College Basketball AP Top 25 Preseason Poll released
College basketball is about to be back, so it’s time to reveal the preseason AP Poll top 25 ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The transfer portal stole the show this offseason with some major movement, in addition to guys going to the NBA. Some new look teams and veteran teams are at or near the top to start the year. But this could all change in the blink of an eye.
Let’s dive into the first edition of the AP Poll for basketball with a fresh top 25 teams.
1. Kansas
Kansas brought in transfer Hunter Dickinson, arguably the biggest get in the portal this offseason. The former Michigan man has one thing on his mind, a national title.
The Jayhawks have a returning trio of Dajuan Harris, Kevin McCullar Jr. and KJ Adams Jr. This is going to be quite a fun team to watch all year. Oh yeah, Bill Self and the program avoid major sanctions.
2. Duke
Kyle Filipowski comes back and gives Jon Scheyer another leader in the locker room. This veteran Blue Devils team is certainly able to challenge for a national title.
Tyrese Proctor and Jared McCain look like first-round guards in next year’s draft. Plus, Jeremy Roach is back after averaging 13.6 points per game in 2022-23.
3. Purdue
Purdue is led by one man, essentially, in big man Zach Edey. He won the Wooden Award last season and is the favorite to do so again in 2023-24.
The Boilermakers flopped in the NCAA Tournament last year, but won the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. We’ll say they’re the one of the favorites to do so again.
4. Michigan State
Tom Izzo has a loaded lineup back this year that could spark national championship conversations. Go Green, Go White in the Final Four or beyond? Maybe.
Tyson Walker and Malik Hall are back with an extra year of eligibility, so you might as well take advantage. AJ Hoggard and Jaden Akins elected to return to school as well, rather than go to the NBA.
5. Marquette
Shaka Smart also had his entire team back for another run, but Olivier-Maxence Prosper elected to go pro. But, Tyler Kolek, among others, is back this season.
Sixth man David Joplin should slide into the starting five. This top 10 squad is not one to be trifled with throughout the winter. Buckle up.
6. UConn
The defending national champions have expectations to do so again. It feels like every era of UConn lately can win a title or two doesn’t it?
Alex Karaban and Tristen Newton are back as returning starters for the Huskies. Not to mention sharpshooter Cam Spencer transferred in after a great year at Rutgers last winter.
7. Houston
Kelvin Sampson has this team in the Big 12 now, rather than the AAC. It should be a great playground for his loaded Cougars team.
LJ Cryer and Damian Dunn transferred into the program, both averaging 15+ points per game last year at Baylor and Temple, respectively. Look out for this team to make a deep run.
8. Creighton
Greg McDermott lost some starters to the transfer portal but got some guys to return to school rather than go pro. Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner are back.
Let’s not forget Utah State transfer Steven Ashworth coming into the program. Kalkbrenner averaged 15.9 points per game last year and should lead the offense overall.
9. Tennessee
Rick Barnes loves his defense and Tennessee is one of the best defensive basketball teams in the entire country. To beef up the offense, Barnes hit the transfer portal.
Dalton Knecht and Jordan Gainey are in to help the perimeter offense and scoring. Santiago Vescovi and Josiah-Jordan James are also back. A healthy Zakai Zeigler could put this team over the top.
10. Florida Atlantic
Dusty May just brought this team to the Final Four and now there are expectations to make another big run. However, if they do, it won’t be a surprise this time.
FAU moves to the AAC, so it’s a step up in competition with conference play. Leading the way in scoring is Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin, both were 13+ points per game in 2022-23.
Rest of AP Poll Top 25
11. Gonzaga
12. Arizona
13. Miami
14. Arkansas
15. Texas A&M
16. Kentucky
17. San Diego State
18. Texas
19. North Carolina
20. Baylor
21. USC
22. Villanova
23. Saint Mary’s
24. Alabama
25. Illinois
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin 53, Colorado 49, UCLA 47, St. John’s 47, Maryland 34, Virginia 27, Auburn 27, TCU 24, Mississippi St. 20, Kansas St 13, Xavier 8, Memphis 7, Missouri 6, Boise St. 4, Indiana 3, Florida 2, Coll of Charleston 2, New Mexico 1, Drake 1.
So there you have the first Top 25. Since it’s mid-October, it’s time to gear up for basketball and rankings every week. Onward to the journey towards March Madness.