when does college basketball rankings come out

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01-02-2025

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College basketball season is a whirlwind of excitement, buzzer-beaters, and of course, rankings! But when exactly do these highly anticipated rankings emerge, and what do they mean for fans and teams alike? This article explores the timing and significance of various college basketball rankings, drawing insights from the expertise found on sites like CrosswordFiend (while ensuring all information is verified and expanded upon). CrosswordFiend, a valuable resource for word puzzle enthusiasts, sometimes touches upon topical events like college sports in its clues, providing a fun, tangential connection to the world of rankings.

Preseason Rankings: Setting the Stage (Typically October/November)

The first wave of rankings hits before the season even begins. These preseason polls, often published by prominent sports outlets like ESPN, USA Today, and others, are highly anticipated. They're based on projected performance, taking into account returning players, incoming recruits, and the previous season's results.

• What's the significance? Preseason rankings generate considerable buzz. They offer an early glimpse into which teams are expected to contend for conference titles and the NCAA tournament. However, it's crucial to remember these are predictions, and early-season upsets are common. A team ranked #1 in the preseason might not even make the Final Four.

• Example: Imagine a team with several star players graduating. Their preseason ranking might reflect this anticipated drop in performance, even if their incoming recruits are promising.

Regular Season Rankings: A Weekly Update (November - March)

Once the season starts, the rankings undergo weekly updates. These rankings, often published by the Associated Press (AP) and the Coaches' Poll, reflect the teams' actual performance on the court. Victories and losses, strength of schedule, and the margin of victories all factor into these rankings.

• What's the impact? These weekly updates provide a dynamic view of the college basketball landscape. A team's movement up or down the rankings can affect their seeding in conference tournaments and, critically, the NCAA Tournament selection process.

• Example: A team with a strong start but then facing a series of tough games might see a temporary dip in the rankings even with a winning record. This highlights the importance of considering both wins and the quality of opponents.

Postseason Rankings: The Final Word (After March Madness)

Following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, the final rankings are released. These often reflect the tournament's outcome, rewarding teams with deep tournament runs.

• What's the point? These rankings provide a conclusive snapshot of the season's best teams. While the national champion is clearly the best team in the country, the rankings offer a broader picture, recognizing other teams who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the year.

• Example: A team that makes a surprising run to the Final Four might significantly improve its final ranking, even if it doesn't win the championship.

Beyond the Big Names: Other Ranking Systems

While AP and Coaches' Polls get most of the attention, various other ranking systems exist, using different methodologies to assess teams. These offer alternative perspectives on team strength.

In Conclusion:

The release of college basketball rankings is a continuous process, starting with the preseason speculation and culminating in the final post-tournament rankings. While these rankings provide valuable insight and fuel much of the excitement surrounding the sport, it's essential to view them with a balanced perspective. They are snapshots in time, subject to change and influenced by a multitude of factors. The true measure of a team's success remains its performance on the court, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament.