
Would you look at that
The AP Top 25 preseason men’s basketball poll was released this week, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish make an appearance.
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No, the Irish aren’t a ranked team right now — but “others receiving votes” is certainly the first step into becoming a ranked team again.
The men’s basketball team hasn’t been ranked since they were #18 in the middle of December in 2017. So, again, being on the cusp of a top 25 ranking before the season feels like a big win.
The ACC isn’t represented in the top 25 as much as they normally are in past years. The preseason poll has 4 teams ranked:
Besides the Irish, three other schools in the ACC received votes:
The Irish have two massive non-conference games in December against #10 Kentucky Wildcats, and #11 Illinois Fighting Illini.
The season starts off with two exhibition games on October 29 and November 5. The regular season will start on November 13th against Cal State Northridge.