The Wisconsin Badger men's basketball team was ranked ninth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today coaches poll released Friday. That is the highest preseason ranking in school history. Previously, the Badgers were ranked 10th in the preseason Associated Press poll heading into the 1962-63 season. The Badgers return nine of their top 10 players from a team that went 19-12 last year and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the eighth consecutive year.
UW plays its first exhibition game of the season on Nov. 3 when its hosts UW-Stout at 7pm at the Kohl Center. The regular season tips off on Nov. 12 against Mercer at 4pm at the Kohl Center.
Wisconsin was one of two Big Ten teams ranked in the top 10 as defending conference champion Ohio State was ranked fourth. Other Badger opponents appearing in the poll include Pittsburgh (fifth) and Marquette (17th). Illinois, Oklahoma State, Michigan, Michigan State, Florida State and Indiana were all among those receiving votes.