The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 today and the Cyclones are ranked two spots higher than they ever have been before.

Iowa State ranks number seven in the season's first poll, two slots higher than they're number nine ranking to start the 1996-97 season. It's also only the fifth time in history that Iowa State has been ranked in the preseason poll. Iowa State, and new head coach Steve Prohm, open the regular season next Friday, November 13 against Colorado. The game will be played in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The always tough Big 12 conference features four ranked teams. Kansas is number four while Oklahoma is eighth and Baylor 22nd.

The Big Ten has six teams among the preseason's elite. Maryland leads the charge, ranked number three, while Michigan State (13), Indiana (15), Wisconsin (17), Purdue (23), and Michigan (25) are also ranked.

The nation's preseason number one is North Carolina. The Tar Heels are led by senior point guard Marcus Paige, a former Linn-Mar prep.

Here's a look at the AP preseason Top 10:

1. North Carolina
2. Kentucky
3. Maryland
4. Kansas
5. Duke
6. Virginia
7. Iowa State
8. Oklahoma
9. Gonzaga
10. Wichita State

[via Iowa State Athletics Communications]

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