Die Macht » shook hands before practice ended

Big Blue Nation isnt going to be happy, but the Indiana Hoosiers are more deserving of the top spot. Remember, the preseason power rankings were based on paper. Now, the rankings change dramatically due to on-court results.Indianas victory in Hawaii over a top-5 Kansas team is far more impressive than Kentuckys easy win over a Michigan State club that lost to Arizona and nearly dropped one at home Sunday night to Florida Gulf Coast.The defending national champion Villanova Wildcats, Kansas and an injury-depleted Duke team round out the top 5 -- with Creighton earning the biggest riser award after wins over Wisconsin and NC State. I owe Bluejays fans and Greg McDermott an apology after calling them overrated in the preseason. The addition of Marcus Foster has been huge, as has the play of talented big man Justin Patton.Say goodbye to a pair of proud programs: Michigan State and UConn. The Spartans, at least, have lost to a couple of big boys: Arizona and Kentucky. But the Huskies have looked abysmal, losing at home to Wagner and Northeastern.1. Indiana Hoosiers Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 14The Hoosiers are shooting 44 percent from 3. James Blackmon Jr. is shooting 44 percent from beyond the arc thus far, and hes averaging 23 points and 7.3 boards. Indiana has the neutral-site win against Kansas on its résumé, which is arguably the most impressive win of the early season.2. Kentucky Wildcats Record: 4-0 Last weeks ranking: 3The Cats had no trouble with Michigan State at Madison Square Garden at the Champions Classic, largely due to the play of freshman Malik Monk and fellow guard Isaiah Briscoe. Monk scored 23 points and was 7-of-11 from deep in the 21-point win.3. Villanova Wildcats Record: 5-0 Last weeks ranking: 4The defending national champs have started strong with a close win at Purdue before winning the Charleston Classic on Sunday. Josh Hart, who nearly left for the NBA Draft after last season, made six of eight 3s against Wake Forest and finished with 30 points.4. Kansas Jayhawks Record: 2-1 Last weeks rankings: 2The Jayhawks dropped their season opener to Indiana in Hawaii, but Frank Masons game winner against Duke keeps KU in the top five. Mason has been sensational thus far, averaging 23 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 boards. Bill Self became the winningest coach in Allen Fieldhouse history with the victory over Siena, and he now has a 207-6 career mark in the building.5. Duke Blue Devils Record: 4-1 Last weeks ranking: 1The Blue Devils have few healthy bodies but nearly knocked off Kansas in New York, and Duke had little problem beating a tough Rhode Island team. Heralded freshmen Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Marques Bolden havent played yet, and Grayson Allen has no lift or acceleration due to foot injuries. The duo of Luke Kennard and Amile Jefferson?have led the way for Coach K.6. Louisville Cardinals Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 5OK, who would have guessed that the Cards leading scorer and rebounder through the first three games would be junior forward Jaylen Johnson, who averaged 5.0 points and 3.5 boards last season? Johnson is putting up 15.3 points and 11.3 rebounds thus far, but the concern is that Rick Pitinos team has struggled from deep (20-for-63) and also from the line (61 percent).7. North Carolina Tar Heels Record: 4-0 Last weeks ranking: 6The Tar Heels havent played a big boy yet, but they pounded a couple of quality mid-majors: Chattanooga by 40 and Long Beach State by 36. Remember, the Tar Heels are without athletic wing Theo Pinson. The surprise has been the early play of freshman big man Tony Bradley, who is averaging 10.5 points and 7.8 boards in 17.5 minutes per game.8. Xavier Musketeers Record: 5-0 Last weeks ranking: 8 Without Myles Davis, the Musketeers looked vulnerable. The hope is that Davis, the senior who gives Chris Mack a much-needed shooter, will return at the semester break. Xavier will also get Kaiser Gates back soon, and that will help the depth, which has been lacking.9. Gonzaga Bulldogs Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 17Heres the thing with the Zags: We didnt realize their quality frontcourt depth. Przemek Karnowski is back healthy and leads the team in scoring (14.7) and rebounding (7.0). However, its the immediate impact of freshmen Zach Collins (14.