Florida Gators Basketball Cracks Top 25

It took 25 games, but Todd Golden and his team have finally cracked the AP Top 25. Florida enters the poll at No. 24 after winning seven of its last eight games.

The Gators have long been hoping to enter the rankings this season especially after a very impressive stretch over the last couple weeks. During Florida's eight-game stretch, the Gators have picked up wins against No. 12 Auburn and No. 10 Kentucky.

It is the first time Florida has been ranked in the top-25 since Todd Golden took over the program. The Gators have not been ranked since Dec. 6, 2021. The ranking is also just the second time the Orange & Blue have cracked the top-25 during conference play over the last five seasons.

Florida faces a tough test on Wednesday, travelling to Tuscaloosa to take on the SEC-leading Alabama Crimson Tide.

Looking at Florida's tournament resume, entering the top-25 makes it clear that Todd Golden and company should be well on their way to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. As it stands, ESPN's Joe Lunardi has the Gators listed as a No. 8 seed, however that will change depending on Wednesday's result.

Florida's resume is strong, with three Quad I wins: Auburn (NET No. 7), Kentucky (NET No. 22) and Pittsburgh (NET No. 47). However, the Gators have dropped seven Quad I games. Fortunately for the Orange & Blue, they have handled business outside the top quadrant.

The Gators boast a 15-0 record against teams in Quad II - Quad IV. Combine that with the three quality wins and Florida is almost a lock to be dancing in March.

Down the road, Florida will have multiple opportunities to boost its resume. Including Wednesday's tilt with Alabama, the Gators still have three Quad I games looming on the schedule. If Todd Golden's unit can pick up the "give me" games against Vanderbilt (twice) and Missouri, Florida should have a spot in the tournament locked up before the SEC Tournament begins.

Latest AP Top 25 rankings (Released February 19)

1. UConn (1550 Points)

2. Houston (1473)

3. Purdue (1414)

4. Arizona (1373)

5. Tennessee (1230)

6. Iowa State (1160)

7. Marquette (1144)

8. Duke (1116)

9. Kansas (1065)

10. North Carolina (1044)

11. Baylor (959)

12. Illinois (853)

13. Alabama (803)

14. Auburn (690)

15. Creighton (612)

16. Dayton (584)

17. Kentucky (540)

18. Saint Mary's (486)

19. San Diego State (374)

20. South Carolina (346)

21. Washington State (215)

22. Colorado State (171)

23. Texas Tech (135)

24. Florida (124)

25. BYU (123)

Other Receiving Votes: Virginia, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Michigan St., TCU, South Florida, New Mexico, FAU, Utah St., Grand Canyon, Nevada, Pittsburgh, Clemson, Appalachian St., McNeese St., Drake