NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: February 1st Edition

1. Kansas: Neither "40 minutes of hell," Jacob's Pullen's beard, or College Gameday at the Octagon were able to derail the Jayhawks' impressive run to this week's #1 ranking. The Player of the Year favorite and senior "Superman," Sherron Collins, continues to deliver in "unconscious" fashion down the stretch in seemingly every big game for the country's top squad. The Hawks absolutely dismantled Mike Anderson's squad in the home-half of the Border Showdown and pulled out an impressive overtime victory in Manhattan in one of the most exciting games of the year, to date. Marcus Morris ranks as one of the most improved players in the country,, while Brady Morningstar continues to contribute tremendously on the defensive end and distributing the basketball. Cole Aldrich is finally silencing early season critics, while delivering the post consistency Kansas needs to cut down the nets in April.

2. Kentucky: A road loss to an inspired team (Devan Downey and South Carolina) was inevitable and Kentucky rebounded admirable against Kevin Stallings' terrific Vanderbilt squad. The freshman phenom, Demarcus Cousins, remarkably improves each game for the Wildcats. Calipari's recent successes in March bode well for this team's continued development. The Cats' significant question marks revolve around settling for jump shots, but in a single-game scenario, Kentucky is still the second best team in the country.

3. Syracuse: Syracuse's one-loss resume is as impressive as any team's in the country. Enough credit cannot be given to the Top 3 Player of the Year candidate, Wesley Johnson. Despite a nail-biter versus DePaul, Syracuse continues to find ways to win. This year's 'Cuse squad may impressively become Boeheim's finest coaching job of his career. Johnny Flynn, forget the money, let's be honest. Would you rather be a National Champion or deal with Minnesota's mediocrity and brutal winters right now?

4. Villanova: Villanova might be the story of the year, thus far. The Wildcats compiled a fantastic week with double-digit wins at St. John's and home versus the Irish to repeat as the 4^th ranked squad. Jay Wright is blessed with the deepest, most experienced set of guards in the country and will need them to rise to the occasion in a highly anticipated trip to Georgetown this week.

5. MichiganState: The Spartans emerged victorious in a nail-biter at Michigan and in hosting Northwestern to move up to the 5^th spot in this week's rankings. As the ultimate road test at Wisconsin looms, Spartan-nation should be thrilled with the team's development during the current 10-game winning streak, specifically Raymar Morgan's impressive performance of late.

6. Purdue: Purdue jumps forward in profound fashion this week, in part to, others' letdowns and their own string of 4 straight wins. The "Big 3's" continued dominance and the team's defensive cohesion makes them more than capable of defeating any team in the country on any given night.

7. Georgetown: The week must have been wild if Georgetown moved up in the rankings, with a loss (albeit to Syracuse). The team rebounded with an impressive win against Duke, even Obama approved. 20 points each from Monroe, Wright, and Freeman is extremely encouraging. The Hoyas host Vilanova for the opportunity to further validate or vilify their current ranking.

8. West Virginia: The Mountaineers' string of 4 straight wins warrants a current top-10 ranking; however, I predict a home loss to a Pitt team, struggling a bit of late. Butler is making a run at an All-American bid, most recently with 27 in an ugly home win versus Louisville. All the while, Huggins' talented, experienced squad continues to fly under the radar in the otherwise loaded Big East.

9. Texas: Rick Barnes' bunch is not right, right now, losing 3 of their last 4. The 3 losses have all been against talented teams, but Texas' guard play, including Avery Bradley has been highly suspect of late. Unfortunately, the Longhorns' successful return to discussion as #1 or #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament only becomes more difficult with a trip to Norman and showdown in Austin with the #1 Jayhawks.

10. Duke: Duke has become the Jekyll and Hyde of college basketball, compiling a resume rich in impressive wins, but also 4 tough road losses. Duke fans everywhere are unsure whether a Final-Four is attainable or if Coach K and Co. are headed for another NCAA tournament early exit. Giving up 89 to Georgetown suggests one train of thought, while holding Clemson to 47 at Littlejohn suggests the alternative.

11. OhioState: The Buckeyes' inclusion on the list may or may not be warranted; however, the return of Evan Turner (double-digit outputs in last 6) should not be underestimated. Expect the balanced Buckeyes to win the next 4 "lesser" conference games and rank in the top 10 in the polls when they host Purdue on February 17.

12. Vanderbilt: Maybe by default, Vanderbilt enters the power rankings. The Commodores ran into a buzz-saw in Kentucky to end a 10-game winning streak. Kevin Stallings deserves more recognition for the program's remarkable turnaround in recent years. Guard Jermaine Beal has assumed the role of unheralded superstar, performing especially exceptional in the team's biggest games, thus far. If the team is a serious contender in the conference and on the national stage, A.J. Ogilvy must play more consistent. Upcoming home showdowns versus Mississippi State and Tennessee will undoubtedly reveal Vandy's staying power.