LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The first AP Top 25 poll of the college basketball season is another indication of what fans have thought for months: expectations are high for the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky.

The Wildcats were ranked No. 9 in Monday's preseason poll, while the Cardinals checked in at No. 11. This is the first time Louisville has been ranked to begin the season since they were No. 13 in the 2019-2020 preseason poll.

Both teams and their respective coaches are looking to make a jump from Year 1 to Year 2.

Mark Pope led the Wildcats to a 24-12 record and the Sweet 16 in his first year. Pat Kelsey guided the Cardinals to a 27-8 record and the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019 in his first season, but lost in the first round to Creighton.

The Cards wil

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