Unveiling the Secrets of College Basketball: Unlocking the AP Top 25

What is the Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll? The Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Basketball Poll is a weekly ranking of the top 25 college basketball teams in the United States, as determined by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Editor’s Note: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament.

Our team has analyzed and dug through countless pieces of information to bring you this comprehensive guide to the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the poll, including its history, methodology, and impact on the college basketball landscape.

Key Differences or Key Takeaways

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Associated Press Top 25 Basketball

The Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll is a weekly ranking of the top 25 college basketball teams in the United States, as determined by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. It is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country, and it is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament.

History: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll was first created in 1949.
Methodology: The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week.
Impact: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has a significant impact on the college basketball landscape. It can affect team morale, recruiting, and even NCAA Tournament seeding.
Controversy: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is not without its critics. Some argue that it is too subjective and that it does not always reflect the true strength of teams.
Alternatives: There are a number of other college basketball rankings, including the Coaches Poll and the RPI.
Historical Significance: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has played a significant role in the history of college basketball. It has helped to identify and recognize the best teams in the country, and it has helped to shape the development of the game.
Cultural Impact: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has become a part of American culture. It is a topic of conversation for fans and pundits alike, and it is often used as a measure of a team’s success.
Future of the Poll: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is likely to continue to be a major force in college basketball for many years to come. It is a valuable tool for fans, media, and the NCAA, and it provides a unique perspective on the sport.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a complex and fascinating topic. It is a reflection of the history, culture, and passion of college basketball. By understanding the key aspects of the poll, we can better appreciate its significance and its impact on the game.

History

The Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll was first created in 1949, and it has been published every week since then.

The creation of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll was a major milestone in the history of college basketball. It provided a way to rank the best teams in the country on a weekly basis, and it helped to raise the profile of the sport. The poll has also played a role in the development of the game, as it has helped to identify and recognize the best players and teams.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and the NCAA. It provides a way to track the progress of teams throughout the season, and it helps to generate excitement for the NCAA Tournament. The poll is also a source of pride for the teams that are ranked, and it can help to attract recruits and generate revenue.

Year	Champion	Runner-up
1949	Kentucky	Ohio State
1950	CCNY	Bradley
1951	Kentucky	Kansas State

Methodology

The methodology of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is an important factor in its accuracy and credibility. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week. These voters are selected for their expertise and knowledge of college basketball, and they are required to vote independently and without consulting with each other.

The use of a large panel of voters helps to ensure that the poll is not skewed by the opinions of a few individuals. It also helps to ensure that the poll reflects the opinions of a wide range of experts. The fact that the voters are required to vote independently helps to prevent groupthink and ensures that the poll is a true reflection of the voters’ individual opinions.

The methodology of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has been used for over 70 years, and it has proven to be a reliable and accurate way to rank the top teams in college basketball. The poll is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament, and it is also used by fans and media to track the progress of teams throughout the season.

Here are some examples of how the methodology of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has been used to rank teams:

In 2019, Duke was ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll for the majority of the season. Duke finished the season with a 32-6 record and won the NCAA Tournament.
In 2018, Villanova was ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll for the final six weeks of the season. Villanova finished the season with a 36-3 record and won the NCAA Tournament.
In 2017, Gonzaga was ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll for the final four weeks of the season. Gonzaga finished the season with a 37-2 record and lost in the NCAA Tournament championship game.

The methodology of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a key factor in its accuracy and credibility. The poll is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament, and it is also used by fans and media to track the progress of teams throughout the season.

Year	Champion	Runner-up
2019	Duke	Virginia
2018	Villanova	Michigan
2017	North Carolina	Gonzaga

Impact

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll also has a significant impact on team morale, recruiting, and even NCAA Tournament seeding.

Team morale: Being ranked in the AP Top 25 can give a team a major boost of confidence. It can also help to attract recruits and generate revenue.
Recruiting: Top recruits want to play for teams that are ranked in the AP Top 25. This can give ranked teams a significant advantage in recruiting.
NCAA Tournament seeding: Teams that are ranked in the AP Top 25 are more likely to receive a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. This can give them a better chance of advancing in the tournament.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on the college basketball landscape. It is a valuable resource for fans, media, and the NCAA. By understanding the impact of the poll, we can better appreciate its significance and its role in the game of college basketball.

Controversy

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. However, the poll is not without its critics. Some argue that it is too subjective and that it does not always reflect the true strength of teams.

