BYU Basketball Shocks with Historic Preseason Ranking, But Can They Live Up to the Hype?
The BYU men's basketball team is making headlines as they soar to new heights in the AP poll, opening at a remarkable No. 8, the highest preseason ranking the program has ever seen. This achievement is a testament to the team's potential, but it also sets the stage for a season filled with high expectations and intense competition.
A Top-10 Start: The Cougars' journey begins with a two-game exhibition, kicking off at Nebraska, where they'll showcase their talent as a rare top-10 team. This ranking is a significant leap from their previous preseason appearance at No. 24 in 2011, when Jimmer Fredette led the team to a No. 3 ranking during the season.
Star-Studded Lineup: Led by the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick AJ Dybantsa and senior Richie Saunders, the Cougars amassed an impressive 1,078 points from the national media panel, securing their spot in the top 25 for only the sixth time in the program's history. This feat is a clear indication of the team's prowess and the buzz surrounding their upcoming season.
Breaking Records: The previous best preseason ranking for BYU was No. 15 in 1979-80, when legendary players like Danny Ainge and Devin Durrant propelled the team to a 24-5 record, a WAC championship, and a No. 12 finish in the final AP poll. But this year's team is aiming even higher.
National Competition: In the AP's preseason poll, Purdue claimed the top spot for the first time, jumping 13 places from the previous season. Houston, Florida, and UConn also received first-place votes, showcasing the depth of talent across the nation. BYU's ranking at No. 8 puts them in elite company, just behind these powerhouse teams.
Conference Contenders: Within the Big 12, BYU stands tall as the second-highest-ranked team, ahead of Texas Tech and Arizona. The conference boasts six teams in the top 25, tying with the SEC and Big Ten for the most representation. This concentration of talent will make for thrilling conference matchups.
Individual Excellence: Beyond the team's success, individual players are making their mark. BYU running back LJ Martin was named Big 12 co-offensive player of the week after a stellar performance against Arizona, rushing for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier also impressed, earning the Big 12 freshman of the week award for the third week in a row.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can BYU maintain this momentum throughout the season? Will they prove the rankings right, or will the pressure of high expectations become a burden? The Cougars have a lot to live up to, and the basketball world is eagerly watching to see if they can deliver on the promise of this historic preseason ranking.
What do you think? Are the Cougars destined for greatness, or will they fall short of these lofty expectations? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
