Photo courtesy of the AP


We aren't even through a full month of college basketball, so you might think it's a little premature to start separating contenders from pretenders. However, the early season does provide us with some high-profile non-conference games in these tip off tournaments. While we haven't been able to watch the entire top 25 play, there have been three teams that we feel could be around in late March. Keep in mind that it's not necessary to bring up the Tarheels, who are playing at a higher level than anyone else.

Notre Dame - This seems to be an obvious selection after beating 7th ranked Texas, but there we're not sure how many people actually think that the Irish are legit. They've been such an up and down team the last five years, but this team has a great starting five and the chemistry seems to be there early on. The Irish rely on the three but have enough shooters to avoid an off night, led by the confident Tory Jackson. Hopefully, North Carolina won't make us regret our opinion tonight.

Oklahoma - Blake Griffin has been a beast through four games, averaging 26 ppg and just under 20 rpg. He's been unstoppable on both ends of the floor, while his brother, Taylor, has quietly been contributing as well. The Sooners play solid defense and wouldn't be a surprise to win the Big 12 this season.

Syracuse - The Orange took home the CBE Classic Championship Tuesday defeating 18th-ranked Florida and defending-champion Kansas on back-to-back nights. They've done so behind the superb play of sophomore Jonny Flynn, who had 25 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals in the win over the Jayhawks. This squad has looked unselfish thus far, and might just be a better team without Donte Green, who was a first round NBA selection after just one season in college.