OSU Cracks Top 10 In Preseason AP Poll

The preseason AP college basketball poll was released Thursday and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are among the nation's elite.  

OSU came in at No. 8, just behind national runner-up Michigan and one spot ahead of perennial powerhouse Syracuse. 

The Cowboys have high expectations for the 2013/14 basketball season, and for good reason.  Reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Marcus Smart returns to Stillwater, along with NBA prospects Markel Brown and Le'Bryan Nash. 

The last time the Cowboys opened the season this highly ranked was the 2004/05 season, when the Pokes came in at No. 7.

OSU opens the season at home on Friday, Nov. 8 against Mississippi Valley State.