Expectations are high for Villanova yet again.
The Wildcats will start the season ranked No. 9 in The USA TODAY Top 25 men's basketball coaches poll, which was released Thursday. Jay Wright and Villanova are coming off a historic 33-3 season in which it won its first Big East Tournament title since 1995 and recorded the program's most-ever wins.
Last season, the Wildcats held a preseason rank of No. 12 in the coaches poll. They ended up earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before being upset in the third round by 8-seeded North Carolina State.
This season, Villanova returns five of its eight top scorers — including Co-Big East Player of the Year Ryan Arcidiacono — to go along with highly-touted freshman point guard Jalen Brunson.
Kentucky and North Carolina share the No. 1 ranking, each compiling 749 points in votes. For the complete poll, click here.
The Associated Press Top 25 poll has yet to be released.
Villanova opens its season at home against Fairleigh Dickinson on Nov. 13.