What is the role of the Associated Press (AP) in NCAA basketball?

The Associated Press (AP) plays a significant role in NCAA basketball by ranking teams based on their performance throughout the season. Their rankings are released weekly during the college basketball season and are highly influential in shaping public perception, media coverage, and even playoff selections. The AP poll is considered a standard measure of team performance and is widely referenced by fans, analysts, and commentators, creating a competitive environment among teams as they strive to improve their rankings.

This ranking system is separate from the operations of game schedules, which are typically managed by the conference that a team belongs to, and player drafts, which are not applicable in NCAA basketball as there isn't a formal draft system like in professional leagues. The AP is not involved in regulating player eligibility, which is primarily overseen by the NCAA itself and its governing bodies, ensuring that athletes meet specific criteria to compete at collegiate levels.