The NCAA has released its first NET rankings of the 2024-25 men’s basketball season, and Kentucky basketball fans have plenty to cheer about. The Wildcats debut at No. 8, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s elite teams under head coach Mark Pope. With a perfect 7-0 record and six wins in Quadrant 3 and 4 games, Kentucky looks poised to build on this strong start as the season progresses, as they have ESPN's toughest strength of schedule remaining.
The NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) rankings, introduced in 2018, is a critical metric for the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Updated daily, they weigh team success through factors such as game results, opponent quality, and overall efficiency. These rankings are pivotal for determining seeding and at-large bids come March Madness. You can view the rankings here.
The first NET Rankings of the 2024-25 season are now LIVE.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 2, 2024
TOP 10:
1. Tennessee
2. Auburn
3. Gonzaga
4. Duke
5. Pitt
6. Florida
7. Marquette
8. Kentucky
9. Kansas
10. Illinoishttps://t.co/FXgMTaeM2M
For Kentucky, this initial placement reflects the balance and depth the team has displayed early in the season. Despite a schedule that has only 1 Quadrant 1 win (Duke), the Wildcats’ dominant play has left no doubt about their potential to rise further in the rankings.
The SEC boasts a strong presence in the top 10 overall, with Tennessee leading the nation at No. 1, Auburn at No. 2, and Florida at No. 6. Kentucky’s No. 8 slot adds to the conference's early-season dominance. This depth highlights the challenges ahead for the Wildcats as they navigate league play, but it also provides ample opportunities to bolster their tournament résumé with high-quality wins.
What’s particularly exciting for fans is the team’s upward trajectory. With marquee matchups against top-tier opponents like Kansas and Gonzaga looming, the Wildcats have a chance to prove their mettle on a national stage. These games could not only boost Kentucky’s NET ranking but also solidify their case for a top seed in March.
A great stat if you are a Cat fan:
A historic look at the % of teams in the season-opening NET rankings who make the NCAAT (keep in mind the NET era is only six seasons old & I excluded 2020):
— Made For March (@madeformarch) December 2, 2024
Top 10: 97% (47/50)
Top 20: 89% (89/100)
Top 30: 84.7% (127/150)
Top 40: 79% (158/200)
Top 50: 72% (180/250)
For now, the No. 8 ranking is a testament to the work Pope and his squad have put in, and it sets the stage for what could be a thrilling season. Big Blue Nation has every reason to believe that Kentucky’s blend of experience, youth, and determination will keep them in the conversation as one of the best teams in college basketball. Sitting currently as the number four 2 seed, Kentucky would be in the bracket with the number 1 overall seed Tennessee.