One of the main criticisms of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is that it is too subjective. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week. These voters are selected for their expertise and knowledge of college basketball, but they are still human beings with their own biases and opinions. As a result, the poll can be influenced by factors such as team popularity, media coverage, and recent results. For example, a team that has a lot of fans and is getting a lot of media attention is more likely to be ranked higher in the poll than a team that is not as popular or well-known.

Another criticism of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is that it does not always reflect the true strength of teams. The poll is based on a single week’s worth of results, and it does not take into account a team’s entire body of work. As a result, a team that has a good week can move up in the poll, even if it is not one of the best teams in the country. Conversely, a team that has a bad week can drop in the poll, even if it is one of the best teams in the country.

Despite these criticisms, the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll remains one of the most important and influential rankings in college basketball. It is a valuable tool for fans, media, and the NCAA. By understanding the limitations of the poll, we can better appreciate its value and its role in the game of college basketball.

Alternatives

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is not the only ranking system for college basketball teams. There are a number of other rankings, including the Coaches Poll and the RPI. These rankings use different methodologies to rank teams, and they can often produce different results.

The Coaches Poll is conducted by a panel of college basketball coaches. The RPI is a mathematical formula that takes into account a team’s wins and losses, as well as the strength of its schedule. Both the Coaches Poll and the RPI are used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament.

The existence of alternative rankings is important for a number of reasons. First, it provides a check on the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll. If a team is ranked highly in the AP Poll but not in the Coaches Poll or the RPI, it may be a sign that the AP Poll is not accurately reflecting the true strength of teams.

Second, alternative rankings can provide different perspectives on the college basketball landscape. The AP Poll is based on the opinions of a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The Coaches Poll is based on the opinions of college basketball coaches. The RPI is a mathematical formula. Each of these rankings provides a different perspective on the strength of teams, and they can be used to complement each other.

Finally, alternative rankings can help to identify teams that are deserving of more attention. A team that is ranked highly in the Coaches Poll or the RPI but not in the AP Poll may be a team that is flying under the radar. These teams may be deserving of more attention from fans and media, and they may be more likely to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The existence of alternative rankings is an important part of the college basketball landscape. These rankings provide a check on the AP Poll, they provide different perspectives on the strength of teams, and they can help to identify teams that are deserving of more attention.

Ranking	Methodology	Voters
AP Top 25 Basketball Poll	Votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters	65
Coaches Poll	Votes from a panel of college basketball coaches	32
RPI	Mathematical formula that takes into account a team’s wins and losses, as well as the strength of its schedule	N/A

Historical Significance

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll has also had a significant impact on the history of college basketball.

Identifying and recognizing the best teams in the country: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has helped to identify and recognize the best teams in the country for over 70 years. The poll has been used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament, and it has also been used by fans and media to track the progress of teams throughout the season.
Shaping the development of the game: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has also helped to shape the development of the game of college basketball. The poll has helped to create a national stage for the best teams in the country, and it has helped to generate interest in the sport. The poll has also helped to identify and recognize the best players in the country, and it has helped to inspire future generations of players.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a significant part of the history of college basketball. It has helped to identify and recognize the best teams in the country, and it has helped to shape the development of the game. The poll is a valuable resource for fans, media, and the NCAA. By understanding the historical significance of the poll, we can better appreciate its value and its role in the game of college basketball.

Cultural Impact

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States. It is a topic of conversation for fans and pundits alike, and it is often used as a measure of a team’s success. The poll has been featured in countless newspapers, magazines, and television shows, and it is often used to determine which teams receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll has also been used to create a number of popular gambling pools, which has further increased its popularity.

Media Coverage: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most widely covered sports polls in the United States. It is featured in countless newspapers, magazines, and television shows. The poll is also available on a variety of websites and mobile apps. This widespread coverage has helped to make the poll a part of American culture.
Gambling: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is often used to create gambling pools. These pools are popular among fans and pundits alike, and they can generate a significant amount of money. The popularity of gambling pools has further increased the popularity of the poll.
Social Media: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is also popular on social media. Fans and pundits alike often discuss the poll on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. This social media activity has helped to further increase the popularity of the poll.
Cultural Significance: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll has become a part of American culture. It is a topic of conversation for fans and pundits alike, and it is often used as a measure of a team’s success. The poll has been featured in countless newspapers, magazines, and television shows, and it is often used to create gambling pools. The poll has also been used to determine which teams receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a significant part of American culture. It is a topic of conversation for fans and pundits alike, and it is often used as a measure of a team’s success. The poll has been featured in countless newspapers, magazines, and television shows, and it is often used to create gambling pools. The poll has also been used to determine which teams receive at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament. The poll has had a significant impact on the game of college basketball, and it is likely to continue to be a part of the sport for many years to come.

Future of the Poll

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll has also had a significant impact on the history of college basketball, and it is likely to continue to be a major force in the sport for many years to come.

Value to Fans: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll provides fans with a way to track the progress of their favorite teams throughout the season. It also helps fans to identify and recognize the best teams in the country. The poll can also be used to create gambling pools, which can add an extra level of excitement to the college basketball season.
Value to Media: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for media outlets. It provides a way to generate stories and headlines, and it can also be used to create debates and discussions. The poll can also be used to help promote college basketball games and events.
Value to the NCAA: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for the NCAA. It provides a way to rank teams for the NCAA Tournament, and it can also be used to help promote the sport of college basketball.
Unique Perspective: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll provides a unique perspective on the sport of college basketball. It is the only poll that is conducted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, and it is the only poll that is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. This gives the poll a unique authority and credibility.

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and the NCAA. It provides a way to track the progress of teams, identify and recognize the best teams in the country, and generate stories and headlines. The poll also has a unique perspective on the sport of college basketball, and it is likely to continue to be a major force in the sport for many years to come.

FAQs about Associated Press Top 25 Basketball

The Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week.

Question 1: How is the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll conducted?

Answer: The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week.

Question 2: What is the purpose of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll?

Answer: The poll is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. It is also used by fans and media to track the progress of teams throughout the season.

Question 3: What are the criteria for ranking teams in the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll?

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

Question 4: Is the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll always accurate?

Answer: No poll is perfect, and the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is no exception. However, the poll is generally considered to be one of the most accurate and reliable college basketball rankings.

Question 5: What are some of the criticisms of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll?

Answer: One criticism of the poll is that it is too subjective. The voters are human beings with their own biases and opinions, and this can sometimes lead to teams being ranked higher or lower than they deserve to be. Another criticism of the poll is that it does not always reflect the true strength of teams. The poll is based on a single week’s worth of results, and this can sometimes lead to teams being ranked higher or lower than they deserve to be.

Question 6: What are some of the alternatives to the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll?

Answer: There are a number of other college basketball rankings, including the Coaches Poll and the RPI. These rankings use different methodologies to rank teams, and they can often produce different results.

Summary: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a prestigious and widely recognized ranking of the best college basketball teams in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week.

Transition to the next article section: In addition to the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll, there are a number of other college basketball rankings, including the Coaches Poll and the RPI. These rankings use different methodologies to rank teams, and they can often produce different results.

Tips for Following Associated Press Top 25 Basketball

The Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized college basketball rankings in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. Following the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in college basketball.

Tip 1: Understand the Methodology

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week. These voters are selected for their expertise and knowledge of college basketball, so it is important to understand their methodology when interpreting the poll results.

Tip 2: Consider Different Perspectives

There are a number of other college basketball rankings, including the Coaches Poll and the RPI. These rankings use different methodologies to rank teams, and they can often produce different results. Consider different perspectives when evaluating the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll.

Tip 3: Look Beyond the Rankings

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is just one way to measure the strength of college basketball teams. Consider other factors, such as team record, strength of schedule, and recent performance, when evaluating teams.

Tip 4: Be Aware of Biases

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is conducted by human beings, and as such, it is subject to biases. Be aware of these biases when interpreting the poll results. For example, teams from power conferences are often ranked higher than teams from mid-major conferences, even if the mid-major teams have better records.

Tip 5: Use the Poll as a Tool

The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a valuable tool for fans, media, and the NCAA. Use the poll to track the progress of teams, identify and recognize the best teams in the country, and generate stories and headlines.

Summary: The AP Top 25 Basketball Poll is a prestigious and widely recognized ranking of the best college basketball teams in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. Following the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in college basketball.

Transition to the article’s conclusion: By understanding the methodology, considering different perspectives, looking beyond the rankings, being aware of biases, and using the poll as a tool, you can get the most out of the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll.

Conclusion

The Associated Press Top 25 Basketball Poll is a prestigious and widely recognized ranking of the best college basketball teams in the country. It is used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee to help determine which teams receive at-large bids to the tournament. The poll is conducted by a panel of 65 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for their top 25 teams each week.