December 26, 2006

UCLA sent a big-time message with its impressive win over Michigan at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday. Also on the rise in my latest Top 25 is Florida, as the defending national champions took care of business against the diaper dandies from Ohio State. Back in my Top 25 are Maryland and Illinois.

Dick's Top 25
1. UCLA
2. North Carolina
3. Florida
4. Arizona
5. Wisconsin
6. Duke
7. Kansas
8. Ohio State
9. Connecticut
10. Washington
11. Texas A&M
12. Alabama
13. Oregon
14. Notre Dame
15. Michigan State
16. Oklahoma State
17. Pittsburgh
18. Marquette
19. Tennessee
20. Butler
21. Air Force
22. Clemson
23. Kentucky
24. Maryland
25. Illinois

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.