Penn State moves into AP Top 25 for 1st time since 1996

The Penn State men’s basketball team checked in at No. 23 in the AP Top 25 on Monday for the program’s first poll appearance in more than two decades.

The Nittany Lions (9-2) hadn’t appeared in the AP poll since being ranked 18th in March 1996. Before that season, Penn State last was ranked in December 1954.

The Nittany Lions defeated No. 4 Maryland, 76-69, on Tuesday and downed Alabama, 73-71, on Saturday.

“I wasn’t prepared for that,” coach Patrick Chambers said. “So, as I let it marinate and digest a little bit, I think it’s just awesome for our players. I really do. And our staff. Their commitment, their persistence and everything we’ve done over this long haul. We’re starting to see some of the fruits of our labor, which is really cool.

“To be recognized like this after such a long time, it’s exciting. It’s gonna be exciting for the fans.”

Penn State plays Central Connecticut State (0-10) on Friday and Cornell (1-8) on Dec. 29 before returning to conference play for good Jan. 4 against Iowa at the Palestra in Philadelphia.

How does Chambers think this will affect his players?

“I think they’re gonna enjoy it. Especially (seniors) Lamar Stevens and Mike Watkins, who have carried a very heavy load for this team for four or five years.

“We’ve gotta find joy in successes. I’ve been having an incredible time with this team. I’m having fun.

“This is a huge hurdle for this program. And these guys should enjoy it. At least for today. But know that it doesn’t really mean anything, unless you’re ranked in March.”

Joining Penn State as the week’s new additions were No. 25 West Virginia (9-1), as well as No. 22 Washington, No. 24 Texas Tech.

It is Kansas’ turn at No. 1, while another blueblood — North Carolina — is out for the first time in nearly six years.

The Jayhawks (9-1) moved up one spot to become the fifth team to top the poll in an already wild season. It is the first time the AP poll has had five No. 1s before New Year’s Day. The record for a season is seven, set in 1982-83.

Michigan State, Kentucky, Duke and Louisville have been the other top-ranked teams so far in a year with no dominant team.

The Jayhawks, who received 47 of 65 first-place votes, haven’t lost since falling to Duke in the Champions Classic to open the season. That run has included winning the Maui Invitational and beating a then-ranked Colorado team, with all but the overtime win against Dayton for the Maui title coming by double-digit margins.

Kansas coach Bill Self said his team has “been pretty good and fairly consistent” since the Duke loss.

“I think we are getting better, but still, up until about January, rankings don’t really mean that much,” Self said last week of potentially rising to No. 1, “but it is worth a little bit more as we get toward conference play.”

North Carolina (6-4) had been ranked for 106 consecutive weeks dating to February 2014, including starting this year in the top 10 and peaking at No. 5 on Nov. 18.

The Tar Heels failed to crack 50 points in losses to both highly ranked Ohio State and Virginia, then lost Sunday to Wofford in Chapel Hill with star freshman point guard Cole Anthony and fellow starter Leaky Black out with injuries.

The Big Ten led the way with five ranked teams, including current No. 15 and preseason No. 1 Michigan State. The Big 12 and ACC each had four ranked teams, while the Pac-12 and SEC each had three.