Kentucky’s rough finish to the 2012-13 season apparently did not impact its status among coaches heading into the new campaign.

On Thursday, the coaches poll was released – and the Wildcats were ranked No. 1.

Just seven months ago, John Calipari’s troops missed out on the NCAA tournament and then were unceremoniously bounced in the first round of the NIT by Robert Morris. However, after Calipari brought in arguably the best recruiting class in the history of the sports, Kentucky is back atop the rankings.

The only other time Kentucky was the preseason No. 1 in the coaches poll was 1995-96 – when the Wildcats won a national championship.

Michigan State, Louisville and Duke all received first-place votes.

Here are the rankings and for complete details click here:

1. Kentucky

2. Michigan State

3. Louisville

4. Duke

5. Arizona

6. Kansas

7. Syracuse

8. Florida

9. Michigan

10. Ohio State

11. North Carolina

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13. Memphis

14. Gonzaga

15. VCU

16. Wichita State

17. Marquette

18. Oregon

19. Connecticut

20. New Mexico

21. Wisconsin

22. Notre Dame

23. UCLA

24. Indiana

25. Virginia