Oct. 26, 2007

The University of North Carolina is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the 2007-08 preseason men's basketball coaches' poll, which was released by USA Today and ESPN Friday morning.

This is the sixth season in which the coaches have selected the Tar Heels No. 1 to begin the season. UNC was also No. 1 in the initial coaches' poll in 1957-58, 1981-82, 1985-86, 1986-87 and 1987-88.

This is the 70th coaches' poll all-time in which the Tar Heels are No. 1. Today's No. 1 ranking marks the 16th season in which Carolina has either started No. 1 or reached the top ranking in the coaches' poll. It is the 13th time in the last 26 seasons the Tar Heels have been No. 1 in the coaches' poll at some point during the year.

North Carolina No. 1 in the Coaches' Poll
1956-57 (8 weeks)
*1957-58 (2)
1958-59 (1)
*1981-82 (9)
1982-83 (2)
1983-84 (9)
*1985-86 (12)
*1986-87 (3)
*1987-88 (1)
1992-93 (3)
1993-94 (2)
1994-95 (6)
1997-98 (8)
2000-01 (2)
2004-05 (1)
*2007-08

* indicates No. 1 to begin the season