You know college basketball season is just around the corner when the initial KenPom rankings are revealed!
In case you're not totally familiar with the system, developed by Ken Pomeroy, here's some information about how the rankings are actually calculated:
KenPom rankings are calculated using a proprietary algorithm that determines a team's Adjusted Efficiency Margin (AdjEM), which is the difference between its Adjusted Offensive Efficiency (AdjO) and Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (AdjD). These metrics represent a team's points scored or allowed per 100 possessions against an average Division I opponent, adjusting for game tempo and opponent quality. Factors like recent game performance, home-court advantage, and strength of schedule are also integrated into the calculation.
Essentially, these rankings are fully data-based, a formula that doesn't benefit the UNC basketball program or the Atlantic Coast Conference as a whole leading up to the start of the 2025-2026 season.
In the initial rankings, North Carolina comes in as the No. 33-ranked team overall. The rankings feature just two ACC squads among the top 25.
Three teams within the conference rank above the Tar Heels. Duke is the highest-ranked ACC school at No. 7, while Louisville (14) and Clemson (32) both rank ahead of North Carolina.
The UNC basketball program's non-conference slate features games against four of KenPom's top-27 ranked teams. Kentucky (No. 4), Kansas (No. 21), Michigan State (No. 25) and Ohio State (No. 27) are expected to give the Tar Heels some potential NCAA Tournament resume boosting games that they will hopefully capitalize on.
With the season right around the corner, the initial AP Top 25 poll will be released on Monday, October 13. It will be interesting to see where the UNC basketball program factors in with this new-look unit they feature heading into the new season.