when do ncaa men's basketball rankings come out

House Authors

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25-12-2024

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The anticipation is palpable. The roar of the crowd, the swish of the net, the nail-biting finishes… college basketball season is almost here! But before the games even tip off, many fans are eager to know: when do the NCAA men's basketball rankings come out? The answer isn't simple, as several different ranking systems release their polls at different times throughout the season. Let's break it down.

Preseason Rankings: Setting the Stage

The first rankings you'll see are the preseason polls. These are released before the season even begins, providing an early glimpse into which teams are expected to contend for a national championship. These rankings are often based on the previous season's performance, returning players, recruiting classes, and expert opinions.

• Typically Released: Late October or early November. The exact dates vary slightly from year to year.

• Major Pollsters: The two most prominent sources for preseason rankings are the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. Both polls release their preseason rankings around the same time. Other smaller polls may also release their preseason rankings, but the AP and Coaches Polls hold the most weight.

Regular Season Rankings: Tracking the Contenders

Throughout the regular season, the AP and Coaches Polls are updated weekly, reflecting the teams' performances. These weekly updates keep fans engaged and provide a dynamic picture of the ever-changing landscape of college basketball. Changes in rankings often spark debate and discussion among fans and analysts alike.

• Typically Released: Weekly, usually on Mondays or Tuesdays, following the weekend's games. Again, the exact schedule can vary slightly from year to year. Check the official websites of the AP and USA Today for the most up-to-date information.

Postseason Rankings: The Final Word

Once the regular season concludes, the rankings continue to play a significant role. The final AP and Coaches Polls before the NCAA Tournament selection committee announces the bracket provide a final assessment of team performance. These final polls often influence seeding and bracket predictions, adding another layer of excitement to March Madness.

After the tournament, there's no official "final" ranking released by the NCAA itself. However, the AP and Coaches' Polls will often release a final ranking once the championship game concludes, reflecting the outcome of the tournament.

Where to Find the Rankings

Staying updated on the NCAA men's basketball rankings is easy. Here are the best places to check:

• ESPN: ESPN provides comprehensive coverage of college basketball, including live updates of the rankings.
• NCAA.com: The official NCAA website offers links to the major polls.
• Associated Press (AP): Check the AP's sports section for the latest AP Poll.
• USA Today: Find the USA Today Coaches Poll on their sports website.

Beyond the AP and Coaches Polls: Other Ranking Systems

While the AP and Coaches Polls are the most widely known, several other ranking systems exist. These can offer alternative perspectives and insights into team performance. Some popular alternatives include:

• NET Rankings (NCAA Evaluation Tool): This is a rating system used by the NCAA selection committee to help determine seeding for the NCAA Tournament. It’s a more data-driven approach.
• KenPom: A widely respected analytical ranking system that uses advanced metrics to evaluate teams.
• RPI (Ratings Percentage Index): A less prominent system now, but still used by some.

Understanding when and where to find these rankings will keep you informed and engaged throughout the entire exciting season of NCAA men’s basketball. Remember to check back regularly for updates, and enjoy the games!