Top 25 not getting any easier

With conference play bringing the usual cannibalism among top teams, it’s not getting any easier picking a top 25.

After the first six, I felt uneasy about just about every pick.

Connecticut is the obvious No. 1 pick. Thereafter, there’s plenty to debate.

Gone from my top 25 are Minnesota (for the first time since the Dec. 14 balloting), West Virginia, Gonzaga, Syracuse and Texas.

Joining — or in some cases re-joining — the top 25 are Miami, Utah State, LSU, Florida State and Illinois.

LSU joined the top 25 ballot for the first time. The Tigers lead the weakened SEC and seem to have an advangtage in playing more Western Division games.

The highest riser was Memphis, from No. 15 to No. 7. The biggest drops were by Purdue (12 to 19) and Syracuse (18 to out of the top 25).

Here’s this week’s ballot:

1. Connecticut

2. Oklahoma

3. North Carolina

4. Pittsburgh

5. Duke

6. Louisville

7. Memphis

8. Wake Forest

9. Marquette

10. UCLA

11. Michigan State

12. Florida State

13. Clemson

14. Xavier

15. Villanova

16. Butler

17. Washington

18. Illinois

19. Purdue

20. Kansas

21. LSU

22. South Carolina

23. Utah State

24. Arizona State

25. Miami (Fla.)