Men’s Basketball AP Top 25 Poll Unveils Dynamic Shifts and New Leaders
January 23, 2024
The latest edition of the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll, unveiled on Monday, paints a picture of a dynamic landscape, marked by unexpected upsets, thrilling contests, and a reshuffling of the top 10. While the top two teams, UConn and Purdue, maintain their positions, several other programs experience significant movement up and down the rankings.
UConn and Purdue Remain Unmoved at the Summit
For the second consecutive week, UConn holds onto the No. 1 spot with 44 first-place votes, while Purdue trails closely behind at No. 2 with 17 first-place votes. This marks the first time since Week 6 that voters have concentrated their support on only two teams for the top spot, indicating a degree of clarity emerging at the pinnacle of college basketball.
Duke and Baylor Tumble Out of the Top 10
Among the most notable fallers this week is Duke, which drops five spots to No. 12 after suffering narrow defeats to Georgia Tech at home and then to Pitt in Cameron Indoor. Similarly, Baylor, the defending national champions, slides six spots to No. 15 after a rough week. Memphis, previously ranked among the top 10, experiences the most significant fall, plummeting nine spots to No. 19 following consecutive losses in American Athletic Conference (AAC) play.
North Carolina, Houston, and Tennessee Ascend in the Ranks
The shake-up in the top 10 creates opportunities for other teams to make their mark. North Carolina rises to a season-high No. 3 after extending its winning streak to eight games, with victories over Louisville and Boston College. Houston and Tennessee each move up one spot to No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Kentucky, with a 2-0 week including a high-scoring win over Georgia, just misses the top five, landing at No. 6.
Auburn, Arizona, and Illinois Make Strides
The latter half of the top 10 also sees notable changes, with Auburn, Arizona, and Illinois making significant jumps. Auburn, after dominant performances against Vanderbilt and Ole Miss, climbs five spots to No. 8. Arizona and Illinois move up three and four spots, respectively, to No. 9 and No. 10.
Other Teams Receiving Votes
Several other teams received votes in this week’s poll, indicating their potential to break into the top 25 in the coming weeks. Seton Hall, San Diego State, Kansas State, Alabama, TCU, Mississippi, Princeton, Utah, Texas, Boise State, Florida, Gonzaga, Grand Canyon, Michigan State, Saint Mary’s, NC State, San Francisco, Indiana State, Samford, McNeese State, and Colorado all received varying levels of support from voters.
Conclusion
The latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll reflects the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, with teams vying for dominance and seeking to make their mark on the national stage. As the season progresses, the rankings will continue to fluctuate based on team performances, creating a captivating narrative that keeps fans engaged throughout the season.