Louisville (No. 25) returns to men's AP Top 25 for first time in 4 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For the first time since Jan. 25, 2021, a gap of 1,456 days, the University of Louisville men’s basketball team made the Associated Press Top 25 Monday.

After beating Syracuse and Virginia last week to extend their winning streak to eight games, the Cards jumped five spots from No. 30 and will be ranked No. 25 this week.

“I don't really think about those things,” U of L coach Pat Kelsey said on the Atlantic Coast Conference coaches’ teleconference before the poll was released.

“You know, as I mentioned, things like that, whether it's a winning streak or being ranked are good for a lot of things, our brand, our fan base, recruiting, all those things.

“So I'm very, very well aware and appreciate what comes with some success that you had. But winning streak, whatever it is, how many games, that's all in the past. Your ranking is about what you've done up to this point, not what you're doing moving forward.”

Kentucky earned the No. 9 position after splitting two games last week. Auburn remained No. 1, followed by Atlantic Coast Conference leader Duke.

Louisville is the only ACC team to join the Blue Devils in the Top 25.

Four years ago, Chris Mack’s third Louisville team earned the No. 25 ranking after defeating Duke. But the Cards lost four of their final seven games and were not ranked again.

Louisville missed the Top 25 completely the last three seasons, while going 25-71.

Louisville will play SMU in Dallas at 9 p.m. Tuesday. The Cards’ next home game is Jan. 28 against Wake Forest. After a 6-5 start, Louisville has not lost since the Cards’ visit to UK Dec. 14.

With an overall record of 14-5 and a 7-1 mark in the ACC, Louisville is tied with Clemson for second place in the league.