Kansas has successfully held onto its spot as the number one team in the Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball rankings, showcasing its resilience and skill after narrowly defeating North Carolina. This thrilling matchup between two prominent college basketball programs kept the Jayhawks firmly at the top of the charts, much to the delight of their fans.
After kicking off the 2024-25 basketball season with high expectations, Kansas faced off against the Tar Heels at Allen Fieldhouse, where they fought through adversity to secure a 92-89 victory. The Jayhawks initially built up a substantial 20-point lead, only to see it dwindle as North Carolina clawed its way back. Yet, Kansas proved its mettle, managing to hold on for the win, earning them 44 of the 62 first-place votes from the AP poll. This victory reinforced their ranking at the start of the season and set the tone for what promises to be another competitive year.
Following Kansas, Alabama and UConn maintained their positions at number two and three, respectively. Alabama garnered six first-place votes, demonstrating its stature within the rankings, especially after solid performances early on. UConn, the reigning two-time national champion, continues to be seen as a powerhouse, earning seven votes as top team behind Kansas.
At number four, Gonzaga made impressive moves following its win over Baylor, which was ranked eighth at the time. The Bulldogs displayed their offensive prowess, blowing out their competition and moving up the ladder to solidify their place near the top of the rankings. By the time the dust settled from the opening weekend, Gonzaga had established itself as one of the teams to watch, especially with the high expectations surrounding college basketball this season.
Auburn also made waves, making the most significant leap within the rankings by moving up six spots to land at number five. The Tigers faced significant scrutiny over their guard play and starting lineup, including the twin-tower setup of Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell. Both the coaching staff and players were eager to showcase their skills, and they did so right out of the gate. With the season opening, they decisively defeated Vermont 94-43 and followed it up with a tighter 74-69 victory against the highly-regarded Houston team, transitioning smoothly and impressively through both games.
Shifts within the rankings don’t just stop with Auburn. Duke, historically one of the strongest teams, ended up climbing one place to secure the sixth spot. Iowa State settled comfortably at the seventh position, closely followed by Houston at eighth and Arizona at ninth. North Carolina, even after their tough loss to Kansas, managed to stay within the top ten, rounding out the group at the tenth place.
Meanwhile, the return of St. John's University to the rankings at number 22 marks significant glory for the program, as it marks their first appearance since 2019. Leading the charge is none other than Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, returning to the spotlight after his three-year stint at Iona. His career has been tumultuous amid scandal, but he seems poised to restore some of the glory for the Red Storm. “It's special to be back,” he commented on his team’s return to the spotlight. “We’ve got talent and heart, and I’m excited about what we can achieve this season.”
St. John's advancement to the rankings couldn't have come at a more poignant time. The team's resurgence is not only significant for the program but serves as validation for Pitino's efforts since taking over at the university. This rejuvenation offers hope to fans and players alike, symbolizing new beginnings and the potential for success.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, teams like Texas A&M and Houston saw significant declines from their previous standings. Texas A&M suffered the most, dropping ten spots to 23 after facing defeat at UCF right at the season's onset. Houston’s performance didn’t fare much differently, as they dropped four positions following their losses to already ranked teams. These shifts create serious challenges for coaches and players, but they also provide them opportunities to leverage these experiences to strengthen their resolve for upcoming games.
Looking at the broader conference scene, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads with eight ranked teams, including notable names such as Tennessee at 11 and Arkansas at 18. The Big 12 secured six positions, with teams currently playing hot out of the gate this season. The storied tradition of college basketball continues to pave the way for fresh talent and rivalries to blossom, with every passing game seemingly reshaping the outlook for the season.
With every new week, the competition heats up, and fans can expect thrilling performances, unexpected outcomes, and the age-old tradition of college basketball creating memories etched forever. For now, Kansas has proven to be the team to beat, but with so many competitive programs on the rise, the season is destined to yield explosive outcomes as every team vies for their moment of glory.
