The Florida Gators are taking their turn as the newest No. 1 in what coach Billy Donovan calls a revolving door atop the AP college basketball poll, their first time on top of the rankings since they repeated as national champions in 2007.
The Gators (25-2) moved up one place Monday, replacing Syracuse (25-2), which lost twice last week and dropped to fourth.
Wichita State (29-0) and Arizona (25-2) both moved up one place to second and third. Florida, the fifth school to hold the No. 1 spot this season, received 47 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel. The Gators were ranked No. 1 for eight weeks in 2007. Wichita State was No. 1 on 14 ballots with Arizona receiving the other four first-place votes.
Donovan said being No. 1 is an honor and compliment.
"But let's be honest right now: The only reason we have garnered No. 1 and we would have never, ever been No. 1 if it had not been for the teams in front of us losing," Donovan said.
To Donovan, a lot of teams could be considered the nation's best right now with undefeated Wichita State having a strong argument.
Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall said being ranked No. 2 means the Shockers are being recognized for an outstanding season so far, and they plan to keep pushing to see how high they can go.