The Gonzaga Bulldogs opened the season ranked No. 13 in the first preseason USA Today Coaches Poll, released on Wednesday.
There are some familiar names in that as well, specifically, the Saint Mary’s Gaels, who are opening the season ranked No. 19. I’m not too sure about this, but my guess is his is the highest Saint Mary’s has ever opened a season in the modern era.
Duke is the No. 1 overall pick, receiving 27 first place votes. Kansas, Villanova, Kentucky, and Oregon each received a first place vote as well.
In a sign of changing times, there are twice as many WCC teams ranked (Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s), as there are SEC teams (Kentucky).