The sports calendar is jam-packed in October, with MLB playoffs, NFL action, and college football news dominating headlines. But let’s not forget about men’s college basketball! The AP Top 25 preseason poll dropped recently, giving fans a taste of what to expect for the upcoming season.
Kansas Claims the Top Spot, Again
For the second year in a row, Kansas sits atop the preseason AP poll. However, their previous top ranking didn’t translate to ultimate success, as they finished 23-11, 10-8 in the Big 12, and exited the NCAA tournament in the second round. This marks the fifth time KU has earned the preseason number one ranking, trailing only UNC, Duke, and Kentucky for most all-time.
The Big 12 Flexes its Muscles
The Big 12 Conference boasts a powerful presence in the top 5, with three teams represented, including Kansas, Houston, and Iowa State. In fact, half of the top 10 hail from the Big 12, signaling a potentially dominant season for the conference.
The SEC also makes a strong showing, with nine teams ranked in the top 25. Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, A&M, and Arkansas all find themselves ranked ahead of Texas, which is sure to raise some eyebrows. Add in Kentucky, Florida, and Mississippi, and the SEC is poised for an exciting season.
Duke: Overlooked or Properly Placed?
Despite boasting a roster loaded with talent, including projected 2025 number one NBA draft pick Cooper Flag, Duke finds themselves at number seven in the AP poll. Some argue this is an underestimate of their potential, especially considering their status as preseason favorites to win the national championship at +950.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71019517/1240382162.0.jpg)
Duke Blue Devils basketball players on the court
UConn: Chasing History
Dan Hurley and the Connecticut Huskies, two-time defending national champions, enter the season at number three, aiming for a historic three-peat. Not since John Wooden’s legendary UCLA teams in 1973 has a program achieved this feat. With championship pedigree and a target on their backs, UConn will be a compelling team to watch. Their odds stand at 11 to 1, the fourth best entering the season.
Alabama: A Basketball School Now?
In an unusual turn of events, Alabama basketball finds themselves ranked ahead of Alabama football in both preseason polls. Nate Oats’ squad, led by returning guard Mark Sears, earned the highest preseason ranking in program history at number two, surpassing their previous high of number seven back in 1990-91.
Calipari’s New Chapter at Arkansas
Eric Musselman’s departure from Arkansas to coach the Razorbacks injects intrigue into the SEC landscape. The veteran coach brought several recruits with him from Kentucky, setting the stage for an interesting season in Fayetteville. Arkansas enters the season at number 16, while Kentucky, now led by Mark Pope, sits at number 23.
Big Ten Contenders and New Faces
Purdue, the highest-ranked Big Ten team, sits just outside the top 10 after losing star Zach Edey. Indiana returns to the preseason poll for the first time in several years, while new Big Ten member UCLA rounds out the conference’s four representatives in the top 25.
Rutgers on the Rise
The Scarlet Knights, led by new head coach Dylan Harper and featuring two of the top three recruits in the 2024 class (Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper), hope to build on their recent success. They enter the season ranked in the AP Top 25, generating excitement for a promising future in Piscataway.
Rutgers basketball players celebrating a victory
The 2023-24 men’s college basketball season promises to be filled with excitement, compelling storylines, and high-level play. The AP Top 25 preseason poll offers a glimpse into the potential landscape of the sport, but as always, expect the unexpected.
