As the college basketball season reaches its climax, the Florida Gators are hitting their stride at just the right moment. With a surge to the top of the SEC standings, they're making waves in the national rankings, including a notable climb in ESPN's men's college basketball power rankings, where they've moved up to No.
- Sandwiched between the Illinois Fighting Illini at No. 7 and the Purdue Boilermakers at No. 9, the Gators are turning heads.
A key storyline in Florida's ascent has been the impressive play of Xaivian Lee, who recently snagged SEC Player of the Week honors. However, Alex Condon's resurgence is equally significant.
After entering the season with All-American aspirations, Condon faced challenges with his shooting and offensive rebounding. But now, he's finding his groove again.
Condon's recent performance against South Carolina was a testament to his revitalized form, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. This marked his second 20-point game this month, and his February averages of 15.0 points on 58% shooting highlight his upward trajectory from January's numbers.
With Rueben Chinyelu emerging as a defensive powerhouse and the backcourt solidifying, Florida's frontcourt, led by Condon, is showing its potential. The Gators are poised for a strong run as March Madness approaches.
Here's a look at ESPN's current college basketball power rankings:
- Michigan Wolverines (25-1)
- Duke Blue Devils (24-2)
- Arizona Wildcats (24-2)
- Iowa State Cyclones (22-3)
- Houston Cougars (23-3)
- UConn Huskies (24-3)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (22-5)
- Florida Gators (20-6)
- Purdue Boilermakers (21-5)
- Kansas Jayhawks (20-6)
- Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-2)
- Michigan State Spartans (21-5)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (22-4)
- Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-7)
- Virginia Cavaliers (23-3)
- St.
John's Red Storm (21-5) 17.
Alabama Crimson Tide (19-7) 18.
Arkansas Razorbacks (19-7) 19.
Vanderbilt Commodores (21-5) 20.
Tennessee Volunteers (19-7) 21.
North Carolina Tar Heels (20-6) 22.
Louisville Cardinals (19-7) 23.
Saint Louis Billikens (24-2) 24.
Utah State Aggies (23-3) 25.
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks (26-0)
Notably, the Kentucky Wildcats have dropped out from the rankings, previously sitting at No. 23. As the regular season winds down, all eyes are on the Gators to see if they can maintain this momentum into the postseason.