The Associated Press released its preseason men’s basketball poll on Monday, ranking UNC at No. 9 to begin the upcoming 2019-20 campaign.

Despite losing their top five scorers from last season, the Tar Heels have reloaded in the offseason with notable additions such as freshman point guard Cole Anthony and freshman center Armando Bacot–both of whom were McDonald’s All-Americans.

Michigan State begins the season as the nation’s No. 1 team, with Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and Louisville making up the rest of the top five.

Joining the Tar Heels in the back half of the top 10 is a list of teams including: No. 6 Florida, No. 7 Maryland, No. 8 Gonzaga and No. 10 Villanova.

The only other ACC team besides Duke, Louisville and UNC included in the poll is No. 11 Virginia.

For the full AP Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll, click here.

 

 

 

Photo via Todd Melet