Hello, my name is Steven Bagell. Every Monday morning, I will post my top 100 college basketball team rankings on the Center Hub. Here is week 1’s edition and I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #4)

The Crimson Tide are the deepest team in college basketball this season. Not only that, but point guard Mark Sears is a projected First Team All-American and should rival UNC’s RJ Davis as the likely National Player of the Year. Unlike many elite coaches, Nate Oats has adapted to the NIL and portal era well, and that’s how his rotation goes legitimately 12 deep. Last year, per KenPom, the Crimson Tide had the #2 offense in the nation and this year they could be even better. The Crimson Tide open their season with home games against UNC Asheville and Sun Belt favorite, Arkansas State.

2. Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12 #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #7)

Last year was Bill Self’s worst in Lawrence in his 21 year tenure, which is impressive given the Jayhawks went 23-8. With that said, Kansas returns three starters, including two-time All-American, Hunter Dickinson. In addition, they are suiting up five high level transfers and two incoming freshman. The Big 12 is the best conference in the sport, and Kansas is the cream of the crop in that regard. Kansas opens their first week with a home game against Howard and then they have a tilt with North Carolina (#9 in these rankings) on Friday.

3. Gonzaga Bulldogs (WCC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #9)

I have been adamant the entire offseason saying the Zags are my preseason pick to win the national championship. Last year’s big issue was the depth and this Gonzaga teams goes legitimately nine guys deep. Khalif Battle, who averaged nearly 30 PPG last season from February 24th on for Eric Musselman’s Arkansas team, is likely to be this team’s sixth man. Additionally, Graham Ike is a dark horse National Player of the Year pick. Gonzaga plays the game of the season opening night, as they play a ‘home game’ against Baylor (#10 in these rankings) before the Arizona State Sun Devils come to down to close out the week.

4. Houston Cougars (Big 12 #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #1)

In their first year playing in the Big 12, the Cougars won the conference with a 15-3 conference record and they went 32-5 overall. If it weren’t for a Jamal Shead injury, they likely would’ve gone to the Final Four, as they were a top three team alongside UConn and Purdue all season last year. Kelvin Sampson returns 73.2% of his minutes from last year, essentially running back the same team as last season. The one key difference is the addition of Oklahoma transfer, Milos Uzan. With Jamal Shead off to the NBA, Uzan and LJ Cryer are expected to each take a step forward running this offense. Houston plays a home game against Jackson State before playing a semi-home game against Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers (#13 in these rankings) on Saturday.

5. Iowa State Cyclones (Big 12 #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #6)

Similar to Houston, Iowa State was elite last year and returns a lot this year. The Cyclones, ranked as high as 4th in the AP Poll last season, went 29-8 and brought back their top four in minutes from last season. In total, that equates to 59.3% of their minutes returning from a year ago. The Cyclones reportedly beat Creighton (#12 in these rankings) in a secret scrimmage a couple weeks ago, with last year’s leading scorer, Keshon Gilbert dropping 35 points. In the season opener, the Cyclones play the team ranked dead last in KenPom, Mississippi Valley State, before having a matchup with Summit League contender, Kansas City.

6. Duke Blue Devils (ACC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #2)

Unlike the first five teams ranked, this Duke team is largely built around their freshman class. The Blue Devils have 5 of the top 28 and 6 of the top 40 recruits in this year’s freshman class, but they also brought in ‘glue guy’ transfers that fit in very well with those freshman and returners Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster. However, #1 recruit Cooper Flagg may end up having the best freshman season since Anthony Davis at Kentucky. Duke plays their first week with home games against Maine (Flagg’s hometown university) and Army.

7. Arizona Wildcats (Big 12 #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #8)

This Arizona team has the depth to deal with the rigors of playing in the Big 12, their first year in the conference since leaving the Pac-12. Caleb Love, a Third Team All-American last season, returns for his fifth season. Love’s biggest issue throughout his career has been his inefficiency and he shot a career high percentage from the field last season. Meanwhile, veteran transfers Trey Townsend and Anthony Dell’Orso should make immediate impacts as well. The Wildcats start their season playing against Canisius and Old Dominion, both home games.

