AP Poll Charge: Gonzaga's Zigging and Zagging as Preseason #1 Selection
November 14th, 2021 - 8:58
A year ago, Gonzaga joined Loyola of Chicago (1963-64) and UNLV (1989-90 and 1990-91) as AP's preseason #1-ranked team despite never being member of a power conference at some point in their history. The Zags, repeating as early #1 this season, might find out that PS polls, commencing in 1961-62, are not always an accurate indicator of how successful a team will be all year long.
Seven preseason top-ranked schools failed to earn #1 designation again the remainder of the season following their first defeat before end of calendar year. Gonzaga could also join the following PS #1 clubs in this category that still finished in final Top 20 (combining for an average record of 26-7):
| Season | AP PS Number 1 | Final Record | First Defeat (Result) | Final Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969-70 | South Carolina | 25-3 | Tennessee (55-54 on 12/6) | 6th |
| 1977-78 | North Carolina | 23-8 | William & Mary (78-75 on 12/7) | 16th |
| 1980-81 | Kentucky | 22-6 | Notre Dame (67-61 on 12/27) | 8th |
| 1985-86 | Georgia Tech | 27-7 | Michigan (49-44 on 11/30 at Springfield) | 6th |
| 1987-88 | Syracuse | 26-9 | North Carolina (96-93 in OT on 11/21 at Springfield) | 9th |
| 1989-90 | UNLV | 35-5 | Kansas (91-77 in PS NIT on 11/22 at New York) | 2nd |
| 1999-00 | Connecticut | 25-10 | Iowa (70-68 on 11/11 at New York) | 20th |