Kansas Jayhawks Begin Season as AP Preseason Men’s Basketball Poll No. 1

In an exciting announcement for basketball fans, the Kansas Jayhawks have been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 preseason men’s basketball poll. The Jayhawks received an impressive 46 out of 63 first-place votes, solidifying their position as an early favorite for the upcoming season.

This marks the third time since 2003 that Kansas will start their season at the top of the rankings, indicating the high expectations within the program. Head coach Bill Self has emphasized the drive for excellence and is determined to guide his team to another successful season.

The Jayhawks are eager to bounce back after a slightly disappointing season, following their national title win in 2022. With Coach Self returning after heart surgery, the team is motivated to claim their third national title. The resilience and determination of the Jayhawks have not gone unnoticed, as they have garnered widespread support from voters.

The preseason poll also reveals other notable teams in the rankings. Duke takes the No. 2 spot, with 11 first-place votes, followed closely by Purdue at No. 3, with three first-place votes. Michigan State secures the No. 4 position with one first-place vote, while Marquette rounds out the top five.

Furthermore, the top 10 also includes UConn, Houston, Creighton, and Tennessee. Florida Atlantic, who returns most of their Final Four team, is ranked No. 10, adding more excitement to the upcoming season.

It is worth noting that the preseason poll reflects a broad representation of conferences, with the Big 12, Big East, SEC, ACC, and Big Ten teams all featured. Teams like Wisconsin, Colorado, UCLA, Xavier, and Kansas State narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 25, but they are expected to make a strong impact throughout the season.

The eagerly anticipated basketball season is set to begin on November 6, with several notable matchups in the early weeks. One of the highlights will be the Champions Classic doubleheader in Chicago, where fans can expect thrilling matchups and intense competition.

As basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the season, all eyes will be on the Kansas Jayhawks as they aim for another successful campaign. With high expectations and a talented roster, they are poised to make their mark on the court once again.