Five Up: February 19th, 2016

After a hectic week of college basketball, it would have been much easier for me to write a "Five Down" column. However, there are a few teams and players that have seen their stock rise dramatically based on their play this week.
1. Texas Tech- Tubby Smith's Red Raiders are easily the team that improved their status the most in the past week. After starting off 3-7 in Big 12 play, Texas Tech has since won three straight over ranked opponents. Last week, they won a close overtime game over then #14 Iowa State, then went to #21 Baylor and crushed the Bears in Waco. These two wins coupled with a strong non conference Strength of Schedule had Texas Tech back in the NCAA Discussion, but most metrics had the Red Raiders still out of the field. However, Texas Tech then took the opportunity to move further into the at-large discussion with a monster win over Buddy Hield and #3 Oklahoma. I currently think that Texas Tech is solidly in the field after their last couple of victories, but most brackets have them among the "Last Four In". While the opinions on seeding may differ, Texas Tech's huge jump is noticeable. The issue for Tech is that three of their final five games (@OSU, TCU, KSU) would not count as good wins if Tech emerged victorious, but would be bad losses. Conversely, their other two games are at Kansas and at West Virginia. They aren't winning at Allen Fieldhouse, so their last remaining shot for a great win before the Big 12 Tournament will come March 2nd in Morgantown.
2. California-Widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented teams in the country, the Golden Bears struggled early on due to a lack of experience and cohesiveness. California couldn't seem to close out on the road, where all of their five Pac-12 losses came by less than ten points. Even with the road woes, Cal has rattled off four straight victories, including blowout home wins over Oregon and Oregon State, two teams in the NCAA Tournament picture. However, the road win at Washington last night might have been the most important. As their first road win in Pac-12 play in a tough environment, it will be interesting to see how far they can rise. They have three road games left, the toughest being a March 3rd date with Arizona. I don't think Cal will win in Tucson, but a victory would make them a trendy sleeper pick in the NCAA Tournament.
3. Brandon Ingram-Duke is a team I've outlined in recent posts, so I refrained from putting them on this list. Despite this impressive winning streak, the Blue Devils still have major flaws that I will highlight at another point, but their Freshmen star Brandon Ingram has been terrific recently. In his last three games, Ingram has averaged 21 points and nine rebounds, including two double-doubles against North Carolina and Louisville. As a scorer, Ingram has blossomed, scoring double digits in every game since a win over Utah State November 29th. With injuries to Senior leaders Amile Jefferson and now Matt Jones, Ingram and teammate Grayson Allen have had to mature quickly. Some analysts are talking about Ingram overtaking Ben Simmons as the number one prospect for the 2016 NBA Draft. I think that talk is far-fetched for right now (Simmons is a more unique talent), but at the very last Ingram has locked up the number two spot.
4. Saint Joseph's-Not too far removed from an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014, the Hawks are closing in on a top 25 ranking and another at large berth. A win over #15 Dayton at Hagan Arena in Philadelphia moved the Hawks to an impressive 22-4 record. Additionally, none of their losses can be categorized as bad so far, with the worst coming against St. Bonaventure (who is among teams under consideration for the bracket). I'm high on the Hawks as a sleeper for the NCAA Tournament if they can keep this hot streak up. They have a star in DeAndre Bembry, a 9-0 record on the road, and a top 50 ranking in both Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Joe Lunardi currently has them as an 8 seed, which is about right at the time. If Saint Joe's can finish the season without another loss and put up a strong showing in the A-10 Tournament, it is entirely possible to see them get up to a 6 seed.

5. Alabama-Nobody expected the Crimson Tide to be this strong in Avery Johnson's first year as head coach. Alabama has won five straight games, including a win over Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa and two victories on the road at Florida and LSU. Retin Obasohan and Shannon Hale lead the Crimson Tide, who will need to avoid bad losses down the stretch to make the tournament. A looming road game at Kentucky would be a huge win, but one that obviously won't come easy. Besides that, they need to beat the cupcakes at home (MSST, AUB, ARK) and then close out the season with a win at Georgia and perform well in the SEC Tournament. Even if Bama misses  out on the Big Dance this year, their early progression signs bode well for the future of the program.