CSN's Buckets List: Changes galore as we near the halfway mark

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Each Monday through the Final Four, our own Robbie Buckets -- known in some circles as Rob Snyder, associate producer at CSN -- will take a look at the world of college basketball: Games to watch each week, players who might be on the Celtics' radar come draft time, what's going on locally . . . and, of course, power rankings (which will eventually morph into bracketology). Enjoy!

Hard to believe we're at about the halfway point of the college basketball season. Despite what seemed like a very top-heavy field after the first month, conference play is already reminding us how fragile the race to No. 1 can be. The rankings are undergoing some changes this week -- and it won't be the last time for sure.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Baylor (15-0) - The Bears didn't necessarily look great this week, but they remain undefeated nonetheless due to their very strong frontcourt. I don't see this team staying undefeated all season, but, boy, have they impressed up to this point.

2. Kansas (14-1) - Kansas also hasn't been perfect, but also hasn't dropped a game since the first game of the season. The Jayhawks have the best freshman in the country (in my humble opinion) in Josh Jackson, and he's only getting better.

3. Villanova (15-1) - 'Nova finally lost for the first time in 20 games, but it's hard to blame them after playing at Creighton and Butler in back-to-back games. Their destruction of Marquette Saturday proved they aren't falling far.

4. Gonzaga (15-0) - The 'Zags continue to play no one, but they also continue to pour on the wins. Gotta give them credit for that.

5. UCLA (16-1) - The Bruins continue to put on an offensive show and, like Villanova, are proving that one loss won't kill them. I still have my concerns, but in the meantime, this team is a pleasure to watch.

6. Kentucky (13-2) - Speaking of fun to watch, Kentucky is a blast. I've said a lot about Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox, but they continue to impress me. This is another team that plays fast and could be better on defense, so proceed with caution.

7. Florida State (15-1) - Quite the leap for the 'Noles, but it's well deserved. A three-point loss to Temple is the only thing keeping this team from being undefeated after beating Virginia on the road and waxing Virginia Tech at home.

8. Duke (14-2) - Duke rebounded and finally got some of its freshman valuable minutes.  This will be key, especially if Amile Jefferson's injury is serious. And if it is, a freshman will not be able to fill his shoes.

9. Creighton (15-1) - The Bluejays rebounded nicely from their first loss of the season. Thiat's important, as Butler and Xavier loom in their next three games.

10. Oregon (15-2) - Look out for the Ducks. The healthier they get, the more dangerous they get. They may end up being one of the most dangerous teams in March.

11. West Virginia (13-2) - The Mountaineers have certainly not been as scary as they were early in the season, but they continue to win and are now ranked second overall in Ken Pomeroy's rankings.

12. Butler (14-2) - Not a bad week for the Bulldogs. They knock off the No. 1 team in the country in front of a wild crowd and then follow it up by avoiding a letdown game at Georgetown.

13. Notre Dame (14-2) - How bout the start to ACC play for the Irish?  They beat Louisville and Clemson and still only have losses to Villanova and Purdue on their resume.

14. North Carolina (14-3) - UNC's epic beatdown of NC State shows just how good the Tar Heels can be . . . when they want to. The talent is there; they just have to figure out how to put it together consistently.

15. Xavier (13-2) - The Musketeers have quietly been looming near the rankings as of late and are now the only team without a conference loss in the Big East.  Villanova is up next.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Rhode Island (10-5) - The Rams are still incredibly frustrating. They get Hassan Martin back from injury and absolutely blow out Saint Joseph's. They then follow that up with a loss at Dayton in a very close game. Story of Rhody's season. Just not enough to get that big win.

Providence (11-6) - It wasn't exactly a fair start to the Big East season for the Friars, now 1-3 with losses to Xavier, Butler and Creighton. Nothing wrong with those losses, but they'll have to steal some big wins if they plan on playing in the big dance.

Boston College (8-8) - It was a fun little ride for the Eagles, but losses to Duke and Wake Forest have brought them back to Earth. They may not be showing up in local flavor much longer.

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Tuesday, January 10: Xavier vs Villanova; Baylor vs West Virginia; Duke vs Florida State

Wednesday January 11: Butler vs Creighton

Saturday, January 14: Duke vs Louisville; Xavier vs Butler; Florida State vs UNC; Saint Mary's vs Gonzaga

POTENTIAL FUTURE CELTICS TO WATCH

Josh Jackson - I've brought him up before, but now it's a real possibility. The Nets are currently the worst team in the NBA, so the Celtics have a great shot at the No. 1 overall pick. Jackson is coming off his best game of the season and continues to be a defensive force.  He's a stud.

Markelle Fultz - The Washington point guard will not be playing in the big dance in March barring a miracle, so now's the best time to try to catch him on TV. The freshman point guard is an insanely good scorer, but he also piles on the rest of the stats as well. My only concern with him is how hard he plays for the entire time he's on the floor. Potential is through the roof.

Follow me on Twitter @RobbieBuckets for college hoops musings and off-the-cuff sports takes.

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