Michigan’s remarkable rise to No.β―4 in the AP Poll, leaping from completely unranked, marks the largest jump in the 76βyear history of the poll (dating back to 1949), tying the record set by Kansas in 1989 .
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π Context Behind the Jump
After starting the season unranked for the first four weeks, Michigan went 7β0, including upset wins over No.β―7 North Carolina and No.β―9 Gonzaga, clinching the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament title .
The AP Poll committee responded by vaulting the team to No.β―4 in the Decemberβ―2,β―2019, rankingsβcomplete with nine first-place votes .
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π Historical Significance
The jumpβfrom unranked to No.β―4βtied the all-time record set by Kansas during the 1989β90 season .
This leap remains the largest single-week move in AP Poll history, underscoring just how explosive Michigan’s early-season performance was .
It wasn’t just a single upsetβit reflected consistent dominance over quality opponents. Michigan emerged as a formidable team under coach Juwan Howardβwho led the squad to that unbeaten start despite early-season doubts .
Such a dramatic shift in rankings not only spotlights Michigan’s upward trajectory that season, but also stands as a rare, historic moment in college basketball polling.
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So when you see #GoBlue and Michigan at No.β―4, know that itβs not just fan optimismβitβs tied for the largest climb ever in AP Poll history. This isnβt just a small bump; itβs a leap into the history books.