Nov 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) shoots the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images / William Purnell-Imagn Images

Illinois men’s basketball has re-entered the AP Top 25 poll following its big week, climbing all the way to No. 19. It’s the program’s second time appearing in the national rankings during the first month of the 2024-25 season.

The AI-driven NET rankings model, which is now used as the primary evaluation tool by the NCAA Tournament selection committee, ranked the Illini (6-1) at No. 10 – in the highest slot among Big Ten clubs and just below No. 9 Kansas, which AP voters have ranked No. 1.

With the first month of the college basketball season in the books, the NCAA NET rankings are now available, and the Florida Gators begin December ranked No. 6 overall following an 8-0 start. "The 202

The undefeated Volunteers and Tigers are at the top of the NCAA's metric for evaluating teams for the NCAA Tournament

Also at the Final Four was Nelly Davis, the Arkansas guard who transferred from FAU. It will be interesting to watch how Davis plays in his return to the Miami area. The Razorbacks will be wearing their road red jerseys. Miami will be wearing white.

It’s Bradley vs Southern Illinois in a college basketball game. Follow for live score updates, game highlights from Carbondale.