What is required for a team to be eligible for NCAA Division I basketball rankings?

For a team to be eligible for NCAA Division I basketball rankings, a critical factor is the combination of its winning percentage and strength of schedule. The NCAA uses these metrics to assess the overall effectiveness and competitiveness of a team.

Winning percentage reflects how many games a team has won relative to total games played, which is a direct indicator of their performance on the court. A high winning percentage generally demonstrates a team’s capability and success throughout the season.

Strength of schedule evaluates how difficult a team's opponents are, indicating the level of competition faced during the season. A team that performs well against strong opponents is typically viewed as more accomplished than one that does well against weaker teams. By combining these two aspects, the NCAA can rank teams in a manner that reflects not only their win-loss record but also the context in which those wins occurred.

Other factors, such as the number of players on the roster, a coach's experience level, or fan attendance, do not directly influence eligibility for rankings in the same capacity as winning percentage and strength of schedule. These aspects may contribute to a team’s overall performance and presence in the sport but are not used for determining ranking eligibility in NCAA Division I basketball.