Purdue has ascended to the top position in the most recent AP Top 25 poll, displacing previous No. 1 Kansas, which has now fallen to No. 5. The Boilermakers’ climb to the number one spot follows an impressive showing at the Maui Invitational, where they secured three victories against top-15 opponents.
Their journey to the top commenced with a 73-63 triumph over former No. 11 Gonzaga, followed by a hard-fought 71-67 victory against Tennessee. The turning point occurred in the championship game against Marquette, where Purdue emerged victorious with a scoreline of 78-75.
The triumph over Marquette propelled Purdue to the top of the rankings for the first time since February 6. Their remarkable performance in the Maui Invitational not only solidified their position as a formidable force in college basketball but also showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.
Notably, the reigning national player of the year Zach Edey has played a pivotal role in Purdue’s success. Edey’s decision to return to school for another season has proven to be a wise one, as he has emerged as the early frontrunner for college basketball’s most prestigious award. Averaging an impressive 23 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in the first month of the season, Edey has undoubtedly been a key driving force for Purdue.
In addition to Purdue’s ascent, other teams have also made significant progress in the latest AP Top 25 poll. BYU, Colorado State, and Villanova have all entered the rankings after being unranked last week. The notable performance of Colorado State, including their statement 69-48 win over former No. 8 Creighton, has captivated basketball enthusiasts.
Furthermore, FAU has risen six spots to No. 13 in the rankings, following impressive victories over Butler, Texas A&M, and Virginia Tech. Despite a puzzling loss to Bryant earlier in the month, FAU’s resilience and subsequent triumphs have led to a significant leap in the rankings.
On the other hand, Alabama has experienced a setback, dropping six spots after a loss to Ohio State. However, teams like Kentucky, Baylor, and Mississippi State have all made positive strides up the rankings.
As the college basketball season continues to unfold, the changing dynamics within the AP Top 25 poll reflect the competitiveness and unpredictability of the sport. With standout performances and unexpected turns, the landscape of college basketball is undeniably captivating and full of surprises.
The developments in the latest AP Top 25 poll serve as a testament to the thrilling nature of college basketball, with Purdue’s rise to the top symbolising the emergence of a new contender in the ongoing season.