Duke, Miami, IU vie for top spot

Who will earn the top overall seed? What's the latest bubble movement?

Originally Published: February 12, 2013
By Joe Lunardi | ESPN Insider

Welcome back to the expanded edition of Joe Lunardi's Rundown. Since the start of February, this series has featured tournament odds, an element that will take you deeper into Bracketology. Bracketology provides a snapshot of how the bracket looks on a specific day, but through the use of Lunardi's extensive database of previous seasons, tournament odds tell you how the bracket is likely to look come Selection Sunday.

Top-line report

I believe there is a valid argument for three teams to be No. 1 overall at this moment. And the arguments go something like this:

Duke Blue Devils -- The Blue Devils still have the best on-paper profile in the country. RPI is No. 1. BPI is No. 1. The Blue Devils also have the most top 50 wins (7) and the most wins (9) over teams currently in the field or under consideration. That kind of résumé would normally equate to No. 1 overall without much question -- except for the nagging suspicion that the Duke team that compiled most of those wins is no longer intact. Though the Devils have begun to adjust to Ryan Kelly's absence, they are simply not as imposing without him.


For Lunardi's in-depth report that goes beyond Bracketology, plus complete access to Insider's college hoops coverage, become an ESPN Insider.

Joe Lunardi | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com
  • Resident college basketball bracketologist for ESPN
  • Contributor to SportsCenter, ESPN Insider
  • Published first public bracket in 1995

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