Unlock the Secrets of College Basketball: Unraveling the AP Basketball Poll

The AP Basketball Poll is a weekly ranking of the top 25 men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the United States. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters and is released each Monday during the college basketball season. The AP Poll is considered to be one of the most prestigious and influential polls in college basketball.

The AP Poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season. The first poll was released on December 3, 1948, and ranked Kentucky as the No. 1 team in the country. The AP Poll has been used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion since 1954. The AP Poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NIT and CBI tournaments.

The AP Poll is important because it provides a snapshot of the top teams in college basketball. The poll is used by fans, media, and coaches to track the progress of teams throughout the season. The AP Poll can also have a significant impact on the NCAA Tournament selection process. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive an at-large bid to the tournament.

List of Contents

AP Basketball Poll

History: The AP Poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season.
Methodology: The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters.
Influence: The AP Poll is used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion and to select the teams that participate in the NIT and CBI tournaments.
Prestige: The AP Poll is considered to be one of the most prestigious and influential polls in college basketball.
Impact: The AP Poll can have a significant impact on the NCAA Tournament selection process.
Top 25: The AP Poll ranks the top 25 men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the United States.
Weekly: The AP Poll is released each Monday during the college basketball season.
Media: The AP Poll is used by fans, media, and coaches to track the progress of teams throughout the season.
Selection: The AP Poll is used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments.
Ranking: The AP Poll ranks teams based on their performance during the season.

The AP Basketball Poll is an important tool for fans, media, and coaches to track the progress of teams throughout the season. The poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments. The AP Poll is a valuable resource for anyone who follows college basketball.

History

The AP Poll has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1948-49 season. Over the years, the poll has played a major role in shaping the landscape of college basketball. The poll has helped to identify the top teams in the country, and it has also been used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion.

Tradition and Prestige: The AP Poll is one of the most prestigious polls in college basketball. It has been conducted for over 70 years, and it is considered to be the gold standard for ranking teams. The poll is widely respected by fans, media, and coaches.
Impact on Rankings: The AP Poll has a significant impact on the rankings of college basketball teams. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll can also impact the seeding of teams in the tournament.
Historical Context: The AP Poll provides a historical context for college basketball. The poll allows us to track the rise and fall of teams over time. It also allows us to see how the game has changed over the years.
Legacy: The AP Poll has a rich legacy. The poll has helped to shape the history of college basketball. It has also helped to identify some of the greatest players and teams in the game’s history.

The AP Poll is an important part of college basketball. The poll provides a snapshot of the top teams in the country, and it also has a significant impact on the NCAA Tournament. The poll has a long and storied history, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in the game for many years to come.

Methodology

The AP Basketball Poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters. This panel is responsible for ranking the top 25 men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the United States each week. The methodology used by the panel is designed to ensure that the poll is accurate and reflects the current state of college basketball.

Expertise: The panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who conduct the AP Poll are experts in college basketball. They have a deep understanding of the game and are able to evaluate teams based on their performance on the court.
Objectivity: The panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who conduct the AP Poll are objective in their rankings. They are not influenced by personal bias or favoritism. This ensures that the poll is a fair and accurate reflection of the top teams in college basketball.
Transparency: The AP Poll is transparent. The panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who conduct the poll are required to disclose any conflicts of interest. This ensures that the poll is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

The methodology used to conduct the AP Basketball Poll is designed to ensure that the poll is accurate, objective, and transparent. This makes the poll a valuable resource for fans, media, and coaches.

Influence

The AP Poll is one of the most influential polls in college basketball. It is used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion and to select the teams that participate in the NIT and CBI tournaments. This gives the AP Poll a significant impact on the postseason landscape of college basketball.

The AP Poll is used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion by selecting the top 68 teams in the country. These 68 teams are then placed into a bracket and compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion. The AP Poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NIT and CBI tournaments. The NIT is a 32-team tournament that is played after the NCAA Tournament. The CBI is a 16-team tournament that is played after the NIT.

The AP Poll has a significant impact on the postseason landscape of college basketball. The poll determines which teams get to participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments. This can have a major impact on the success of a team’s season. For example, a team that is ranked in the AP Poll is more likely to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. This gives the team a chance to compete for a national championship.

The AP Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and coaches. It provides a snapshot of the top teams in college basketball and helps to determine the postseason landscape. The poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments.

