College Basketball: Week 2 mid-major power rankings for 2023-24

James Madison’s head coach Mark Byington.

The Conference they are in:  Sun Belt

This season’s best victories came against: Kent State (113-108 2OT) and Michigan State (79-76 OT).

This season, there have been victories over a Power Five conference team: One

Notable Losses for this season: None

Overall Season Record for 2023–2024: 4-0

RPI Standing as of November 18: 3

KenPom Ranking as of November 18: 87

College Basketball Power Index Ranking as of November 18: 82

The James Madison Dukes basketball team is currently off to a strong start to the 2023-24 season, with a perfect 4-0 record. The Dukes are averaging approximately 99 points per game, which is the top ten in the country, and they are shooting roughly 45% from the field as well. They are also averaging 42 rebounds per game, which is in the top 75 in the country.

The Dukes have been led by a balanced scoring attack, with five players averaging in double figures. Junior guard Terrence Edwards Jr. is leading the team in scoring with 21 points per game, and he is also averaging 6.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Senior forward TJ Bickerstaff is averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and senior guard Michael Green III is averaging 12.8 points per game and 4.5 assists per game.

The Dukes have a tough schedule ahead of them, but they are well-positioned to make a run at the Sun Belt Conference championship.

Here are some of the key reasons for the Dukes’ success this season:

Balanced scoring attack: The Dukes have four players averaging in double figures, and they have seven players averaging at least 8.0 points per game as of 11/17. This balanced scoring attack has made it difficult for opposing teams to defend the Dukes.
Strong rebounding: The Dukes are averaging 42.0 rebounds per game, which is tied for the 74th-highest in the country as of 11/17. This strong rebounding has given the Dukes second-chance opportunities and has helped them to control the tempo of the game.
Efficient shooting: The Dukes are shooting 45.3% from the field, which is 28th-highest in the country as of 11/17. This efficient shooting has helped the Dukes to score at a high rate.