AAC Power Rankings: How They Look Heading Into Conference Play
1. Houston (12-0) - They have been the most dominant team in the conference, with their heavy guard play. They have thrown together some nice wins and a top 25 ranking. Kelvin Sampson's once again is getting way more talent out of his roster, then people thought coming into the season.
2. Cincinnati (10-2) -- It is looking like a 8th straight trip the NCAA tournament for Mick Cronin. They have gotten some solid play from Tre Scott and Nysier Brooks in the post, along with Justin Jenifer who rarely turns the ball over.
3. Temple (10-2) - Shizz Alston Jr. leads the stellar backcourt of for Temple. They have played really good in the non-conference and seem to be a consensus bubble team. They lack an inside presence, but I think they are good enough to get some big wins in league play and make the tournament.
4. UCF (10-2) - I was a little shocked when UCF was the picked to win the coaches the poll. They come in at the #4 slot because of their lack luster non-conference schedule. They really have only one decent win over an average Alabama team, and losses to Missouri and Florida Atlantic. BJ Taylor may be the best player in the conference, and most people still think they are a tournament team as of right now.
5. Tulsa (10-3) - Tulsa has been the biggest surprise early in the season. Frank Haith's team has gotten early wins over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Dayton giving them outside shot at the tournament, which no one thought was possible at the start of the year.
6. UConn (9-4) - They started out hot, but that win over Syracuse is loosing more luster every week and they have missed chances at a big win ever since with losses to Iowa, Arizona, and Villanova. Danny Hurley is doing a great job, but even he can't bring them back in year one.
7. Memphis (8-5) - Memphis hasn't pulled off that upset yet that puts them back on the map, but they have been close in hard fought match ups with LSU, Tennessee, and Texas Tech. Combine that with zero bad losses and Penny Hardaway's club is certainly on the rise.
8. SMU (8-4) - Winners of 6 of their last 7 including a dominant road win at Georgetown, SMU is starting to play a lot better than they did early in the year. They have some strong glue guys as well on this Pony team, they can create havoc in league play.
9. Wichita St (7-5) - It's a rebuilding year no doubt for the Shockers, considering they lost their top eight leading scorers from last years team. There will be a lot of better days ahead for Shocker fans.
10. South Florida (10-2) - USF has been one of the best rebounding teams in the nation, and that is why they have already surpassed there win total from last year, and tied there win total from two years ago.
11. East Carolina (7-5) - They have had some bad losses, but they have been close in their bad losses, which gives them the advantage over Tulane. Joe Dooley is doing somethings right, but we'll see how much potential he has come conference play. They also have a stud freshman in Bryant Packard.
12. Tulane (4-8) - The Green Wave have been woefully bad in this non-conference slate. They have suffered bad losses to Alabama A&M, Townson, and South Alabama.