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG) and Killian Tillie -- who had eight points and 10 boards in a win over San Diego State -- that make this team a legitimate top-10 club.10. Creighton Bluejays Record: 4-0 Last weeks ranking: NRI should have ranked the Bluejays in the preseason poll -- especially after watching Greg McDermotts team beat Wisconsin and then put up 112 points against NC State. This team is balanced with Maurice Watson Jr., Cole Huff, Marcus Foster and redshirt freshman big man Justin Patton.11. Saint Marys Gaels Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 19Australian big man Jock Landale averaged 7.9 points and 3.9 boards last season; he had 33 points in the opener against Nevada and then went for 15 points and 14 rebounds in a road win over a depleted Dayton club. Randy Bennetts team brought just about everyone back from last seasons team that barely missed the NCAA tournament.12. Baylor Bears Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 25Get to know the name Jo Lual-Acuil. The 7-footer was born in South Sudan, grew up in Australia and spent a couple of years in the junior college ranks before arriving in Waco. He is averaging 10.7 points, 10 boards and has 16 blocks in three games. Miami transfer Manu Lecomte has also been tremendous, leading the team in scoring (16.7 PPG) and assists (7.3).13. Syracuse Orange Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 18The question entering the season was point guard play, but Jim Boeheims duo of Colorado State transfer John Gillon and Frank Howard have combined for 27 assists and just five turnovers. Theres also the matter of that 2-3 zone, which has stifled opposing teams. Theyve shot a putrid 19 percent (19-of-98) from beyond the arc through the first three games.14. Purdue Boilermakers Record: 2-1 Last weeks ranking: 21The loss came against defending national champion Villanova, but Matt Painters team needed a 20-0 run at the end of the game against Georgia State to pull out a 64-56 victory. The Boilermakers minus-9 rebound margin was its lowest against a nonconference opponent since 2012. Sophomore big man Caleb Swanigan has looked the part of an All-American, averaging 20.7 points, 13 boards and 4.3 assists per game.15. Virginia Cavaliers Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 7Tony Bennetts Cavaliers made more news off the court than on it over the first week this season. Bennett tossed Memphis transfer Austin Nichols?off the team prior to the win over Yale. Nichols was suspended for the opener, and he was slated to be one of Virginias top offensive options. This will be a significant hit for the Cavs.16. Arizona Wildcats Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 9 With Allonzo Trier out of the lineup, Finnish skilled big man Lauri Markkanen has shined. He has quickly become the focal point of the Wildcats offense and is averaging 20.3 points and 6.7 boards thus far. Hes shooting 59 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3 and 95 percent from the line.17. UCLA Bruins Record: 4-0 Last weeks ranking: 24There hasnt been a better freshman duo thus far than point guard Lonzo Ball and skilled forward T.J. Leaf. Ball just makes everyone better, and Leaf can really score. Steve Alford has a talented, deep group. It should be tested this week at the Wooden Legacy.18. Oregon Ducks Record: 2-1 Last weeks ranking: 10Its difficult to evaluate the Ducks because theyve been without their most important player, Dillon Brooks, who is set to return Monday after rehabbing from offseason foot surgery. Oregon got blasted by Baylor in Waco, but the Ducks rebounded with a win over Valparaiso. When Brooks returns, its time to reevaluate this group.19.?Florida Gators Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 20The Gators have beaten Florida Gulf Coast, Mercer and St. Bonaventure. So they are still fairly unproven. Canyon Barry, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry and a graduate student majoring in nuclear engineering, had 16 points off the bench for Florida. The key, though, is point guard play. Starter Kasey Hill has struggled thus far with just 10 assists and eight turnovers.20. Michigan Wolverines Record: 4-0 Last weeks ranking: NRThe Wolverines won the 2K Classic after pounding both Marquette and SMU. John Beilein admitted his defense was subpar (and thats putting it nicely) last season, but Michigan is holding opponents to 41 percent shooting and 59.5 points per game through the first four games this season. Junior D.J. Wilson barely played last season; hes logging 30 minutes per game, grabbing 9.5 boards and has been a huge factor in the improved defense this season.21. Wisconsin Badgers Record: 2-1 Last weeks ranking: 12The Badgers lost to Creighton in Omaha but are still worthy of a top-25 ranking. Bronson Koenig has just three assists in three games. Nigel Hayes is struggling, averaging 11.0 points and 4.3 rebounds thus far. The Badgers are shooting just 31 percent from beyond the arc.22. West Virginia Mountaineers Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: 23Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers have beaten up on low-majors: Mount St. Marys, Mississippi Valley State and New Hampshire. Huggins has 11 guys who are averaging more than 10 minutes per game. Three of them -- Nathan Adrian, Jevon Carter?and?Teyvon Myers?