1. Louisville Cardinals (Previous ranking: No. 2)

Louisville's defense has the Cardinals ranked atop The Bilas Index. When healthy, this team is Atlanta-worthy and "A-Town Down." With Gorgui Dieng back and Chane Behanan playing to his talent (although he's out for a few days with a sprained ankle), Louisville shapes up as the best team in the nation. Russ Smith, a Big East Player of the Year candidate, is taking 35.7 percent of Louisville's shots, the seventh-highest mark in the nation. The Cardinals rank second in the nation in steals and steal percentage (VCU is No. 1), turning over opponents at an insane rate. Louisville wouldn't be No. 1 in a poll right now, but The Bilas Index isn't a poll. Again, you're welcome.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8826138/jay-bilas-ranks-68-best-teams-country-college-basketball