College basketball has been so spread out this season. Talent has came from all over the country, coast to coast. Most states have a team they can root for without having to deal with the pain of losing, which some have waited for for a long time. However, there have been four states to stand out thus far in college hoops this season.
Kentucky – Kentucky is the home of two top 15 teams in Louisville and Kentucky. Louisville is 19-3 and currently sits as the favorite in the ACC, while Kentucky is 16-5, and has the talent to win it all this March. Not to mention, Murray State looks to make it back to back appearances in the tournament this year despite having Ja Morant leave for the NBA last season.
New Jersey – New Jersey is having a historically good season compared to what it usually is. Seton Hall has come on as a Big East power house the past few years, and they are a legit title contender when Miles Powell is healthy. Rutgers is a tournament team, which has not been said since 1984. Monmouth is also fighting for an automatic bid in the MAAC.
Texas – Texas is solid this year, and not only due to the size of the state. Baylor is the best team in the country, having only lost one game. Houston is 17-5, tied with Cincinnati for the top of the American conference. Texas Tech lost a lot of talent in the draft last year, including Jarrett Culver, but will be back in the field. For mid majors, Stephen F. Austin might win its conference, and make some more noise in the tournament, something the Lumberjacks are not new to doing.
California – California is led by the lone undefeated team in San Diego State. But the Aztecs are not California’s only team. Stanford is making noise in the PAC-12 after a couple of rebuilding years. USC will be a tournament team barring any surprises. UC Irvine is the favorite to win the Big West for the second year in a row. St. Mary’s could also upset Gonzaga for the Mountain West title and make it to the tournament, although right now, the Gaels look like an at large team.
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Image credits: Bleacher Report