Kansas, once the top-ranked team in college basketball, faced a tough week as they fell to both Creighton and Missouri. This unexpected turn of events led to a major reshuffling at the top of the sport. (AP/L.G. Patterson)

Kansas' Struggles Impact the College Basketball Landscape

Kansas' Early Season Success

The Jayhawks started the season on a high note, securing solid top-10 wins over North Carolina and Duke. They held the top spot in the sport for a second straight year, setting high expectations. However, last week's back-to-back losses to unranked teams sent shockwaves through the college basketball world.In the game against Creighton on Wednesday night, star center Ryan Kalkbrenner, who was questionable with an injury, delivered a double-double and limited Kansas preseason All-American Hunter Dickinson to just six points and two field goals. This win brought Creighton back to the cusp of the rankings, receiving 32 votes. But they will be without star Pop Isaacs for the rest of the season as he undergoes hip surgery.

Kansas' Weekend Loss to Missouri

On Sunday, Missouri held on after nearly blowing a 14-point halftime lead to secure a 76-67 win over the Jayhawks in Columbia. The Jayhawks had 22 turnovers as a team, highlighting some of the issues they faced. Kansas coach Bill Self expressed his concerns, saying, "This last week, we haven’t been any good at all the last five days. We don’t know if we’re close to finding an identity yet."

The Impact on the Top of the Poll

The losses by Kansas were part of a massive shakeup at the top of the sport. Six of the top-10 teams lost at least one game last week. The Volunteers jumped to No. 1 after a 26-point win over Syracuse and are now 8-0 on the year. They will host Miami and then travel to take on Illinois this week.Auburn, despite a loss to Duke, held at No. 2. Iowa State, fresh off a win over Marquette, jumped up three spots to No. 3. Duke and Kentucky rounded out the top five after rallying to beat Gonzaga on Sunday night in Seattle.

Kansas' Upcoming Schedule

Kansas will wrap up its non-conference slate with games against NC State and Brown before hosting West Virginia on Dec. 31. If they carry their losing streak into Big 12 play, it could be a long year for the conference favorites.

Games to Watch This Week

There are several exciting games to watch this week. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, No. 20 Wisconsin takes on Illinois at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock. On Saturday, Dec. 14, No. 17 Texas A&M faces No. 11 Purdue at 12 p.m. ET on CBS. No. 1 Tennessee will also be in action at Illinois at 5:30 p.m. ET on Fox. Additionally, No. 8 Gonzaga takes on No. 18 UConn at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, and Creighton plays at No. 7 Alabama at 8:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.The full Associated Press men’s basketball poll from Dec. 9, 2024, shows the current standings. 1. Tennessee (8-0), 2. Auburn (8-1), 3. Iowa State (7-1), 4. Duke (7-2), 5. Kentucky (8-1), 6. Marquette (9-1), 7. Alabama (7-2), 8. Gonzaga (7-2), 9. Florida (9-0), 10. Kansas (7-2), 11. Purdue (8-2), 12. Oregon (9-1), 13. Oklahoma (9-0), 14. Michigan (8-1), 15. Houston (5-3), 16. Clemson (9-1), 17. Texas A&M (8-2), 18. UConn (7-3), 19. Ole Miss (8-1), 20. Wisconsin (8-2), 21. Michigan State (8-2), 22. Cincinnati (7-1), 23. San Diego State (6-2), 24. UCLA (8-1), 25. Mississippi State (8-1). Others Receiving Votes: Baylor 150, Arizona State 143, Memphis 123, Missouri 119, Penn State 90, Arkansas 89, Drake 67, Pittsburgh 62, Utah State 57, Illinois 47, St. John’s 43, Maryland 39, Dayton 38, Creighton 32, Indiana 30, West Virginia 30, North Carolina 24, Georgia 21, Saint Mary’s 20, Texas 8, Rhode Island 3, Loyola Chicago 1.