DENVER — The Colorado State men’s basketball team has cracked the AP poll for the first time since 2014-15. After moving to 10-0 with a gritty 66-63 victory over Mississippi State in Fort Worth, TX over the weekend, the Rams are now the 23rd ranked team in the country according to the Associated Press. As it currently stands the Rams sit just behind No. 22 Xavier (9-1) and are slightly ahead No. 24 Arkansas (9-1) and No. 25 Texas Tech (7-1). 

In the history of the program, the Rams have only made the AP Poll a handful of times. Under Larry Eustachy CSU was ranked as high as No. 24 in the country in 2014-15 but unfortunately ended up being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament selection committee later that spring. 

In the special 2012-13 season, the first after Tim Miles departed for Nebraska, the Rams reached No. 22 in the AP Poll. Up until this season, that group was largely uncontested as the best CSU hoops team of the 21st century. 

According to College Basketball Reference, CSU’s highest ranking in the AP Poll was in the 1953-54 season when the Rams went 12-2 and were at one point the No. 18 team in the country. It’s early on but if the Green & Gold continue to beat household program names like Creighton, Mississippi State and Saint Mary’s, the Rams should have a chance to reset the bar this season. Entering Mountain West play undefeated would go a long way in accomplishing that feat, as would picking up wins over MW teams like San Diego State, Utah State, etc.  

David Roddy wins Mountain West Player of the Week 

In addition to the team earning national recognition for its hot start, David Roddy continues to impress individually.

 The versatile superstar scored his 1,000th career point in Saturday’s victory over the Bulldogs. More importantly, Roddy played a massive role in the comeback victory over Mississippi State with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. He also had seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. As a result of his strong performance, the Minneapolis native was named the Mountain West player of the week for the second time in his career. 

For the season, Roddy leads CSU, is second in the Mountain West and tied for 15th nationally at 20.4 points per game.