We have a new number 1 team. It’s a team that has been high in the metrics for weeks. We’ve had them 2nd behind College of Charleston the last update, but it’s undeniable at that point. They went on the road winning at North Texas and beat UAB and Charlotte since. Florida Atlantic is the best mid-major in basketball as we define them.
The other big mover this week is Utah Valley State who beat Sam Houston State since our last update. I can’t say I saw this coming as they lost one of the best transfers on the market last year in Fardaws Aimaq, yet have improved. The most notable drop from the rankings is New Mexico State. I worried some of the off the court stuff would bleed over into their season and it seems to have losing their last 4 since our update. If you aren’t familiar one of their players was shot and the team feared they may be at risk.
Here is a reminder of how we define a mid-major and eligibility in these rankings as anyone, not in a top 10 Major Conference. There have been pretty distinct tiers in recent years developed both in money and average finish.
Power 6: Big 12, SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 10, Pac 12
Major: AAC, WCC, Atlantic 10, MWC
Mid Major: led by CUSA, MVC, CAA, WAC, MAAC, Big West, Sun Belt, SoCon, Horizon, MAC
There is a Low Major tier, but for our purposes, they will be included in these rankings.
We listed the records, current NET, and significant wins and losses.