Underrated NCAAB Teams

UCONN

I already included UCONN in one of the previous underrated segments, but I feel obligated to mention them again. While I originally saw Houston as the National Championship front-runners early in the season, I now believe UCONN is a substantial favorite to cut down the nets in 2023.

The Huskies have at least three players that should be first-round draft picks. Adama Sanogo is the well-known star of the team and has been dominant early in the season, but UCONN has two other guys that I think could be even better at the next level.

Although he still doesn’t start and usually plays less than 20 minutes per game, freshman Donovan Clingan is an absolute monster who I believe will be one of the best centers in the NBA one day.  He’s 7’2 with great footwork and a feathery touch around the basket, while also being a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker, and at this point, he still appears to be under the radar.

Sophomore guard Jordan Hawkins is one of the best shooters in the country, and he’s got the length and athleticism to be a force at the next level as well. I haven’t seen him included in any mock drafts yet, which further contributes to the underrated nature of this team.

While they have risen to #3 in the latest rankings, that’s not exactly representative of a team who looks a cut above the rest of the teams in the country. I look for them to dominate the regular season and go into the NCAA tournament as the clear favorites.

Arizona

Arizona was also included in a previous edition, but as a legitimate championship contender, I want to reinforce them as a still underrated team. They come in at #9 in the college basketball rankings, but I view them as a definite top-five team.

The Wildcats have the only front-court that can rival UCONN’s with Azoulas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo and another sneaky 7′ in freshman Henri Veesaar who hasn’t played much but should play a major role later in the year. Their dominance inside will carry them a long way, but it will be the play of the guards that will ultimately determine if they can win it all.

Miami

Miami just cracked the rankings at #25, but they’ve got the talent to be even higher. They’ve got at least three legitimate pros in Norchad Omier, Jordan Miller, and Isaiah Wong, and a solid supporting cast capable of dominating opponents on both ends.

However, the Hurricanes are hard to trust sometimes and can be prone to letdowns against teams they should crush. I like taking Miami in games against the best teams, while maybe fading them in games they are expected to win easily. 

N.C. State

N.C. State has a high ceiling with their two explosive guards Terquavion Smith and Jarkel Joiner, but much like Miami, they are a little hard to trust. They’ve got an athletic group of players capable of beating almost anyone, but you’ve got to be careful when backing them. Just like Miami, I’d be looking to take the Wolfpack against the best competition while being more cautious in games they’re expected to win.

Kent State

Kent State is not a team many people will be familiar with, but they’re a very experienced squad that has played both Houston and Gonzaga tough already this season. I’m not sure any of their guys are quite NBA-caliber, but this senior-laden team is very good and will be a tough out come tournament time.

Overrated NCAAB Teams

Purdue

Purdue is a very good team, but they aren’t #1. 7’4 Zach Edey is a nightmare match-up inside, and the Boilermakers play smart and take care of the ball, but they just don’t have the elite-level talent to be the top-ranked team in the nation. Ultimately, Purdue will likely be listed as overrated until they drop a few games.

Virginia

Virginia is another very good team, but #2 is much too high. They’re loaded with seniors and other upperclassmen, and while that experience will make them a tough opponent night in and night out, they just don’t have the talent to be rated this highly.

The Cavaliers once again have a great defense that will always keep them in games, but I don’t expect them to blow out too many opponents this season. Virginia’s point spreads will likely be a little too high until they lose a few more games.

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