If you would have told me Gonzaga would be ranked eighth in the nation on January 25th, 2010, I may have recommended a therapist. However, here we are and the Zags are sitting pretty after moving up two spots this week in the Coaches Poll from ten to eight.
The recently released Associated Press poll also has the Zags up two spots to 13 this week. The Bulldogs benefited from Tennessee and Pittsburgh losing as they moved past both clubs.
As for the rest of the polls, Kentucky has returned to the top spot for the first time since 2003. Texas, which suffered two losses this week after being #1 for the first time ever, has dropped all the way to six this week in each poll. Kansas, Villanova, Syracuse, and Michigan State round out the top five in the Coaches.
BYU joins Gonzaga as the lone representatives in the rankings from the western part of the states. The Cougars, who actually jumped the Zags last week in the AP poll, have risen to tenth in the Coaches and just ahead of Gonzaga at 12th in the AP. Their 20-1 record doesn't have a major number of quality wins but 20-1 is 20-1 and they've got a number of weapons. They don't get a whole lot of exposure in the Mountain West but they got a bit win at San Diego State two days ago and take on New Mexico on the 27th. UNM currently sits just outside the top 25 right now at 28th.
The Pac-10 has almost disappeared from national recognition as Cal is barely hanging on to two votes in the Coaches and AP Poll. This is great news for Gonzaga, not only because it's hilarious, but because it should really benefit our recruiting. Congrats to Saint Mary's as it is now receiving votes in both polls after finally breaking through with some AP voters.
This week, the Zags take on Santa Clara and San Francisco. Both games are on the road but come against two squads that are really struggling. The Broncos and Dons have a combined WCC record of 3-7.