when do ncaa men's basketball rankings come out

2 min read 25-12-2024

when do ncaa men's basketball rankings come out

Meta Description: Get the full scoop on when the NCAA Men's Basketball rankings are released throughout the season! We cover the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, NET rankings, and more, providing dates and insights into how these rankings impact the tournament selection. Learn everything you need to know about college basketball's ranking systems. (158 characters)

The anticipation is high. The games are intense. And for college basketball fans, the release of the NCAA men's basketball rankings is a major event. Knowing when these rankings come out is crucial for staying up-to-date on your favorite teams' progress and predicting the upcoming NCAA tournament bracket.

The Major Ranking Systems: Timing and Importance

Several key ranking systems influence the perception of teams and ultimately, the NCAA Tournament selection. Understanding their release schedules is key.

1. AP Top 25 Poll

When it comes out: The Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll typically begins releasing its rankings in early November, shortly before the start of the regular season. New rankings are released weekly throughout the season, usually on Mondays. The final AP Poll is released after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament.
Importance: The AP Poll is one of the oldest and most prestigious polls in college basketball. It represents the collective opinions of sportswriters and broadcasters across the nation. While not directly involved in tournament selection, it heavily influences public perception and media coverage.

2. Coaches Poll

When it comes out: Similar to the AP Poll, the USA Today Coaches Poll usually begins in early November and releases weekly rankings, generally on Mondays. The final Coaches Poll is also released after the conclusion of the tournament.
Importance: This poll reflects the opinions of NCAA Division I men's basketball coaches. It provides another valuable perspective on team performance and strength. Like the AP Poll, it significantly impacts public perception but doesn't directly impact tournament selection.

3. NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) Rankings

When it comes out: Unlike the AP and Coaches Polls, the NET rankings are released by the NCAA itself. They are updated daily throughout the season, offering a constantly evolving picture of team performance.
Importance: The NET rankings are a crucial factor in the NCAA Tournament selection process. The committee uses the NET, along with other factors, to evaluate teams' strength of schedule, quality wins, and overall performance. It is a far more data-driven metric than the AP and Coaches Polls.

4. Other Rankings

Various other ranking systems exist, including ESPN's BPI (Basketball Power Index) and KenPom. These provide alternative views on team strength and often offer detailed statistical analysis. These usually update frequently throughout the season, similar to the NET. Consult their respective websites for the most up-to-date information on release schedules.

The Importance of Rankings in Tournament Selection

While the AP and Coaches Polls hold significant influence on public opinion and media attention, it’s the NET rankings and the NCAA Selection Committee's holistic assessment that ultimately determine which teams make the NCAA Tournament. The committee considers many factors, and the NET serves as a key data point in their evaluation.

Staying Updated

To stay informed about the latest NCAA Men's Basketball rankings, it's recommended to regularly check the websites of the AP, the NCAA, and ESPN. Many sports websites and apps also provide up-to-date information on all major ranking systems. Remember that rankings are just one piece of the puzzle; the excitement of the games themselves remains the heart of college basketball!