January 6, 1959 AP Poll
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky |
| 2 | North Carolina State |
| 3 | North Carolina |
| 4 | Kansas State |
| 5 | Michigan State |
| 6 | Auburn |
| 7 | Cincinnati |
| 8 | Northwestern |
| 9 | Bradley |
| 10 | St. John's |
| 11 | West Virginia |
| 12 | Mississippi State |
| 13 | Oklahoma City |
| 14 | Saint Louis |
| 15 | Marquette |
| 16 | Seattle |
| 17 | Tennessee |
| 18 | Villanova |
| 19 | Texas A&M |
| 20 | Illinois |