College Basketball Power 10: Villanova Starts 2017 On Top

Dec 13, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) gets congratulations from head coach Jay Wright and guard Jalen Brunson (1) after leaving the game late in the second half against the Temple Owls at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Temple, 78-57. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Duke (12-2)

Sure, Harry Giles played 13 minutes and recorded four points and eight rebounds against Virginia Tech. Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 15.8 points per game, is also starting to find his rhythm at this level. Plus, Luke Kennard continues his All-American type season for Duke.

All of that is hurt by Grayson Allen‘s indefinite suspension. Duke already limped to the finish line of non-conference play with a 10-point win over Tennessee State and an 11-point win over Elon, but that sluggish play doesn’t work in conference play.

While the Hokies are quietly 12-1, leading Duke by 16 at halftime and beating them 89-75 is not what many expected. It’s easy to brush this off as one game, but considering Duke’s struggles to end non-conference play, this could end up snowballing for the preseason ACC favorite.

Even though Allen wasn’t having the season many expected, he was still one of their best players and again sets them back.

This team has had to step up a lot this year for numerous injuries to key players, including when Allen was hurt, but it’s hard to gain any momentum or chemistry when always missing a key player.

Also, Coach K is sidelined for a couple of months with him having back surgery. This couldn’t come at a worse time for a Duke team who is struggling and looking like a bust after many predicted them to win the national championship.

The Blue Devils will host Georgia Tech and Boston College this week.