Kansas named No. 1 in AP preseason basketball poll for 2024
- Kansas received 30 first-place votes in the AP Top 25 preseason men's basketball poll.
- The Big 12 conference has three teams in the top five, showcasing its competitiveness.
- Kansas aims to improve from last season's performance and achieve their ultimate goal of being ranked No. 1 at the end of the season.
In the United States, Kansas has been ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 preseason men's basketball poll, receiving 30 first-place votes. Alabama follows closely with 14 first-place votes, while defending champion UConn is in third place with 11 votes. The new Big 12 conference, which has seen changes in its membership, boasts three teams in the top five and five in the top ten of the preseason rankings, highlighting the league's competitiveness. Kansas aims to improve upon last season's performance, which was marred by injuries and early tournament exits. The Jayhawks' coach, Bill Self, emphasizes that while the preseason ranking is welcomed, the ultimate goal is to be ranked No. 1 at the end of the season. Other notable teams in the top 25 include Arkansas, Indiana, and Rutgers, the latter making its first appearance in the poll since 1978. The preseason rankings reflect the evolving landscape of college basketball, with several schools receiving votes for the first time, indicating a shift in competitive dynamics.