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With the college basketball season only weeks away, the preseason AP Poll was released over the weekend, offering a preview of how voters view the upcoming campaign. The Wisconsin Badgers were not among the Big Ten teams included in the Top 25, and they also failed to garner a single vote—a more surprising development given that 19 other teams outside the Top 25 did receive votes.
Among those receiving votes were Missouri (167), Nebraska (70), Purdue (53), Ohio State (39), North Carolina (20), TCU (17), Saint Louis (13), VCU (12), Iowa (12), Virginia Tech (10), Indiana (8), Texas A&M (6), Villanova (6), Auburn (4), Marquette (3), Nevada (2), Grand Canyon (2), Utah State (2), and Santa Clara (1). Consequently, Wisconsin is not currently viewed as a top-40 team in the country as they head into the season with a revamped roster.
The Badgers brought in several new players during the offseason, with guard Owen Foxwell and forward Eian Elmer headlining the additions. Wisconsin also added guard Trey Autry and center Victory Onetu through the transfer portal, along with a group of freshmen. These newcomers will join Nolan Winter, Austin Rapp, Braeden Carrington (assuming his eligibility is upheld), Zach Kinziger, Will Garlock, Hayden Jones, and Jack Janicki as the team's rotational pieces.
Key Analysis
Several Big Ten teams are ranked in the Top 25: Illinois leads the way at No. 3 following its Final Four run, followed by Michigan State at No. 6 with Player of the Year candidate Jeremy Fears Jr. returning. Michigan checks in at No. 16, USC at No. 21, and UCLA at No. 22. Outside the Top 25 but still receiving votes are Nebraska, Purdue, Ohio State, Iowa, and Indiana. As a result, the Badgers are currently perceived as a team outside the top 10 of the Big Ten.
Originally reported by yahoo.