8. North Carolina Tar Heels (ACC #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #15)

When writing Alabama, RJ Davis’ campaign for National Player of the Year was already discussed. We already know Davis is going to be good. It’s the guys around him that need to make an impact. During their exhibition game against Memphis, Elliot Cadeau had 13 assists while Seth Trimble had 33 points. The supporting cast will be the one’s to dictate how far this Tar Heels team can go. The Tar Heels open their season playing Elon at home before traveling to Lawrence to play Kansas (#2 in these rankings) on Friday.

9. UConn Huskies (Big East #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #5)

It’s highly likely I am too low on the back-to-back national champs. Despite returning just one starter, it should be anticipated that players like Samson Johnson, Solo Ball, and Jaylin Stewart should take a leap. Additionally, transfers Aidan Mahaney and Tarris Reed are highly touted transfers as well. Overall, UConn hasn’t given us a reason to doubt them, and despite me being a little pessimistic because of the amount of guys they need to play an expanded role, it’s highly likely I will be wrong. Doubting Dan Hurley is not smart journalism. UConn opens up the season playing home games against Sacred Heart and New Hampshire.

10. Baylor Bears (Big 12 #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #11)

Baylor is the fifth team ranked already from the Big 12, which demonstrates the dominance of the conference. However, unlike Arizona (above), this Baylor team does not have the depth of other Big 12 giants. Additionally, Duke transfer Jeremy Roach still needs to prove that he can be a lead, primary ball handler for a successful team. This team will also need #4 recruit in this freshman class, VJ Edgecomb, to be the leading scorer from day one to live up to this top ten billing. Baylor plays a very difficult schedule in week one of the season, playing Gonzaga (#3 in these rankings) in a semi-away game on season opening night before playing a neutral matchup against John Calipari’s Arkansas squad on Saturday.

11. Tennessee Volunteers (SEC #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #13)

North Florida transfer, Chaz Lanier dropped 40 points against Kentucky, 39 against Auburn, and 36 against Florida last year. He is equipped to be a pretty good SEC player and could be Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht this season. With Lanier, Igor Milicic, and Darlinstone Dunbar in town, this could be Rick Barnes’ best offense since taking the Volunteers job. Tennessee plays Gardner Webb in the season opener and then plays at Louisville (#44 in these rankings) in the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday.

12. Creighton Blue Jays (Big East #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #12)

This ranking is dependent on Fedor Zugic becoming eligible relatively soon. The 6’6″ 21 year old may be one of the most impactful freshman in the nation. Aside from Zugic, Ryan Kalkbrenner is the favorite to win National Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Steven Ashworth and Pops Isaacs make this team dangerous. Creighton plays two sub-300 KenPom teams in week one with home matchups against UTRGV and Fairleigh Dickinson.

13. Auburn Tigers (SEC #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #13)

Johni Broome is back and this backcourt has some upside. Between Miles Kelly and JP Pegues joining the Tigers, there’s also returners Chad Baker and Denver Jones. Both Baker and Jones seem to have taken a step during the second half of last season. Overall, Bruce Pearl didn’t play any player more than 26 minutes per game last year. This year, that’ll need to change. The Tigers play Vermont and Houston (#4 in these rankings) in opening week.

14. Purdue Boilermakers (Big Ten #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #10)

If there’s anything this Purdue team will be able to do, it’s shoot threes. With Zach Edey gone, the Purdue team is going to rely a lot more on its guard play and Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer are both All Big Ten caliber players. In fact, Smith is the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. Purdue opens the year playing Texas A&M-CC and Northern Kentucky this week.

15. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12 #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #14)

There’s clearly a top tier in the Big 12 involving five of the top ten teams in this ranking. Texas Tech is the next best and the start of the next tier. JT Toppin and Darrion Williams are legitimate NBA players and Elijah Hawkins will get them the ball. There’s also Chance McMillan and Kevin Overton on the wing. It’s criminal that this team is not ranked in the AP top 25. The Red Raiders play two sub-300 KenPom teams in week one with home games against Bethune Cookman and Northwestern State.

16. Xavier Musketeers (Big East #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #33)

Health will be a major factor for this Xavier team to hit their upside, as Zach Freemantle was out for the season last year. In addition to Freemantle, there’s Ryan Conwell, Dayvion McKnight, and Dante Maddox, among others. This team has the potential to be the best team Sean Miller has coached since taking the Xavier job. The Musketeers start their season by playing Texas Southern and IU Indy.

