The Associated Press (AP) preseason poll was released on October 31, 2008.

In Division I men's and women's college basketball, the AP Poll is largely just a tool to compare schools throughout the season and spark debate, as it has no bearing on postseason play.

Generally, all top 25 teams in the poll are invited to the NCAA basketball tournament, also known as March Madness.

It is compiled by a rotating group of 31 college Division I head coaches.

The maximum number of points a single team can earn is 775.