Top 25 Coaches Poll Released: UNC #1

The Story: North Carolina was the unanimous selection for No. 1 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll released today. Connecticut in 2003-04 and Florida in 2006-07 are the only two teams to win the championship after being ranked number one in the preseason. Connecticut, Louisville, UCLA, and Duke round out the top 5. Duke and Michigan State (7^th) have now tied Kansas with the most appearances in the top 10 preseason polls with nine. The Big East has four teams in the top 10 (Pitt sixth, Notre Dame ninth) and a record seven teams ranked in the preseason top 25.  Defending champion Kansas will debut at 23 after losing many key players to the NBA. Kentucky, for the first time, was not ranked but was among 19 other teams receiving votes.

Ryter’s Block: It’s hard to argue that the Tarheels should be anywhere else on the preseason poll. Even with Marcus Ginyard hurt to start the year they have one of the deepest teams in the nation. They also return some guy named Tyler Hansbrough.

The Big East received a ton of love in the preseason top 25. Since the conference has expanded to 16 teams it has been the deepest and toughest conference to play in. I believe the Big East will get at least 8-10 teams into the NCAA’s this year.

However, people shouldn’t worry about preseason polls. With no games being played thus far it is hard to judge which teams should be ranked where.  Preseason polls are based on expectations and potential. There are teams in this poll that may not make the tournament and there are teams not ranked that will end the season ranked. The only thing teams should worry about is getting a chance to dance in March.  

Matthew Ryter keeps you up to date on the world of college basketball with his "Ryter's Block" column.  What do you think about this story? Post your comments below: