1. No. 9 Florida (1-0 overall)
The Gators return all five starters return from last year’s 21-win NCAA tournament team. In addition, Florida has added a big name recruit in freshman Patric Young, who the Gators will look to for an immediate impact. Look for the Gators to be a top seed in NCAA Tournament.
2. No. 12 Kentucky (1-0)
After losing four starters to the NBA draft, including studs John Wall and Demarcus Cousins, this will be a very different Wildcat team. Freshman Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones will have big shoes to fill. However, one of the biggest losses will be big man Enes Kanter, ruled ineligible for receiving money from a basketball team in Turkey.
3. Vanderbilt (1-0)
After losing their two leading scorers from last season in Jermaine Beal and A.J. Ogilvy, this Commodore squad will rely on Jeff Taylor and John Jenkins for most of their production. Last week against Presbyterian, Brad Tinsley recorded the first triple-double in Vanderbilt history. This Commodore team has a lot of experience and certainly has the ability to win the SEC.
4. Georgia (1-0)
Star forward Trey Thompkins recently suffered a severe ankle injury that could prevent him from playing for a while. In his absence, junior guard Travis Leslie will have to lead this Bulldog team for them to compete. In addition, freshman Marcus Thornton, an extremely athletic forward, will be given a huge opportunity in the Bulldog lineup.
5. Mississippi State (1-0)
Last season, the SEC West was terrible. Although the Bulldogs almost beat Kentucky in the SEC championship game, they missed the NCAA tournament. Jarvis Varnado’s presence on the defensive side of the ball will definitely be missed. The Bulldogs caught a break when Ravern Johnson and Renardo Sidney both decided to return to school after many speculated that they would enter the NBA Draft.
6. No. 24 Tennessee (1-0)
The offseason was one that Tennessee wishes to forget. Head coach Bruce Pearl admitted to recruiting violations, and then the Vols lost to Indianapolis in an exhibition game. Despite these setbacks, Tennessee is too talented to fail in . With big name recruit Tobias Harris and junior Scotty Hopson, this team could win as many as 25 games.
7. Ole Miss (1-0)
After reaching the NIT Semifinals last year, Ole Miss has the ability to contend in the SEC West. Point guard Chris Warren is one of the best guards in the SEC. However, it is going to be difficult to account for the lost production of Terrico White, Murphy Holloway and Eniel Polynice from last season.
8. Alabama (2-0)
Even though Alabama had a winning record last year, the season was not an overall success for first year head coach Anthony Grant. With junior forward JaMychael Green, this year’s team could be much better. Even though they may contend in the SEC West, a positive season would include an NIT berth for the Tide.
9. Arkansas (0-0)
This season is Head Coach John Pelphrey’s last chance, as another lackluster performance will leave him searching for another coaching job. Although Courtney Fortson is gone, Rotnei Clarke’s return gives the Razorbacks one of the most dominant three-point shooters in the nation. Arkansas also returns Marshawn Powell, one of the best freshmen in the SEC last year.
10. South Carolina (1-0)
With the graduation of Devan Downey, players such as Ramon Galloway and Sam Muldrow will need to step up this season for the Gamecocks. Similar to last year, the Gamecocks will be a team that is feared, no matter their record. South Carolina will probably not make the NCAA tournament but can certainly spoil other team’s chances late in the season.
11. LSU (1-0)
The LSU basketball program is currently rebuilding. Head coach Trent Johnson has a roster full of potential. If Bo Spencer and Storm Warren can continue their production, LSU can finish with a winning record this season. Sophomore guard Aaron Dotson can also contribute in a big way for this Tiger squad.
12. Auburn (0-1)
Even with an experienced team last season, the Tigers couldn't finish above .500. After the firing of Jeff Lebo, Tony Barbee was brought in as the new head coach. However, Rome was not built in one day. It will take many years of successful recruiting for Auburn to compete in the SEC.
