     Purdue

Only a few people could have predicted before the start of the season that Purdue would be this dominant. But, of course, one cannot talk about Purdue’s early season success without mentioning the delight that is Zach Edey. Edey has, undoubtedly, been a critical figure in the team’s campaign. If he can keep up his current form, there is no stopping him from becoming the National Player of the Year.

Purdue’s dominant display this season has been the 89-70 win over Minnesota, which saw Edey achieve a career-high of 31 points and 22 rebounds. The 7-foot-4 junior has also been averaging 23.3 points and 12.8 rebounds. With Purdue’s current momentum, there is no denying the team’s position in the title race.

2.     Houston

If there is anything about the Cougars, it is the fact that they will find a way to win. This was well reflected in their Saturday 53-48 win over Saint Mary’s. The game is far from a dominant display by Houston. Nevertheless, as is characteristic of the Cougars, the team dug deep to ensure a victory.

One exciting figure in Kelvin Sampson’s team is the junior forward, J’Wan Roberts, who has improved significantly this season. Last season, Roberts averaged 3.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. However, this season, the young forward has garnered an average of 10.4 points and 7.9 rebounds.

3.     Texas

Texas remains a consistent fixture in any discussion about the top college basketball teams. They, once again, showed us why in their 72-67 win over Creighton on Thursday. A key takeaway from this game is Texas’ resilient defense which is championed by the solid duo of Marcus Carr and Tyrese Hunter.

The duo was able to contain the dangerous Baylor Scheierman effectively. Similarly, Marcus Carr finished the game with 19 points and five assists. If Texas continues to remain consistent this season, the team will quickly become a bettors’ favorite, as reflected in its college basketball odds.

4.      Virginia

Virginia might be on track to having a successful season. The team has all the important elements – from a roster with experience to backcourt playmaking options and a solid defense. While it remains to be seen what the Cavaliers will achieve at the end of the season, the early signs are certainly positive.

Notably, the team was able to achieve a road win against Michigan on Wednesday. Reece Beekman and Kihei Clark were an exciting part of the dominant display on Wednesday as they racked up 34 points and nine assists.

5.     UConn

If you’ve been paying attention, you already know a list of the current best teams in college basketball is not complete without mentioning the Huskies. Not only does this team have roster depth, but they are also in peak physical condition. All signs point to a final-four finish for UConn.

In addition, UConn’s winning chances this season are further helped by the fact that Jordan Hawkins appears to be getting into top form. The 6 foot 4-guard managed a career-high of 26 points in the team’s 74-64 win over Oklahoma on Thursday.

Final Thoughts

While it is still too early into the season to make any definite predictions, the teams that made this list are in an excellent position to have a relatively successful campaign.