The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team has climbed to No. 4 in the latest AP poll following victories over Colgate and their fierce in-state rival, Louisville. This marks a one-spot rise from last week’s rankings, where Kentucky sat at No. 5. The unexpected jump comes despite no teams ranked above them suffering a loss, and many are questioning whether the adjustment reflects a correction for last week’s perceived oversight by the voters.
Last week, Kentucky’s placement behind Duke in the rankings sparked widespread debate. Despite the Wildcats defeating the Blue Devils 77-72 on a neutral court earlier in the season, Duke was ranked No. 4, one spot ahead of Kentucky. Fans and analysts alike took to social media to voice their confusion, often sarcastically quipping, “If only there were a way to tell which team was better,” referencing Kentucky’s head-to-head win.
Adding to the frustration for Kentucky supporters was the fact that Duke, with two losses compared to Kentucky’s one, had no obvious claim to superiority. While some speculated Kentucky’s lone defeat to Clemson—a strong Quad 1 opponent—might have influenced the rankings, the argument quickly unraveled. After all, Duke’s two losses also came against quality opponents, making the decision to rank the Blue Devils higher all the more perplexing.
This week’s shakeup in the poll may indicate that the voters recognized and corrected their earlier misstep. While Duke secured an easy win over Incarnate Word in their lone game last week, Kentucky notched two convincing victories, including a rivalry win against Louisville. The Wildcats’ stronger week of performances likely tipped the scales in their favor, though some question whether Duke was “punished” for playing a weaker opponent.
Still, this apparent course correction leaves room for fresh concerns. Kentucky has only two games remaining in 2024, creating the potential for the Wildcats to slide in the rankings due to a light schedule. Meanwhile, Duke will play three games during the same span, including the start of their ACC schedule, giving them more opportunities to impress voters. If the AP voters value quantity of games played as much as quality, Kentucky fans may find themselves back in the same debate in just a few weeks.
For now, however, the Wildcats can celebrate their rightful recognition as one of the nation’s top four teams. With an impressive resume and significant wins to back their ranking, Kentucky has cemented itself as a legitimate contender, leaving fans eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
