Jays debut at 11th

The new 2020-21 AP Preseason poll came out on Monday, 9 November 2020. As per normal it features the usual suspects in the writers preseason beauty contest. Unusually though, it includes Omaha’s Jays in the mix.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-gonzaga-ranked-no-1-in-preseason-ap-top-25-poll-ahead-of-no-2-baylor/

Creighton debuts this year in the poll at 11th, their highest ever preseason ranking. A veteran team who returns 4 of 5 starters, 5 of their 6 highest scorers, and a excellent supporting cast. Jays are consensus 2nd place pick in the Big East.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-gonzaga-ranked-no-1-in-preseason-ap-top-25-poll-ahead-of-no-2-baylor/

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-the-most-overrated-and-underrated-teams-in-the-preseason-ap-top-25-poll/

CBS’ eye on College Basketball podcast thinks the Bluejays are amongst the underrated teams in the poll, listing the Jays at 9th (with a prediction of end of season 7th standing).

https://megaphone.link/CBS7261349102

Most of the talk centers on Marcus, Mitch, and Denzel, though mentions of others is included. CU also features size this season with the return of Jake Epperson and impact frosh, the shot blocking phenom Ryan Kalkbrenner. One interesting aspect was whether or not the lack of fans would impact the Jays homecourt advantage? CU has ruled out fans to start the season. I don’t see that as a particular disadvantage given this franchises’ history of fast starts and its’ offensive punching power.

More surprisingly is the lack of a 3rd Big East team in the Top 25. No Seton Hall nor Providence, which are the favored picks for 3rd in the conference. Both the SEC and Pac-12, the 5th and 6th ranked conferences respectively, have 3 teams in the preseason poll, while the BE only has 2.

Roll Damn Jays!