Written By Matthew Shalloe

Yesterday afternoon, the NCAA dropped their first AP Poll of the year, ranking the top 25 teams in the country. Well, down here in Olean, the feeling on campus was joyful all morning long. The rankings dropped at noon eastern time, and the morning was filled with anticipation. 12 o’clock hit, and everyone raced to their phones to see where this team would rank.

For the first time since 1971, the Bonnies were ranked, coming in at number 23 in the first AP poll of the 2021 NCAA basketball season.

Just three seasons ago, the Bonnies came into the season with a preseason ranking of 10th in the Atlantic 10. Fast forward to now, and according to the poll, there are only 22 teams better in the entire country. Times are changing in downstate NY, and the fans will be ready to return to the Reilly Center to root on a ranked squad.

The Bonnies are nationally ranked for the first time in over 50 years. A great and very deserving accomplishment.

Now let's get this number higher and higher! pic.twitter.com/5EFIthd4Zu

— SBUnfurled (@SBUnfurled) October 18, 2021

It all started in the 2018 season, with freshman studs like Kyle Lofton, Dom Welch, and Osun Osunniyi. Now, that core still remains, with three years and a NCAA Tournament worth of experience under their belt. The Bonnies return the same starting five from last season, which may be one of the biggest keys to their projected success this season.

Kyle Lofton might just be the most underrated player in the nation. How far can he carry the Bonnies this season? @BarstoolBonas pic.twitter.com/vkWY8hW7vf

— Fundamentally Sound (@FundamentallySD) October 18, 2021

St. Bonaventure’s bench received an upgrade as well this offseason. A team that lacked depth for much of the last couple years, brought in key transfers for the upcoming season. Abdoul Karim Coulibaly comes in from the University of Pittsburgh, and Quadry Adams comes in from Wake Forest. Two guys with ACC experience who can only help this Bonnies team.

"The atmosphere here is second to none."

Transfer guard Quadry Adams is excited to get started in his first #Bonnies season ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/028Y7QpqFk

— Bonnies Men's Basketball (@BonniesMBB) October 14, 2021

The team will enjoy getting back to a regular schedule after the season that COVID-19 forced all NCAA basketball teams to deal with a year ago.

Here is St. Bonaventure’s A-10 schedule: pic.twitter.com/cB6hGCvuPL

— Chuckie Maggio (@chuckiemaggio) September 9, 2021

When it comes to a non-conference schedule, the Bonnies have an opportunity to pick up quality wins that will bolster their resume later in the season. They will play against big time programs like Boise State and Virginia Tech, two teams that have had success in the past couple of years.

St. Bonaventure’s non-conference schedule (and, by association, its regular season schedule) is complete, a team source confirms. Twelve non-league games, 30 total regular season games. pic.twitter.com/ImjBR4BB9q

— Chuckie Maggio (@chuckiemaggio) September 13, 2021

The 23rd ranked Bonnies will open their season with an exhibition game with Alfred State on November 4th, at home in the Reilly Center. Five days later, they host Siena to kick things off for real in 2021.

GO BONNIES.

The sports desk can be reached at editorialtrainwrecksports@gmail.com. Follow us at @happyhourhoops1 on all social platforms.

• Luka Debut, AD Injury and more! | Happy Hour Hoops
• Eagles Crush Chiefs, Season Recap, Allen MVP and More | Trainwreck Tonight 376
• Super Bowl 59 Fallout: What the Eagles’ Dominance Means for the Bills and the AFC
• What’s Next for the Bills? 
• LUKA DONCIC AND ANTHONY DAVIS TRADE REACTIONS | HAPPY HOUR HOOPS