Following the release of the USA Today/ESPN coaches’ poll, three Big 12 men’s basketball squads were also rated among the top 20 teams in the nation in the first Associated Press top 25 of the season. 

No. 1 Kansas and No. 3 Texas lead the way, followed by No. 17 Oklahoma.  Four other league squads also received votes.

It marks the 15th time in the last 18 polls (dating back to 1992-93) that KU has appeared in the AP top 10.  Texas is in the preseason poll for the ninth consecutive season, including three top 10 showings.  The Sooners have been ranked in the preseason AP top 25 in each of the last three campaigns.

In addition, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Texas A&M and Missouri all received votes in the first poll.  All four squads competed in the postseason a year ago.

2009-10 Associated Press Preseason Poll

1.   KANSAS
2.   Michigan State
3.   TEXAS
4.   Kentucky
5.   Villanova
6.   North Carolina
7.   Purdue
8.   West Virginia
9.   Duke
10. Tennessee
11. Butler
12. Connecticut
13. California
14. Washington
15. Michigan
16. Ohio State
17. OKLAHOMA
18. Mississippi State
19. Louisville
20. Georgetown
21. Dayton
22. Georgia Tech
23. Illinois
24. Clemson
25. Minnesota

ARV: Oklahoma State (65 points), Kansas State (24), Texas A&M (10), Missouri (8)