the Big 12

North Carolina is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 men's basketball poll. The national runner-up from last season returns four of five starters and received 47 of 62 first-place votes. Gonzaga is No. 2, followed by Houston and Kentucky.

The list of Pac-12 teams that remain undefeated has dwindled to a precious three. No. 4 Oregon, No. 13 UCLA and No. 19 Arizona State are left to Boost the profile of the conference.