10. Georgetown Hoyas (7-6, 0-2 Big East)
The start to the Ed Cooley era in Washington D.C. has not gotten off to the start he would have liked, but it has to be expected considering the program he inherited after Patrick Ewing left it in ruins.
It felt like Cooley's coaching prowess would lead the Hoyas to a couple of more victories early in the season and it has not, although a blown call against TCU prevented the program from picking up its first signature victory for the former Providence head coach.
A 1-point loss to Holy Cross, who has been awful this season, is the only 'bad' loss on the Georgetown resume and it feels like this team could be prime to spring a couple upsets in Big East play this season.
9. Xavier Musketeers (7-6, 1-1 Big East)
There are spots in the power rankings that are truly up for debate and the battle for 8 vs. 9 is definitely one of them.
Xavier gets slotted at No. 9 because of its non-conference blemishes against Oakland and Delaware.
Sean Miller was put in an unenviable position after the preseason injuries to Jerome Hunter and Zach Freemantle sidelined the two for the season and he's been having to adjust on the fly.
After a lopsided loss to begin league play against St. John's, the Musketeers routed Seton Hall at home but have a gauntlet looming against Villanova, UConn, and Providence to begin 2024.
Xavier will find ways to win games at home but it will be very challenging for this team to win -- more specifically, defend -- on the road.