17. Texas A&M Aggies (SEC #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #16)

After losing Tyrese Radford from last year’s team, Buzz Williams will need to find his 1B to Wade Taylor’s 1A. That player could be Zhuric Phelps, a transfer from SMU. Additionally, Minnesota transfer Pharrell Payne should make a major impact off the bench. Texas A&M plays a road game against UCF in opening night and then plays Texas A&M Commerce, who is ranked 360th in KenPom.

18. Cincinnati Bearcats (Big 12 #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #17)

Cincinnati went 22-15 (7-11) in their first year in the Big 12, and this year should be a bigger step in the right direction. Dan Skilling, Day Day Thomas, and Aziz Bandaogo are the core players on this team and the depth behind them will be sufficient for the Big 12. This is a really good team. In the first week, the Bearcats play Arkansas Pine Buff and Morehead State.

19. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (ACC #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #44)

Wake Forest is in a tier of their own in the ACC, as they’re behind Duke and UNC but ahead of everyone else by a wide margin. Additionally, Hunter Sallis may be the best player in the conference behind RJ Davis. With Sallis, Cameron Hildreath, and Efton Reid back, this should be the year that Steve Forbes finally gets over the hump and gets to the NCAA tournament with this team. Their first week they play Coppin State and North Carolina A&T.

20. Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #25)

It’s worth noting John Calipari’s squad beat Kansas in an exhibition a couple weeks ago. With that said, it’s worth taking that with a grain of salt, as Arkansas beat Purdue in a secret scrimmage last year. Purdue went on to the national championship while Arkansas missed the NCAA tournament completely. However, this team is built like a typical John Caliper roster. It’s super talented, but Caliper rosters haven’t totally worked out in recent years, which is why he ended up at Arkansas to begin with. Arkansas plays Lipscomb on Wednesday and then a neutral court game against Baylor (#10 on these rankings) on Saturday.

21. Ole Miss Rebels (SEC #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #46)

Ole Miss has a whopping 18 guys who averaged 13 points per game or more last season. They established a roster of guys who know how to play a larger role on their teams. The question is if Coach Chris Beard will find a way to get each individual player to play into a role. The Rebels play LIU and Grambling State this week.

22. Indiana Hoosiers (Big Ten #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #39)

Mike Woodson’s on the hot seat but he assembled an extremely talented roster that is a little ill-fitting. Oumar Ballo, Kanaan Carlyle, and Myles Rice join from the portal and Malik Reneau, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Trey Galloway who are returning. This Indiana team is the most talented in the Big Ten, and it’ll be up to Woodson to figure out how to make the talent work. Indiana starts the season playing two sub-300 KenPom teams in SIUE and Eastern Illinois.

23. Texas Longhorns (SEC #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #18)

Texas and Kentucky (#24 in these rankings) are neck and neck in these rankings. They both have the same issues in terms of not having “the guy”. Each team has done an excellent job of establishing role players and complimentary guys, but neither team has the star necessary to finish in the upper echelon of the SEC. Texas will play Ohio State (#30 in these rankings) and Houston Christian in week one.

24. Kentucky Wildcats (SEC #8) (0-0) (KenPom: #43)

See Texas (above). Kentucky plays Wright State and Bucknell this week, both at home.

25. Illinois Fighting Illini (Big Ten #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #23)

Illinois’ roster doesn’t lack talent. They have Kylan Boswell and freshman Kasparas Jakucionis in the backcourt, which makes this one of the more dynamite backcourts in the country. Additionally, there’s Ben Humrichous and Tomislav Ivisic. Additionally, reclass freshman, Will Riley, as well as sophomore Carey Booth, possess a ton of upside off the bench. Illinois plays Eastern Illinois and SIUE in the first week.

26. St. John’s Red Storm (Big East #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #19)

While Kadary Richmond and Devion Smith is a dynamite backcourt, we weren’t sure who the third guy behind them would be, In the exhibition game against Rutgers, it looked like we figured it out. That guy is Zuby Ejiofor. Rick Pitino’s squad is legit. The Red Storm play Fordham and Quinnipac in their first week of the season.

27. Marquette Golden Eagles (Big East #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #22)

Outside of Kam Jones, the supporting cast isn’t as strong as it’s been over the years with Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro gone. Even so, the Golden Eagles return 5 of their top 7 from a year ago and Jones is a potential All-American. Marquette plays home games against Stony Brook and George Mason this week.