Prestige

The AP Poll is considered to be one of the most prestigious and influential polls in college basketball because it is conducted by a panel of experts who are knowledgeable about the sport. The poll is also widely respected by fans, media, and coaches. As a result, the AP Poll has a significant impact on the rankings of college basketball teams. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll can also impact the seeding of teams in the tournament.

The prestige of the AP Poll is also due to its long history. The poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season, and it has played a major role in shaping the landscape of college basketball. The poll has helped to identify the top teams in the country, and it has also been used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion.

The prestige of the AP Poll is important because it gives the poll a significant impact on the sport of college basketball. The poll helps to determine which teams are considered to be the best in the country, and it also has an impact on the NCAA Tournament. As a result, the AP Poll is a valuable resource for fans, media, and coaches.

Impact

The AP Poll is used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee to help determine which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament. The selection committee considers a variety of factors when making its decisions, including the AP Poll ranking. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive an at-large bid to the tournament. This is because the selection committee believes that these teams are among the best in the country and deserve a chance to compete for a national championship.

For example, in 2021, the NCAA Tournament selection committee used the AP Poll to help determine which teams would receive at-large bids to the tournament. The selection committee ranked Gonzaga as the No. 1 team in the country in the AP Poll, and Gonzaga received an at-large bid to the tournament. Gonzaga went on to win the national championship.

The AP Poll is a valuable tool for the NCAA Tournament selection committee. The poll helps the committee to identify the best teams in the country and to make informed decisions about which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament.

Top 25

The AP Poll is a weekly ranking of the top 25 men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the United States. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters and is released each Monday during the college basketball season. The AP Poll is considered to be one of the most prestigious and influential polls in college basketball.

Ranking System: The AP Poll uses a point system to rank teams. Each voter ranks the top 25 teams in the country, with the No. 1 team receiving 25 points, the No. 2 team receiving 24 points, and so on. The points are then tallied and the teams are ranked accordingly.
Expert Opinion: The AP Poll is conducted by a panel of experts who are knowledgeable about college basketball. This ensures that the poll is accurate and reflects the current state of the game.
Influence on Rankings: The AP Poll has a significant impact on the rankings of college basketball teams. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll can also impact the seeding of teams in the tournament.
Historical Significance: The AP Poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season. This makes it one of the longest-running polls in college basketball. The poll provides a historical context for the game and allows us to track the rise and fall of teams over time.

Weekly

The weekly release of the AP Poll is important for a number of reasons. First, it provides fans, media, and coaches with a snapshot of the top teams in the country. This information can be used to track the progress of teams throughout the season and to identify potential NCAA Tournament contenders. Second, the AP Poll is used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee to help determine which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive an at-large bid, which gives them a chance to compete for a national championship.

The practical significance of understanding the connection between the weekly release of the AP Poll and the overall “AP Basketball Poll” is that it allows us to appreciate the importance of the poll in the college basketball landscape. The poll provides valuable information to fans, media, coaches, and the NCAA Tournament selection committee. It is a key component of the college basketball season and helps to generate excitement and interest in the sport.

Media

The AP Poll, a renowned ranking system in college basketball, serves as a valuable tool for various stakeholders, including fans, media, and coaches, to monitor the performance and progress of teams throughout the season. Its widespread usage stems from several crucial factors:

Objective Rankings: The AP Poll is conducted by a panel of experienced sportswriters and broadcasters, ensuring objectivity and credibility in the ranking process. This impartiality adds significant weight to the poll’s findings, making it a trusted source of information for tracking team performance.
Comprehensive Coverage: The AP Poll encompasses the top 25 men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the United States, providing a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape. This wide-ranging coverage allows fans, media, and coaches to stay informed about the latest standings and identify emerging teams or potential championship contenders.
Historical Context: With its long-standing history dating back to the 1948-49 season, the AP Poll offers a historical perspective on college basketball. By tracking team rankings over time, it enables analysts and enthusiasts to observe trends, compare performances, and gain insights into the evolution of the sport.
Tournament Implications: The AP Poll plays a significant role in determining which teams qualify for prestigious tournaments such as the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI. Teams ranked higher in the AP Poll have a greater chance of receiving an at-large bid to these tournaments, emphasizing the poll’s influence on postseason opportunities.

In conclusion, the AP Poll’s widespread usage by media, fans, and coaches underscores its importance in the college basketball landscape. Its objective rankings, comprehensive coverage, historical context, and tournament implications make it an indispensable tool for tracking team progress, identifying top performers, and gaining a deeper understanding of the sport’s dynamics.

