When the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll came out on Monday, Kentucky basketball found themselves moved up to number six in the rankings. Now, the AP Top 25 Poll has them even higher, ranked all the way up to number four.
The top five has three teams from the SEC in it, with the Auburn Tigers coming in at number two, the Tennessee Volunteers at number three, and the Wildcats fourth. Despite two losses, the Alabama Crimson Tide is also in the top ten.
Related: SEC basketball power rankings after week four
Like the coaches poll, the AP poll has eight teams from the SEC ranked in the top 25. Four more teams did receive at least some votes, speaking to the strength of the conference so far this season.
For Kentucky, the top five ranking is a validation of the job Mark Pope has done so far in rebuilding the roster. There’s a lot more season to play, but so far, the team has exceeded expectations, and is on the right track for great things.