28. Florida Gators (SEC #9) (0-0) (KenPom: #26)

This is a very strong backcourt which consists of Walter Clayton Jr, FAU transfer Alijah Martin, and Will Richard. The Gators will need Rueben Chinyelu to be a consistent force in the paint in the frontcourt. The Gators play USF and a home game against Jacksonville in the first week of the season.

29. Kansas State Wildcats (Big 12 #8) (0-0) (KenPom: #49)

Kansas State has the talent, but will the pieces fit? Coleman Hawkins, Ugonna Onyenso, and Achor Achor all play their best basketball at the center position. However, with all three of these guys, in addition to Dug McDaniel, this team can compete with anybody in the Big 12. They open the season against New Orleans and Cleveland State.

30. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #30)

This might be the deepest team in the Big Ten and they’re led by Bruce Thornton and Meechie Johnson. While Ohio State is the 4th Big Ten team ranked in these rankings, they have as good of a shot as any to win the conference this year. They open the year playing Texas (#23 in these rankings) in Vegas. That is their only game this week.

31. Oregon Ducks (Big Ten #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #29)

Anything stated for Ohio State (above) can be stated for Oregon. This team is deep, has an awesome backcourt, and can be within the cream of the crop of the Big Ten. Jackson Shelstad its awesome. A lot of this ranking will depend on if Nathan Bittle is healthy. Oregon plays UC Riverside and Montana this week.

32. BYU Cougars (Big 12 #9) (0-0) (KenPom: #21)

BYU hired Kevin Young as head coach, who was the favorite to land the Brooklyn Nets job when there was a vacancy. Now, BYU showed they can compete in the Big 12 and that they should be considered the premiere team in Utah. They play Central Arkansas and UC Riverside this week.

33. UCLA Bruins (Big Ten #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #28)

UCLA brings back Dylan Andrews and Sebastian Mack with six transfers who played large roles in their previous stops. This team will be good offensively and good defensively, but not quite elite in either. That could become an issue for them come March. UCLA plays Rider before playing a neutral game against New Mexico (#52 in these rankings) on Friday.

34. Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #36)

This frontcourt of Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin is awesome. Oh, and not to mention they have Dusty May coaching now. They also have Roddy Gayle. I am higher on this Michigan team than most and think they’re a legitimate tournament team. They play Cleveland State before facing Wake Forest (#19 in these rankings) in a semi-away game.

35. Providence Friars (Big East #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #60)

This ranking depends on Bryce Hopkins’ health. Coming off a torn ACL, Hopkins is a potential All Big East team level talent. Even without Hopkins, this team should stay afloat until he comes back, especially with facing two sub-300 KenPom teams in week one. The Friars play Central Connecticut and Stonehill this week.

36. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Big Ten #8) (0-0) (KenPom: #63)

I’m aware that they have Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. But that’s about as far as this roster goes. Plus college basketball is an old man’s game nowadays and freshmen typically don’t have the same impact they used to. The Scarlet Knights play Wagner this week, allowing the freshmen to get their feet wet.

37. St. Louis Billikens (A10 #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #105)

Josh Schertz is an elite offensive mind, demonstrated by Indiana State’s NIT championship run last season. Schertz brought Robbie Avila and Isaiah Swope with him to pair with Gibson Jimerson in SLU, and they should be treated as the favorites in the competitive A10 this season. St. Louis plays on a neutral against Santa Clara (#68 in these rankings) to open the season before playing D2 Avila University on Sunday.

38. Mississippi State Bulldogs (SEC #10) (0-0) (KenPom: #32)

Point guard Josh Hubbard is small but the rest of this team is long. They will be able to defend and be a mismatch nightmare and that’s exactly what Coach Chris Jans wants. They’re probably in a tier of their own in the SEC, not quite as good as the top 9 but substantially better than the bottom teams. They play West Georgia and Georgia State to start the season.

39. Miami (FL) Hurricane (ACC #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #54)

I seem to be higher on Miami than most. The starting five is elite and they have some elite bench pieces too. The ACC doesn’t have the same quality of depth in terms of tournament teams as the SEC, Big 12, or even Big Ten. That’ll allow Miami’s depth to work in their favor. Miami plays Fairleigh Dickinson and Binghamton this week.

