UCLA surges into top 10 — UCLA surges into the top 10 of the projected AP Top 25 after a season-opening week that included a win over a top-five opponent, while Virginia also made a statement with a dominant victory over Arkansas. The Bruins, ranked No. 22 in the preseason poll, are projected to jump to No. 8 after defeating then-No. 5 Arizona 84-75 in Las Vegas and following it with a blowout win over North Florida.
The top four teams in the poll are expected to remain unchanged. Florida, Duke, Illinois and UConn all went 2-0, with the Gators earning a statement win over in-state rival Miami and the Huskies defeating Michigan in a rematch of last season’s national title game.
UCLA's Freshman Star Delivers
In the win over North Florida, freshman Nikola Kusturica had 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. He is only 17 years old but played well beyond his years, according to the source. The Bruins’ victory over Arizona was one of the first big upsets of the season, and it should result in a healthy boost in the rankings.
Virginia Makes Its Case
Virginia, ranked No. 9 in the preseason, is projected to move up to No. 7 after a 91-72 win over No. 12 Arkansas on Sunday. Four Cavaliers finished in double figures. Arkansas is expected to drop a few spots to No. 14 but will not be punished heavily for losing to a top-10 team.
Top Four Hold Steady
Florida remains No. 1 after its win over Miami. The Gators have the best frontcourt in college basketball, according to the source, and face a road test against Florida State next. Duke stays at No. 2 after blowout wins over Army and Coastal Carolina, but faces a tougher schedule with Michigan State in the Champions Classic and Illinois the following week.
Illinois is projected at No. 3 after scoring 120 points against Fairleigh Dickinson and 112 against Penn. All-American forward David Mirković has not yet played. UConn remains No. 4 after its win over Michigan in Boston, led by its starting backcourt of Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins.
Other Notable Moves
Michigan State moves up to No. 5, Texas to No. 6 and Arizona slips to No. 9 after its loss to UCLA. Tennessee is projected at No. 10, followed by Houston, Louisville, Gonzaga, Arkansas, St. John’s, Kansas, Texas Tech, Miami, Alabama, Michigan, USC, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and BYU. Saint Louis enters the poll at No. 25 after defeating Missouri 90-84, while Iowa State is projected to drop out.
