Well it was a snoozer of a Super Bowl, but you won’t see any dunking on the game from me. I love football and I love greatness, and what the Eagles did on Sunday exemplified just that. So yes, I will give a big salute to the Birds even though they ended my Commanders’ season two weeks ago. Just wait ‘til next year!

As you know, I am immersed in college basketball 12 months a year. So for me, the end of the Super Bowl marks the beginning of the final stretch towards the greatest event in all of sports. I’ve long said that as soon as the Super Bowl ends, my cell phone blows up because every radio producer from around the country who has been talking primarily football the last six months suddenly wants to know what’s going on in our world.

To all of them I say: Welcome! We actually have a more eloquent and official welcome published today from the hilarious Faux Pelini, who has a guide to college basketball for football fans just tuning in. It’s also Bracketology Season, so we’ve got an update on that for you. You’ll also find our usual Men’s and Women’s Top 25 rankings from me and Eden Laase. My job was especially fun this week because for the first time in a while, there was a real mystery as to who my No. 1 team should be.

We’ve got lots more big hits lined up for this week and beyond. So keep it right here at Hoops HQ for all your college hoops coverage. Thanks for being a part of our team. — Seth

Bracketology Update: The SEC Could Send How Many Teams to the Tournament?

By Brad Wachtel

We are less than five weeks from Selection Sunday. And if what we saw this weekend — with the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country going down — is indicative of what’s to come, we are in for an amazing ride the rest of the way.

Without question, the biggest victory of the weekend was Florida going on the road and upsetting Auburn. The Tigers losing on their home court was stunning, but more importantly, the win positions Florida to be in the conversation for the final No. 1 seed. There is now a strong likelihood we are going to see three SEC teams end up as No. 1 seeds come Selection Sunday.

As it stands today, the number of teams from the SEC I have making the field of 68 is insane, and breaks the all-time record for one conference....

Sizing up the Women’s Player of the Year Race, and Picking a Winner

By Eden Laase

You’ve seen Lauren Betts finish with efficiency around the rim and alter shots on defense. You’ve seen Hannah Hidalgo’s rabid intensity on defense and electric playmaking on offense. You’ve seen JuJu Watkins’ smooth finishes and ball-on-a-string moves to the rim.

And if you’re locked into women’s basketball, you’ve certainly heard the debate surrounding the Player of the Year award, centering around these players. But who’s leading the race?

I’m going to be comparing the three leading candidates using two metrics: advanced stats and things we can’t chart statistically. Advanced stats allow us to interpret data in a more nuanced and telling way, while eye-test aspects always play a part in these kinds of awards, as there are intangibles that can only be captured by watching. Here is where the POY race stands as of today….

Between the Lines

🏀 After Alabama lost top three-point threat Latrell Wrightsell, Jr. to a ruptured Achilles in December, grad transfer Chris Youngblood stepped up and has been lights out. Which proves that the Tide rolls deep. (Sorry, had to.)

🏀 St. John's win over UConn on Friday night wasn't just a classic, bruising Big East battle. It was a statement, announcing that the conference's power center has shifted to Queens, NY, and that Rick Pitino isn't just one of the best coaches in the country, but one of the best of all time.

🏀 Last summer, likely NBA lottery pick VJ Edgecomb more than held his own against NBA stars while playing for his country's Olympic team. A rough start to his freshman season dulled the excitement a bit, but a recent hot streak has him in the top 5 on the Draft big board.

North Carolina @ Clemson: As Hoops HQ's bracketologist Brad Wachtel points out here, UNC is right on the bubble for the rapidly approaching NCAA Tournament. This is a huge opportunity for Hubert Davis' team to improve its resume. Clemson is 19-5 and coming off an incredible victory over No. 2 Duke on Saturday. It is tough to score against the Tigers but the Tar Heels have an elite offense, led by dynamic guards RJ Davis, Ian Jackson, Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau. Can North Carolina rise to the occasion? 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.