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25 Things You Need To Know About 2015-16 College Basketball Season So Far

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Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The end of the Super Bowl means the end of football until August. That being said, you probably have yet to pay close attention to college basketball up until now, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 25 things you need to know about the 2015-16 college basketball season so far to avoid looking stupid in front of your friends, coworkers or whoever else might grill you on the road to March Madness.

25. Louisville’s Postseason Ban

Louisville’s Postseason Ban Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
In case you have avoided all sports news for the past week, the Louisville Cardinals self-imposed a postseason ban due to impermissible benefits to recruits and potential recruits through the use of escorts. It’s not fair to the players to punish them and not the program as a whole, so I expect the NCAA to come down with further punishment down the road.

In case you have avoided all sports news for the past week, the Louisville Cardinals self-imposed a postseason ban due to impermissible benefits to recruits and potential recruits through the use of escorts. It’s not fair to the players to punish them and not the program as a whole, so I expect the NCAA to come down with further punishment down the road.

24. Don’t Sleep on the Sun Belt

Don’t Sleep on the Sun Belt Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
UT-Arlington made waves earlier in the season with road upsets over the Memphis Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes, but they have cooled off a bit since then. Arkansas-Little Rock, on the other hand, has a 21-2 record and has beaten several solid teams.

UT-Arlington made waves earlier in the season with road upsets over the Memphis Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes, but they have cooled off a bit since then. Arkansas-Little Rock, on the other hand, has a 21-2 record and has beaten several solid teams.

23. The ACC Is A Mess

The ACC Is A Mess Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Louisville and North Carolina currently head the ACC standings, but there are 10 teams in the ACC with five conference losses or less. With around eight games to go for each team, anything can happen.

Louisville and North Carolina currently head the ACC standings, but there are 10 teams in the ACC with five conference losses or less. With around eight games to go for each team, anything can happen.

22. The Duke Blue Devils Are Struggling

The Duke Blue Devils Are Struggling Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of the ACC, the Duke Blue Devils currently sit tied for the No. 6 spot in the conference. Once one of the favorites to win it all, injuries and late game decision-making have taken a toll.

Speaking of the ACC, the Duke Blue Devils currently sit tied for the No. 6 spot in the conference. Once one of the favorites to win it all, injuries and late game decision-making have taken a toll.

21. Kentucky Is Too

Kentucky Is Too Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Like the Blue Devils, the Kentucky Wildcats are struggling. Fourth in the SEC, the Wildcats have dropped games to Tennessee, Ohio State, UCLA and Auburn.

Like the Blue Devils, the Kentucky Wildcats are struggling. Fourth in the SEC, the Wildcats have dropped games to Tennessee, Ohio State, UCLA and Auburn.

20. The SEC Is Not Like Anyone Predicted

The SEC Is Not Like Anyone Predicted Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sure, most people thought the SEC would get better with the return of several veteran teams, the arrival of elite recruits and the hiring of big-name coaches, but Vanderbilt and Kentucky have failed to meet expectations, while Texas A&M and South Carolina have been absolutely fantastic. Technically, no team has yet to be eliminated from winning the SEC regular season title just yet, including 1-9 Missouri.

Sure, most people thought the SEC would get better with the return of several veteran teams, the arrival of elite recruits and the hiring of big-name coaches, but Vanderbilt and Kentucky have failed to meet expectations, while Texas A&M and South Carolina have been absolutely fantastic. Technically, no team has yet to be eliminated from winning the SEC regular season title just yet, including 1-9 Missouri.

19. Major First-Round Upsets Waiting to Happen

Major First-Round Upsets Waiting to Happen Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Valparaiso, Chattanooga and Monmouth have been absolutely fantastic this season. All three need to win their respective conference tournaments to make the Big Dance, but all three could definitely make a run to the Sweet 16.

Valparaiso, Chattanooga and Monmouth have been absolutely fantastic this season. All three need to win their respective conference tournaments to make the Big Dance, but all three could definitely make a run to the Sweet 16.

18. Speaking of Monmouth...

Speaking of Monmouth... Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone wants this team in the NCAA tournament. Their dancing bench is the story of the season. Sorry, Iona, but take one for the team and go to the NIT, please.

Everyone wants this team in the NCAA tournament. Their dancing bench is the story of the season. Sorry, Iona, but take one for the team and go to the NIT, please.

17. The Big East Is the Big East

The Big East Is the Big East Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not really the college basketball season unless half of the Big East could be ranked and Villanova is in the top five with little national hype. Although the Big 12 is the best conference in college basketball, the Big East might be the best from top to bottom.

