The college basketball world is abuzz with the release of the preseason AP Top 25 rankings, and Kentucky and Louisville fans have every reason to celebrate! But will their excitement turn into a heated rivalry? Let's dive in.
The AP Poll is out, and it's a treat for basketball enthusiasts! The prestigious poll has ranked Purdue at the top, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot. But here's where it gets exciting for Kentucky and Louisville supporters...
Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats have clawed their way to No. 9 in the rankings, a familiar position for this powerhouse program. With a rich history of success, the Wildcats have been ranked in the top tier an impressive 58 times. And get this—UK has appeared in the weekly poll a staggering 992 times, more than any other team! But the plot thickens as they gear up to face Purdue, the newly crowned No. 1, in an exhibition game on October 24th. Talk about a thrilling matchup!
Meanwhile, Louisville's Cardinals, under the leadership of Pat Kelsey, have soared to No. 11. Kelsey has transformed the team's fortunes, achieving 27 wins last season compared to the previous two seasons' combined 12-52 record. The Cardinals are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
But here's where it gets controversial... Both teams have a packed schedule ahead, with UK facing ten ranked opponents in the regular season, including non-conference powerhouses St. John's, Louisville, Gonzaga, and Michigan State. And guess what? Louisville is one of those ranked opponents! The Cardinals, too, have a challenging path, with six ranked teams on their schedule, including an exhibition game against Kansas and regular-season clashes with Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
So, on October 24th, the basketball gods will smile upon Kentucky and Louisville fans as they witness their teams battle it out in exhibition games. UK will take on Purdue at 6 p.m. at Rupp Arena, while UofL faces Kansas at 7:30 p.m. at the KFC Yum! Center. It's a double-header of epic proportions!
As the season approaches, the excitement builds. Will Kentucky and Louisville live up to their rankings? Will the exhibition games provide a glimpse of a potential rivalry? And most importantly, who will come out on top in the battle of the Bluegrass State? The court awaits its verdict.
Check out the full schedules on the official websites to follow these teams' journeys. This basketball season promises to be a thrilling ride, so buckle up and enjoy the show!
