Now that we are well into the NCAA season, several teams have demonstrated just how capable they are of competing. While some clubs have come out to impress, others have simply not lived up to their hype. We are roughly two months away from March Madness, and there is no question that the bracketology will provide for some interesting surprises.

Before going any further, it is absolutely necessary to recognize the Texas Longhorns and the performances that they have put up despite losing their prime superstar Kevin Durant. In Durant’s absence, both D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams have made significant contributions to keep Texas a contender in the Big 12. What’s fascinating is the fact that Augustin is currently averaging around 20 points per game, an outstanding figure for the young sophomore. Abrams, on the other hand, is adding around 18 a game, and the combined efforts of these two have provided the much-needed spark for the Texas organization, which feared that it would be in a deep hole with the absence of Durant.

There is also North Carolina, of course. At 15-0, the Tar Heels under head coach Roy Williams have continued to exemplify nothing short of dominance on the court. Junior forward Tyler Hansbrough has taken complete control of the post, racking in almost 10 rebounds each game in addition to 20 points. The Tar Heels also have a lot to look forward to in their sophomore guard Wayne Ellington, who has become a known threat on the perimeter. However, North Carolina recently encountered some struggles against the Clemson Tigers, as they beat them in the last seconds of overtime thanks to a 3-pointer by Ellington. With the Memphis Tigers also making their presence known across the league, it will no doubt be a challenge for the Tar Heels to hold secure the #1 position.

Now onto who’s not. The Fighting Illini are experiencing nothing but adversity this season, and it makes it even more difficult watching freshman Eric Gordon (who was all but signed to play at Illinois) steal the spotlight as an Indiana Hoosier. Just going 0-3 in the Big Ten, coach Bruce Weber and the Illini have to be frustrated with the results that they’ve seen. Senior guard Brian Randle and forward Shaun Pruitt are not performing anywhere near their expectations, and it is quite obvious that the club is lacking a go-to superstar. The best that the Illini can do is treat this time as a transition period to hopefully gain a better idea of the direction that the team is headed.

And finally, we have the Kentucky Wildcats. With a record of 6-7, this club has just not been able to piece the puzzle together. Seniors Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley have been carrying the young team, but that isn’t saying much as both of these athletes have been inconsistent. Analysts have expressed that they are ashamed of how the rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville is dissipating as a result of the Wildcats’ poor performances. One bright spot on the team has been freshman Patrick Patterson, who has put up some remarkable numbers during his first collegiate year. When will the Wildcats break out of their slump and rebound to become one of the games most feared teams? Coach Billy Gillispie hopes that it is some time real soon….