It’s not really the college basketball season unless half of the Big East could be ranked and Villanova is in the top five with little national hype. Although the Big 12 is the best conference in college basketball, the Big East might be the best from top to bottom.

16. Memphis Is Still Limping

Memphis Is Still Limping Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
For the wealth of talent in the Memphis area and a pretty good coach in Josh Pastner, the Tigers still just can’t seem to get it done. At 5-5 in conference play, it’s highly unlikely that Memphis goes to the NCAA tournament, which is a shame for a team that used to be so consistently great and fun to watch.

For the wealth of talent in the Memphis area and a pretty good coach in Josh Pastner, the Tigers still just can’t seem to get it done. At 5-5 in conference play, it’s highly unlikely that Memphis goes to the NCAA tournament, which is a shame for a team that used to be so consistently great and fun to watch.

15. SMU Continues To Roll, But Can't Play In Postseason

SMU Continues To Roll, But Can't Play In Postseason Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Mustangs won their first 18 games of the season and would easily make it to the 2016 NCAA tournament if they weren't banned from postseason play. Hopefully they get a chance to redeem themselves in the future. For now, this is arguably the most interesting team in college basketball.

The Mustangs won their first 18 games of the season and would easily make it to the 2016 NCAA tournament if they weren't banned from postseason play. Hopefully they get a chance to redeem themselves in the future. For now, this is arguably the most interesting team in college basketball.

14. C-USA Could Be Most Underrated In College Basketball

C-USA Could Be Most Underrated In College Basketball Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
When I say “mid-major,” most people’s initial reaction is to think about the A-10 and the MVC. Conference USA, however, continues to gain momentum in terms of both talent and success. Five teams look capable of a legitimate push to the Big Dance, and I would not be surprised if, like UAB last season, a C-USA team upsets a big-name team in the opening round.

When I say “mid-major,” most people’s initial reaction is to think about the A-10 and the MVC. Conference USA, however, continues to gain momentum in terms of both talent and success. Five teams look capable of a legitimate push to the Big Dance, and I would not be surprised if, like UAB last season, a C-USA team upsets a big-name team in the opening round.

13. The A-10 Is Tighter Than Ever

The A-10 Is Tighter Than Ever Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Many expected Dayton to run away with the A-10 coming into the season, but they overlooked the fact that VCU is still VCU without Shaka Smart. Five teams have three or less conference losses, so things are guaranteed to get interesting.

Many expected Dayton to run away with the A-10 coming into the season, but they overlooked the fact that VCU is still VCU without Shaka Smart. Five teams have three or less conference losses, so things are guaranteed to get interesting.

12. Belmont Is Not OVC Team From Tennessee To Watch

Belmont Is Not OVC Team From Tennessee To Watch Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Belmont has been a fixture as one of the marquee mid-major programs in the nation over the past few seasons, but Tennessee Tech leads the OVC at this point in the season and has already beaten the Bruins. Keep an eye on the Golden Eagles.

Belmont has been a fixture as one of the marquee mid-major programs in the nation over the past few seasons, but Tennessee Tech leads the OVC at this point in the season and has already beaten the Bruins. Keep an eye on the Golden Eagles.

11. The Pac-12 Is Up For Grabs

The Pac-12 Is Up For Grabs Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona might be the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 year after year, but there are seven teams in the conference with a .500 or better record. Oregon currently holds the lead, but Arizona, Utah, USC and Washington are closing in fast.

Arizona might be the overwhelming favorite to win the Pac-12 year after year, but there are seven teams in the conference with a .500 or better record. Oregon currently holds the lead, but Arizona, Utah, USC and Washington are closing in fast.

10. The Best Player In The Country Is…

The Best Player In The Country Is… Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
If you ask anyone on the street the answer is either Ben Simmons, who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, or Buddy Hield, who is electrifying game-in and game-out for Oklahoma. Simmons is so much fun to watch, but Hield comes up with huge basket after huge basket. My choice is Hield, but you can decide for yourself.

If you ask anyone on the street the answer is either Ben Simmons, who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, or Buddy Hield, who is electrifying game-in and game-out for Oklahoma. Simmons is so much fun to watch, but Hield comes up with huge basket after huge basket. My choice is Hield, but you can decide for yourself.

9. The Other Contenders Seem To Be…

The Other Contenders Seem To Be… Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
I predicted Providence’s Kris Dunn would be the best player in the country this season, and he’s living up to that selection. However, Denzel Valentine has also been phenomenal this season. I’m not sure that the argument for best player in the country has been this close over the last few seasons.

I predicted Providence’s Kris Dunn would be the best player in the country this season, and he’s living up to that selection. However, Denzel Valentine has also been phenomenal this season. I’m not sure that the argument for best player in the country has been this close over the last few seasons.

8. Gonzaga Continues To Dominate WCC

Gonzaga Continues To Dominate WCC Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
As most people expected, the Gonzaga Bulldogs continue to shine in WCC play. However, the St. Mary’s Gaels are tight on their heels and only lost by three to the Zags earlier in the season.

As most people expected, the Gonzaga Bulldogs continue to shine in WCC play. However, the St. Mary’s Gaels are tight on their heels and only lost by three to the Zags earlier in the season.

7. Wichita State Is Down But Not Out

Wichita State Is Down But Not Out Gary Rohman/MLS/USA TODAY Sports
The Wichita State Shockers have struggled to start the season in part due to injuries, but they still maintain a lead at the top of the MVC standings. Evansville is slowing closing the gap, however, so the Shockers need to keep on winning.

The Wichita State Shockers have struggled to start the season in part due to injuries, but they still maintain a lead at the top of the MVC standings. Evansville is slowing closing the gap, however, so the Shockers need to keep on winning.

6. Iowa Quietly Leads Big Ten

Iowa Quietly Leads Big Ten Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
In October, if I told you Iowa would lead the Big Ten at this point of the season, you would have called me crazy. The Hawkeyes hold a half-game lead over the Maryland Terrapins with by far the easiest schedule remaining of any team in conference.

In October, if I told you Iowa would lead the Big Ten at this point of the season, you would have called me crazy. The Hawkeyes hold a half-game lead over the Maryland Terrapins with by far the easiest schedule remaining of any team in conference.

5. The Big 12 Is Top Conference In College Basketball

The Big 12 Is Top Conference In College Basketball John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Big East and ACC are both extremely talented conferences, but they do not boast the type of power at the top like the Big 12. West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa State, Baylor and, yes, Texas all boast the type of talent to make legitimate runs to the Final Four.

The Big East and ACC are both extremely talented conferences, but they do not boast the type of power at the top like the Big 12. West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa State, Baylor and, yes, Texas all boast the type of talent to make legitimate runs to the Final Four.

4. Biggest Disappointments So Far

Biggest Disappointments So Far Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and California all entered the season ranked, but have combined for 27 losses. Expected to be potential conference title challengers, all three are now in desperate need of a turnaround, or they could miss out on the 2016 NCAA tournament.

Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and California all entered the season ranked, but have combined for 27 losses. Expected to be potential conference title challengers, all three are now in desperate need of a turnaround, or they could miss out on the 2016 NCAA tournament.

3. Biggest Surprises So Far

Biggest Surprises So Far Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa currently leads the Big Ten, USC is second in the Pac-12, South Carolina is second in the SEC, West Virginia leads the Big 12 and Louisville leads the ACC. Did anyone have any of these teams where they are now besides crazed fans? It just goes to show you how unpredictable college basketball can be.

Iowa currently leads the Big Ten, USC is second in the Pac-12, South Carolina is second in the SEC, West Virginia leads the Big 12 and Louisville leads the ACC. Did anyone have any of these teams where they are now besides crazed fans? It just goes to show you how unpredictable college basketball can be.

2. Ben Simmons Is Exactly Who We Thought He Was

Ben Simmons Is Exactly Who We Thought He Was Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Future No. 1 overall NBA draft pick from the LSU Tigers Ben Simmons is averaging 19.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and five assists per game. There isn't much else to say but wow.

Future No. 1 overall NBA draft pick from the LSU Tigers Ben Simmons is averaging 19.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and five assists per game. There isn't much else to say but wow.

1. Best Team In The Country?

Best Team In The Country? John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Although both have lost in recent weeks, the overall consensus seems to be that either Kansas or Oklahoma is the best team in the nation. I lean towards Kansas, if only because their five-star freshmen have yet to have massive, breakout games, but it’s a tossup between the two on a neutral court.

Although both have lost in recent weeks, the overall consensus seems to be that either Kansas or Oklahoma is the best team in the nation. I lean towards Kansas, if only because their five-star freshmen have yet to have massive, breakout games, but it’s a tossup between the two on a neutral court.

Taylor Sturm is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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