SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Preseason

College basketball is back.

Last season saw LSU have the best record in the Southeastern Conference and Auburn cut down the net in Nashville and hoisted the trophy as conference champions.

Both teams return this year as strong contenders, but other powerhouse programs like Kentucky and Florida look to restore power back to the usual suspects.

One of the key offseason developments that is sure to shake up the SEC was Alabama’s hiring of a new coach. At the end of Crimson Tide's disappointing season 2018-19 season, the program parted ways with Avery Johnson.

A few days later, Alabama lured Nate Oats away from Buffalo to take his place.

The hiring has caused quite a buzz around the Crimson Tide program, and with good reason. Oats went to work immediately, flying to California the very next day after his hiring announcement to recruit Jaden Shakelford. In addition to some other key gets, including Villanova transfer Jahvon Quinerly, Oats has Tuscaloosa bursting with excitement.

Teams with disappointing seasons last year such as Georgia and Vanderbilt look to make a rebound season. Only time will tell if they will be able to pick up the shattered pieces of last year and make an impact in 2019-20.

As usual, the preseason edition of power rankings is simply to be used as a hypothetical projection. Be sure to return next Monday for our Week 1 Power Rankings after everyone gets a better look at all the teams in their respective openers.

1. Kentucky (2018-2019 season record: 30-7 overall, 15-3 SEC)

2. Florida (20-16, 9-9)

3. LSU (28-7, 16-2)

4. Auburn (30-10, 11-7)

5. Alabama (18-16, 8-10)

6. Mississippi State (23-11, 10-8)

7. Ole Miss (20-13, 10-8)

8. Tennessee (31-6, 15-3)

9. Georgia (11-21, 2-16)

10. Arkansas (18-16, 8-10)

11. Texas A&M (14-18, 6-12)

12. South Carolina (16-16, 11-7)

13. Missouri (15-17, 5-13)

14. Vanderbilt (9-23, 0-18)

Check back in with BamaCentral every Monday throughout the season for updated SEC Power Rankings.