With the college basketball season now almost a month old, we have enough of a sample size of games to start to determine which teams are better or worse than projected. Here's a look at the teams who have most exceeded expectations so far:

1. Virginia Tech (7-0)

Quality wins: Oklahoma State 81-71, Iowa 95-79, at UNC Greensboro 96-87

Why they've exceeded expectations: When top recruit Montrezl Harrell and highly touted forward Dorian Finney-Smith transferred after Seth Greenberg's firing last spring, Virginia Tech appeared headed for a second straight down season. Instead the Hokies have won seven straight after upsetting 15th-ranked Oklahoma State on Saturday. The biggest reason for Virginia Tech's unexpected rise is that guard Erick Green is playing at an All-American level. He has scored 20 or more points in all seven of the Hokies' games.

Are they legit or a mirage? It's safe to say the Hokies are at least a middle-of-the-pack ACC team, but it's too soon to tout them as an NCAA tournament team. They've yet to win away from home against anyone besides UNC Greensboro. Nonetheless, there's a lot to like about Virginia Tech's torrid start, especially the efficiency in which it is scoring so far. The Hokies lead the ACC in 3-point shooting and in points per possession and they get to the foul line more than any team in the league. Plus, while Green's production will inevitably taper off a bit, he's a real threat in the race for ACC player of the year.

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2. Wichita State (8-0)

Quality wins: at VCU 53-51, DePaul 75-62, Iowa 75-63, at Air Force 72-69

Why they've exceeded expectations: Wichita State lost its five leading scorers from last season's NCAA tournament team to graduation, so little was expected of the Shockers this year. Sure, the arrival of junior college standout Cleanthony Early and Oregon transfer Malcolm Armstead offered hope of an upper half finish in the Valley, but even optimists wouldn't have guessed Wichita State would be unbeaten in the first week of December. The impact of Early and the development of Carl Hall have been the biggest factors. That forward duo has combined to average 28.1 points and 14 rebounds so far this season.

Are they legit or a mirage? Creighton is still the best team in the Valley, but it's time to buy the Shockers as a potential NCAA tournament contender and one of the Bluejays two biggest threats along with Illinois State. Very few teams will win at VCU this season, and winning at Air Force is more difficult than most people realize. The formula for success for Wichita State thus far has been smothering defense, control of the glass and an ability to get to the free throw line. More consistency from Armstead would help and poor outside shooting is a concern, but that blueprint will win a lot of games in the Valley this year.

3. Illinois (8-0)

Quality wins: USC 94-64, Butler 78-61, Georgia Tech 75-62

Why they've exceeded expectations: On the heels of poor season, a coaching change and the early exit of center Meyers Leonard, Illinois was pegged as a team that would be lucky to finish higher than seventh or eighth in the loaded Big Ten. The Illini have looked better than expected thus far, however, winning the prestigious Maui Invitational and avoiding upsets in their other games. The strength of this Illinois team is clearly in the backcourt. Talented senior Brandon Paul has gained the consistency he lacked last season, scoring 13 or more points in every game and shooting a career high 48 percent from the floor and 41.5 percent from behind the arc. Fellow guards D.J. Richardson, Tracy Abrams and Joseph Bertrand have all stepped up at times too.

Are they legit or a mirage? Paul's development into an all-conference level guard gives Illinois a go-to threat, but I'm hesitant to call the Illini one of the 25 best teams in the nation or even a surefire NCAA tournament team at this point. Winning Maui was a big step for this program, but Illinois didn't exactly take down any juggernauts, beating USC, Chaminade and Butler. The Illini also needed a Richardson 3-pointer to defeat Hawaii at the buzzer and a late 3-pointer from Tyler Griffey to stave off Gardner-Webb at home. There's no doubt Illinois is improved from last season, but are they capable of outclassing Minnesota, Michigan State or Wisconsin for a top-six finish in the Big Ten? We'll have a better idea after seeing how they fare against Gonzaga and Missouri later this month.

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