ST. LOUIS, MO ( KPLR ) - The Washington University Men's and Women's basketball programs are nationally ranked number one in the pre-season. Both teams feel the national recognition is a testament of the tradition that follows Wash U. Athletics.

As defending champions, the Bears expected the top ranking.

"We've gotten pretty used to handling pretty big expectations the last couple years. And so it's not a big deal for us. We know whether we're ranked number one or not even ranked, we gotta go out and take care of business." Cameron Smith - Wash. U. Forward

As for the national runners up, the Lady Bears knew they were returning a formidable basketball team to the court.

"We've got a lot of old ladies on the team now. Four seniors and 6 juniors and some sophomores that have gotten some playing time in there." Janice Evans - Wash. U. Forward

Now that the number one ranking bulls eye has been placed on both teams' backs, it's nice for both programs to have their sibling team facing the same kind of pressure right there with them to confide in.

Both squads embrace the pressure, and like last post-season, facing the pressure together as a school makes them even closer friends on and off the court.