Kansas Tops Preseason AP Poll, Setting Stage for Thrilling College Basketball Season
As the 2024-2025 college basketball season approaches, excitement is building with the release of the preseason AP Top 25 rankings. Leading the pack is none other than the Kansas Jayhawks, who have earned the No. 1 spot, claiming 30 out of 60 first-place votes. This recognition follows a challenging season for the Jayhawks, who, despite being ranked first in the previous year's preseason poll, struggled to live up to expectations. Injuries and team dynamics hindered their performance, resulting in a 23-win season and another early exit from the NCAA Tournament. Yet, with a robust offseason strategy that includes one of the best transfer classes in college basketball, Kansas is eager to prove itself.
The Jayhawks are closely followed by the Alabama Crimson Tide, who secured the No. 2 position with 14 first-place votes. Coming off a strong campaign, Alabama remains a formidable contender with the return of veteran players and strategic transfers. UConn, the defending champions, find themselves ranked third despite having a dominating season last year, showcasing their remarkable ability to bounce back. Houston rounds out the top four, while Iowa State secures the fifth spot. Notably, the Big 12 conference is prominently represented, boasting three teams in the top five and five within the top ten, solidifying its reputation as one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball.
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Kansas’s ascent to the No. 1 ranking marks the fifth time under head coach Bill Self that the program has achieved this honor in the preseason. This year, Self has retained All-American Hunter Dickinson while integrating a slew of talented transfers, including double-digit scorers from other prestigious programs. With six of the eight newcomers arriving through the transfer portal, including guards AJ Storr, Rylan Griffen, and Zeke Mayo, Kansas is not only looking to rebuild but also to bolster its already impressive roster.
As we delve deeper into the rankings, it’s fascinating to note how teams like UConn are receiving less recognition than they arguably deserve. After a national championship season that highlighted their dominance, the Huskies start this season ranked third, yet they possess a wealth of talent to potentially challenge for another title. Despite losing several key players, UConn’s coach, Dan Hurley, is poised to develop a new roster featuring returning players and promising freshmen.
Rutgers also deserves mention, as they have made their first appearance in the preseason poll since 1978. This resurgence is attributed to the efforts of coach Steve Pikiell and a highly regarded recruiting class that includes NBA Draft prospects like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Their inclusion in the rankings signifies a new era for the program, as they look to compete in the newly expanded Big Ten.
Overall, the upcoming season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with teams across the board bolstering their rosters through strategic transfers and recruiting. As the countdown to the season opener begins, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation for what could unfold in this electrifying landscape of college basketball. The Big 12, in particular, is set to be a battleground, with Kansas, Houston, and Iowa State emerging as frontrunners in what promises to be an unforgettable season.
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