Which NCAA teams have historically won the championship based on the Week 6 AP poll?

Since 2004, every NCAA national champion has been ranked in the AP Top 12 by Week 6.

Who is AJ Dybantsa and what makes him a top prospect?

AJ Dybantsa is a freshman phenom for BYU, demonstrating elite skills as a scorer and passer, and is considered a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft.

What metric helps identify the most consequential NCAA basketball wins?

The Wins Above Bubble (WAB) statistic, adopted by the selection committee, helps quantify and rank the importance of early-season victories.

Home / Sports / NCAA Hoops: Week 6 Poll Holds Title Clues

NCAA Hoops: Week 6 Poll Holds Title Clues

11 Dec

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Summary

Every NCAA champion since 2004 ranked top 12 by Week 6.
Arizona boasts size and star power, but lacks 3-point attempts.
AJ Dybantsa shines with a historic 28-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance.

NCAA Hoops: Week 6 Poll Holds Title Clues

The NCAA championship race is heating up, with a strong historical predictor emerging: every national champion since 2004 has been ranked within the AP Top 12 by Week 6. This season, twelve teams, including perennial powerhouses like Arizona, Duke, and UConn, fall into this elite category. While Arizona possesses impressive size and go-to scorers, concerns linger about their low 3-point attempt rate, which could be a liability in high-stakes games.

Freshman AJ Dybantsa of BYU has captured attention, recently delivering a historic performance with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. His exceptional skills as a post-up scorer and pick-and-roll handler were on full display, demonstrating the kind of individual brilliance that can carry a team. Dybantsa's recent surge marks him as a significant player to watch as the season progresses.

Analysis of early-season results using advanced metrics like Wins Above Bubble (WAB) reveals the most consequential victories. UConn has accumulated the most such wins, with Alabama, Arizona, Duke, and Iowa State also featuring prominently. These insights suggest that teams achieving strong non-conference wins, particularly on the road, are building a solid foundation for potential March success, offering a deeper look beyond poll rankings.