40. VCU Rams (A10 #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #41)

With Max Shulga back, VCU is right up there with St. Louis (#37 in these rankings) and Dayton (#47 in these rankings) for the top of the A10. They are returning three double digit scorers to a team who won 22 games last season. VCU plays a home game against Bellarmine before going to play a neutral court game against Boston College.

41. USC Trojans (Big Ten #9) (0-0) (KenPom: #56)

42. McNeese Cowboys (Southland #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #103)

43. Grand Canyon Lopes (WAC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #55)

44. Louisville Cardinals (ACC #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #64)

45. Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten #10) (0-0) (KenPom: #35)

46. Maryland Terrapins (Big Ten #11) (0-0) (KenPom: #38)

47. Dayton Flyers (A10 #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #27)

48. Clemson Tigers (ACC #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #24)

49. Washington Huskies (Big Ten #12) (0-0) (KenPom: #76)

50. Memphis Tigers (AAC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #42)

51. Villanova Wildcats (Big East #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #20)

52. New Mexico Lobos (MWC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #62)

53. UAB Blazers (AAC #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #81)

54. Saint Mary’s Gaels (WCC #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #34)

55. Boise State Broncos (MWC #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #45)

56. Butler Bulldogs (Big East #8) (0-0) (KenPom: #83)

57. Iowa Hawkeyes (Big Ten #13) (0-0) (KenPom: #31)

58. UCF Knights (Big 12 #10) (0-0) (KenPom: #66)

59. Saint Joseph’s (A10 #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #86)

60. Georgia Tech (ACC #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #71)

61. Missouri Tigers (SEC #11) (0-0) (KenPom: #52)

62. Nevada Wolfpack (MWC #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #73)

63. TCU Horned Frogs (Big 12 #11) (0-0) (KenPom: #58)

64. Utah State Aggies (MWC #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #72)

65. SMU Mustangs (ACC #8) (0-0) (KenPom: #75)

66. Syracuse Orange (ACC #9) (0-0) (KenPom: #68)

67. Northwestern Wildcats (Big Ten #14) (0-0) (KenPom: #51)

68. Santa Clara Broncos (WCC #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #94)

69. West Virginia Mountaineers (Big 12 #12) (0-0) (KenPom: #85)

70. San Francisco Dons (WCC #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #84)

71. NC State Wolfpack (ACC #10) (0-0) (KenPom: #53)

72. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (ACC #11) (0-0) (KenPom: #69)

73. Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten #15) (0-0) (KenPom: #57)

74. Princeton Tigers (Ivy #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #74)

75. Pitt Panthers (ACC #11) (0-0) (KenPom: #37)

76. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC #12) (0-0) (KenPom: #65)

77. San Diego State Aztecs (MWC #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #48)

78. Colorado State Rams (MWC #6) (0-0) (KenPom: #77)

79. Arizona State Sun Devils (Big 12 #13) (0-0) (KenPom: #70)

80. South Carolina Game Cocks (SEC #13) (0-0) (KenPom: #67)

81. Oklahoma Sooners (SEC #14) (0-0) (KenPom: #40)

82. Chattanooga Mocs (SoCon #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #134)

83. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten #16) (0-0) (KenPom: #47)

84. Loyola Chicago Ramblers (A10 #5) (0-0) (KenPom: #78)

85. Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten #17) (0-0) (KenPom: #61)

86. LSU Tigers (SEC #15) (0-0) (KenPom: #50)

87. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (MWC #7) (0-0) (KenPom: #93)

88. Bradley Braves (MVC #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #92)

89. High Point Panthers (Big South #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #108)

90. Virginia Cavaliers (ACC #12) (0-0) (KenPom: #87)

91. California Golden Bears (ACC #13) (0-0) (KenPom: #135)

92. Minnesota Gophers (Big Ten #18) (0-0) (KenPom: #59)

93. Wichita State Shockers (AAC #3) (0-0) (KenPom: #101)

94. Arkansas State Red Wolves (Sun Belt #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #123)

95. Wofford Terriers (SoCon #2) (0-0) (KenPom: #110)

96. Charleston Cougars (CAA #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #138)

97. North Texas Mean Green (AAC #4) (0-0) (KenPom: #80)

98. Stanford Cardinals (ACC #14) (0-0) (KenPom: #99)

99. Seton Hall Pirates (Big East #9) (0-0) (KenPom: #91)

100. UC Irvine Anteaters (Big West #1) (0-0) (KenPom: #100)