FSU Basketball to Start Top 15 in Coaches Poll

For the first time since the 2012-13 season, Florida state will begin the season ranked in the USA TODAY Preseason Poll.

After beginning the year ranked No. 17 by the AP, FSU will begin play as No. 15 in the coaches poll. It is the highest preseason ranking for FSU since the 1992-93 season.

The Seminoles are coming off their first Elite Eight run in 25 years and return their top two scorers, although forward Phil Cofer will begin the year on the shelf with a foot injury. FSU finished 23-12 last season with a regional final loss to eventual national runner-up, Michigan.

FSU was among seven ACC teams in the preseason poll. No. 3 Duke follows Kansas and Kentucky and sits just ahead of Gonzaga. Virginia rounded out the top 5 while North Carolina also ranks in the top-10 at No. 7.

Syracuse sits one spot ahead of FSU at No. 14. Virginia Tech begins the year ranked 17th while Clemson will start the season at No. 23. Florida State opens the season at home on Nov. 6 against rival Florida.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson