A playerTo The Top 25 As BYU Moves Up a Bit in the AP Ranking.
PROVO, Ut BYU basketball saw a minor increase in rankings according to the most recent AP Top 25 survey.
The poll for the week of December 18, 2023, now has BYU at No. 17. From last week’s No. 18 ranking, that is an increase of one spot.
This past week, BYU faced Georgia State and Denver in two games. The Cougars won both games by huge margins at home.
This season, BYU basketball is 10-1.
With two games left in its non-conference schedule, BYU’s record has improved to 10-1 overall thanks to the wins. Since 2010–11, BYU men’s basketball has had its best start to a season. With star Jimmer Fredette leading the way, BYU made it to the Sweet 16 that season.
For me, the most satisfying aspect is that we’re starting to believe more and more in the people we’re attempting to be. Observing these guys’ efforts on the court has been a true gift for us. BYU head coach Mark Pope stated, “The identity of the team that they’re trying to be can actually really work for us.”
We are going to take a big hit to the face with this deal, so I think it’s crucial that our belief continues to grow. And we’re like, “Let’s go,” I believe. Bring it on! Therefore, I believe it’s probably significant for this group, and they truly deserve it. What they’ve accomplished is truly remarkable.
In 2020, during Mark Pope’s first season, BYU faced Pepperdine in the regular season finale and was ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25 poll.
Sitting at No. 17 in the AP Top 25, BYU has an all-time record of 11-2.
Utah is the only team that has defeated BYU so far this season. After defeating Utah Valley 76-62 during a finals and exam-filled week, Craig Smith’s team is now 8-2.
Votes in the poll are still going to Utah. In this week’s ballot, the Utes would be ranked No. 29 if the poll had gone that far.
This week, both teams will host Bellarmine from Louisville, Kentucky. Wednesday, December 20, Utah’s final non-conference game against the Knights, will take place first. Finally, to cap off finals week, BYU will host Bellarmine for the first time in program history on Friday.
Which spot does BYU basketball hold in the AP Top 25 poll?
The week of December 18, 2023
1. Purdue (10-1)
2. Kansas (10-1)
3. Houston (11-0)
4. Arizona (8-1)
5. Connecticut (10-1)
6. Marquette (9-2)
7. Oklahoma (11-0)
8. The Volunteer State (8-3)
9. Kentucky (8-2)
10. Baylor (91-1)
11. Carolina (7-3)
12. Creighton (9-2)
13. Illinois (8-2)
14. Florida Atlantic (6-2)
Gonzaga (8-3) is the fifteenth.
16. Colorado State (10-1)
17. BYU (10-1)
18. Clemson (9-1)
19. Texas (8-2)
20. Madison, James (10-0)
21. Duke (7-3)
22. Virginia (91-1)
23. Memphis (8-2)
24. Wisconsin (8-3)
25. Ole Miss (10-0)
The following teams received votes: Miami 97, Auburn 87, Colorado 84, Utah 37, Iowa State 24, Ohio State 12, Michigan State 10, TCU 10, Texas A&M 9, San Diego State 8, Northwestern 5, Dayton 3, Alabama 3, Dayton 3, Nevada 3, New Mexico 2, Grand Canyon 2, Washington 2, Saint Joseph’s 2, South Carolina 1, Mississippi State 1.
In addition to hosting the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio, Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com. Keep up with Mitch’s coverage of BYU on X and Threads during the Big 12 Conference: Mr. Mitch Harper.No matter where you go, carry us with you.
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