-- are averaging double figures in scoring.23. Rhode Island Rams Record: 4-1 Last weeks ranking: NRThe Rams got a big win against Cincinnati but couldnt take advantage of an injury-depleted Duke team in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off title game. E.C. Matthews is still working his way back from an ACL injury that cost him all but one game last season.?24. Seton Hall Pirates Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: NRKevin Willard lost Isaiah Whitehead but returns the other four starters. The coach also added freshman Myles Powell (15.3 PPG). Khadeen Carrington is leading the team at 21.7 points per game, but he has had plenty of help from Desi Rodriguez, Angel Delgado and Powell. Seton Hall is one of the few power league teams that has a true road win -- at Iowa.25. USC Trojans Record: 3-0 Last weeks ranking: NRThe Trojans deserve a spot after a road win against Texas A&M. Andy Enfields team isnt overly deep -- especially up front -- but he has a couple of talented bigs with Chimezie Metu and Bennie Boatwright, in addition to guard Jordan McLaughlin and wing?Elijah Stewart. However, it was freshman DeAnthony Melton who came up with the two biggest plays of the game -- a 3-pointer and a late steal.Dropped out: UConn, Michigan State, San Diego State, Dayton, NC StateMatt Milano Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Tremaine Edmunds Womens Jersey . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. http://www.shoptheofficialbills.com/Elite-Ed-Oliver-Bills-Jersey/ . LOUIS -- Cardinals cleanup hitter Allen Craig says hes recovered from a foot injury and ready to be put on St. Thurman Thomas Womens Jersey .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. Doug Flutie Youth Jersey . The Swede became the first golfer to win the PGA Tours FedEx Cup and European Tours Race to Dubai in the same season. "It is still taking a little time to sink in what Ive achieved this week as was the case when I won the FedEx Cup but then it just kept getting better and better as the days went on and I am sure this will be the same," he said.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos are preparing for 2016 without their starting defensive end while anticipating the return of one of their most important defenders.The loss of veteran Vance Walker to a torn ACL in his right knee has given some young players a chance to move into his starting role. Meanwhile, linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who participated in drills Tuesday, is expected to return to practice within a week.Hes real close, coach Gary Kubiak said. I think youll see him be a part of the team here in about four, five days. Hes made that much progress. So hopefully next week Im talking to you guys about him.Ware has not practiced yet while dealing with back issues. He was placed on the non-football injury/illness list at the start of training camp, but the sight of him on the hill beyond practice Tuesday was a sign that he is almost back.It was good news for the Broncos after a tough day Monday. Walker went down early in practice and was carted off the field. An MRI revealed the torn ACL that will most likely cost him the season.Its huge losing Vance. He was a great rotational guy for us last year, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. We have so much depth on the D-line, one of those young guys will have a great opportunity to step up.Jared Crick is getting the first crack at taking over Walkers spot. Crick played four years with Houston before Denver signed him as an unrestricted free agent in April.Im taking the same mindset, no matter where Im at on the field or what my role is, Crick said. When it comes to game time, wherever they put me thats fine. Ill know Ive prepared the right way. If everybody prepares like a starter, the second they get into the game theyre ffine.dddddddddddde will get a chance to impress when the Broncos practice against San Francisco on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the teams preseason game in Denver on Saturday night. The practices against the 49ers are expected to be physical, so the Broncos held a light, 90-minute practice Tuesday without pads or helmets.We had a good practice (Monday) in pads and pretty quick and light today, Kubiak said.The Broncos are looking forward to hitting another team after spending most of the last three weeks going at each other. The strain of training camp showed Monday when Harris and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders got into a fight at the end of a play in which they were matched up against each other.The players shook hands before practice ended.Its football, man, Harris said. Were good.Saturdays game will have more star power for Denver. Linebacker Von Miller and guard Russell Okung are expected to play after sitting out against Chicago on Thursday, and Harris also could get in.Kubiak indicated he will use the same plan for his quarterbacks against the 49ers. Mark Sanchez played the first quarter against the Bears, Trevor Siemian played the second and rookie Paxton Lynch ran the team in the second half.Cornerback Aqib Talib has been going through full practices but will not play against San Francisco. Kubiak said the goal is to have him play in the third preseason game, against the Los Angeles Rams.Game notesNT Sylvester Williams was excused from practice for personal reasons. ... S Ryan Murphy and CB Taurean Nixon were again held out of practice. ' ' '