Ken Pomeroy has released his preseason rankings for the 2017-18 college basketball season, and the SEC seems to officially be back.
Pomeroy has the conference as the third strongest overall, with the Big 12 coming in at No. 1 and the Big East at No. 2.
The SEC finished fifth in his final rankings from last season.
Here is where each SEC team is projected both within the conference and nationally (in parentheses):
- Kentucky (2)
- Florida (8)
- Texas A&M (15)
- Alabama (23)
- Vanderbilt (38)
- Tennessee (43)
- Auburn (46)
- South Carolina (48)
- Ole Miss (52)
- Arkansas (56)
- Mississippi State (59)
- Georgia (63)
- Missouri (81)
- LSU (91)
The SEC and Big 12 are the only conferences with no teams ranked outside of the Top 100.
Lovell’s Analysis
This is worth repeating for the millionth time in the past week: Preseason rankings mean nothing.
Yes, I still say that having written a nearly 5,000-word SEC preseason power rankings post earlier this week.
It just isn’t possible to know where every single team will finish, as there are thousands of variables that come into play throughout a season.
However, KenPom’s site is a tremendous resource for college basketball fans, so his particular rankings are at least worth talking about it as good preseason discussion.
What immediately stands out to me is having 11 SEC teams in the Top 60. That’s no surprise to anyone that’s been reading this site all offseason, as the depth of the league is as good as it’s been in a long time.
And, of course, the entire 1-14 rankings support the point that there will truly be no terrible teams in the conference this season.
The other thing that is most glaring is Missouri’s placement. I can’t see any scenario where the Tigers are second to last in the SEC this season, minus Michael Porter Jr. and several other key players getting injured.
And that’s not just a statement made off of Cuonzo Martin’s team looking good in an exhibition game against Kansas.
But again, preseason rankings are what they are, and they’re nothing that Missouri fans or any other fanbase should be up in arms over.
Even if you don’t agree with how teams are slotted in the preseason rankings, if you love dissecting basketball statistics and trends, you should most definitely take a look at throwing down the 20 bucks a year for KenPom’s incredible analysis.
It’s a great way to learn more about each team and see all the strengths/weaknesses of different teams and players.
And his preseason numbers definitely like where the SEC is headed this upcoming season.