Selection

The AP Poll plays a crucial role in determining which teams participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments. The poll’s rankings are used by the selection committees for these tournaments to determine which teams receive at-large bids. At-large bids are given to teams that are not automatic qualifiers for the tournament based on their conference tournament results. The AP Poll provides the selection committees with an objective and comprehensive evaluation of teams throughout the season, helping to ensure that the most deserving teams are selected for postseason play.

The AP Poll’s importance in the selection process is evident in the fact that teams ranked in the poll are more likely to receive at-large bids. For example, in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, 32 of the 36 at-large bids were given to teams ranked in the final AP Poll of the regular season. This demonstrates the significant influence that the AP Poll has on the postseason landscape of college basketball.

Understanding the connection between the AP Poll and the selection of teams for the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments is essential for fans, media, and coaches. It provides insight into the criteria used to determine which teams are considered worthy of postseason play and helps to explain the factors that influence the selection process.

Ranking

Objectivity and Expertise: The AP Poll is conducted by a panel of experienced sportswriters and broadcasters who are knowledgeable about college basketball. This ensures that the poll is objective and reflects the current state of the game. The panelists consider a variety of factors when ranking teams, including team record, strength of schedule, and recent performance.
Impact on Rankings: The AP Poll has a significant impact on the rankings of college basketball teams. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll can also impact the seeding of teams in the tournament.
Historical Significance: The AP Poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season. This makes it one of the longest-running polls in college basketball. The poll provides a historical context for the game and allows us to track the rise and fall of teams over time.
Influence on Postseason Play: The AP Poll is used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee to help determine which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive an at-large bid, which gives them a chance to compete for a national championship.

The ranking system used by the AP Poll is an important part of college basketball. The poll provides a snapshot of the top teams in the country and helps to determine the postseason landscape. The poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments.

FAQs about AP Basketball Poll

Question 1: How are teams ranked in the AP Poll?

Answer: Teams are ranked in the AP Poll based on their performance during the season. The panelists consider a variety of factors when ranking teams, including team record, strength of schedule, and recent performance.

Question 2: Who conducts the AP Poll?

Answer: The AP Poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who are knowledgeable about college basketball.

Question 3: How often is the AP Poll released?

Answer: The AP Poll is released each Monday during the college basketball season.

Question 4: What is the significance of the AP Poll?

Answer: The AP Poll is one of the most prestigious and influential polls in college basketball. It is used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee to help determine which teams will receive at-large bids to the tournament. Teams that are ranked in the AP Poll are more likely to receive an at-large bid, which gives them a chance to compete for a national championship.

Question 5: How long has the AP Poll been conducted?

Answer: The AP Poll has been conducted since the 1948-49 season.

Question 6: What are the criteria used to rank teams in the AP Poll?

Answer: The panelists consider a variety of factors when ranking teams, including team record, strength of schedule, and recent performance.

The AP Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and coaches. It provides a snapshot of the top teams in college basketball and helps to determine the postseason landscape. The poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments.

Transition to the next article section:

For more information about the AP Basketball Poll, please visit the official website of the Associated Press.

Tips Related to “AP Basketball Poll”

Tip 1: Follow the AP Poll throughout the season to track the rise and fall of teams.

Tip 2: Use the AP Poll to identify potential NCAA Tournament contenders.

Tip 3: Consult the AP Poll when making your own predictions about the NCAA Tournament.

Tip 4: Be aware of the criteria used by the AP Poll panelists when ranking teams.

Tip 5: Remember that the AP Poll is just one of many polls that rank college basketball teams.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits: By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the AP Basketball Poll and how it can be used to track the progress of teams throughout the college basketball season.

Transition to the article’s conclusion: The AP Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and coaches. It provides a snapshot of the top teams in college basketball and helps to determine the postseason landscape.

Conclusion

The AP Basketball Poll is a prestigious and influential ranking of the top college basketball teams in the United States. It is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters and is released each Monday during the college basketball season. The AP Poll is used to determine the NCAA Tournament champion and to select the teams that participate in the NIT and CBI tournaments. It is also used by fans, media, and coaches to track the progress of teams throughout the season.

The AP Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for understanding the college basketball landscape. It provides a snapshot of the top teams in the country and helps to determine the postseason landscape. The poll is also used to select the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and CBI tournaments. By following the AP Basketball Poll, fans can stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in college basketball.

Unlock the Secrets of College Basketball: Unraveling the AP Basketball Poll