WACO, Texas - For the first time since 1969 Baylor's men's basketball team is ranked in the Associated Press poll, earning a No. 25 ranking in the Top 25 poll released Monday.

This marks Baylor first national ranking since Feb. 11, 1969, when the Bears were ranked 19th in the then-Top 20 poll.

"This is well-deserved for the players for what they've done on the court this year," head coach Scott Drew said. "We are so pleased after all the lean years and not being ranked since 1969, it's a great tribute to them. It will be very tough to get the smiles off their faces today."

The Bears boast a 15-2 record and are off to their best start since 1945-46 Southwest Conference championship squad that began 24-2. Baylor has opened 3-0 in the Big 12 Conference (its best start since 1998) and currently stands in a first place tie with No. 2 Kansas atop the league standings.

Baylor, which is also receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll, puts its brand new ranking to the test Wednesday, Jan. 23, when it faces No. 18 Texas A&M at 7 p.m. CST at Reed Arena in College Station.