AP Men’s Basketball Top 25: UConn Drops From No. 2 to No. 25 After 0-3 Start

The Associated Press (AP) Men’s Basketball Top 25 poll has seen a major shake-up after the first week of college basketball action, with the University of Connecticut Huskies plummeting from No. 2 to No. 25.

UConn’s Disastrous Start

The Huskies, who were a preseason favorite to win the national championship, have endured a disastrous start to their season, going 0-3 in their first three games. They lost to Wagner, a mid-major school, in their season opener, followed by defeats at the hands of ranked opponents Florida and Oregon.

UConn’s struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including injuries to key players and a lack of chemistry on the court. The Huskies have also shown poor shooting and rebounding, which have been major weaknesses in their recent performances.

Rise of Gonzaga and Kentucky

While UConn has faltered, other teams have seized the opportunity to move up the rankings. Gonzaga University has taken over the No. 1 spot, followed by Kentucky, which has risen to No. 2. Both teams have impressive records and are considered serious contenders for the national title.

Gonzaga, led by star center Drew Timme, has looked dominant in its first three games, winning by an average margin of over 20 points. Kentucky, with top recruit Shaedon Sharpe, has also shown impressive potential, posting a 3-0 record while defeating two ranked opponents.

Other Notable Changes

In addition to UConn’s drop, several other teams have made significant moves in the AP Top 25. Purdue University has risen from No. 13 to No. 7 after a strong start, while Arizona and Indiana have also made notable jumps into the top 10.

On the other hand, Duke University has fallen out of the top 25 after a disappointing 1-2 start to their season. The Blue Devils, who were ranked No. 8 in the preseason, have struggled on both ends of the court and need to improve quickly to get back into contention.

Conclusion

The AP Men’s Basketball Top 25 poll has seen significant changes after the first week of action. UConn’s disastrous start has sent them plummeting down the rankings, while Gonzaga and Kentucky have taken their place as the top teams in the country. Other teams have also made notable moves, creating an exciting and unpredictable landscape as the season continues.

As teams continue to play and adjust, it is likely that the AP Top 25 will undergo further changes. UConn will need to improve quickly to regain their status as a contender, while Gonzaga and Kentucky will aim to maintain their momentum at the top. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining who will emerge as the favorites for the 2023 national championship.