Get ready for some basketball excitement as we dive into the AP Top 25 preseason poll! The number one spot has a new occupant, and it's creating quite a buzz!
Purdue, the Boilermakers, have claimed the top position for the first time ever in the AP's preseason rankings. With 35 first-place votes, they've left last year's NCAA finalists, Houston and Florida, in their wake. But here's where it gets controversial: is this ranking a true reflection of Purdue's potential, or is it just a hype train? Painter's squad has big shoes to fill, especially with the goal of maintaining that top spot until the end of the season.
This achievement is a personal milestone for Matt Painter, who played under Gene Keady and has now built his own successful program. Purdue's journey to the top hasn't been easy; they've only reached the pinnacle in the last three seasons, with the 2023-24 campaign being their most memorable, thanks to Zach Edey's stellar performance.
The top tier of the poll is packed with intriguing teams. Houston's Cougars, led by Kelvin Sampson, have earned their highest-ever preseason ranking, while Florida's Gators, under Todd Golden, are back with a bang, starting the season with their best preseason ranking since their double-title run in 2006-07.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of second-year coaches. Pat Kelsey has transformed Louisville into a national elite, while John Calipari's Arkansas, along with Michigan, BYU, and Kentucky, all have new coaches looking to make their mark.
The rankings also highlight some surprising drops. Kansas, usually a powerhouse, is ranked a lowly 19th, their worst preseason ranking in over a decade. And Auburn, who had a strong run last season, is now under the guidance of Steven Pearl, the son of former coach Bruce Pearl, who retired unexpectedly.
The conference watch is an interesting one, with the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 dominating the rankings. The ACC and Big East trail behind, while the West Coast Conference has Gonzaga representing them at No. 21.
As we gear up for the season, keep an eye on N.C. State and their new coach, Will Wade. Their roster shakeup could be a game-changer, and they're just a whisker away from cracking the top 25. Oregon, under Dana Altman, is also poised for a strong season.
So, who do you think will reign supreme at the end of the season? Will Purdue live up to its preseason ranking, or will another team steal the spotlight? Let's discuss in the comments and predict the ultimate college basketball champion!
