1. Tennessee Volunteers
Last Week: 2 (↑ 1)
Tennessee has played the toughest schedule in the SEC, with games against both Kansas and Gonzaga. The way they played these teams is to be commended, but the fact that they beat Gonzaga is to be celebrated in the SEC. Gonzaga is undeniably one of the best teams in the country, and Tennessee proved their worth in that game. It was competitive from start to finish, and Admiral Schofield put the team on his back in the final minutes to lead Tennessee to victory.
The Volunteers have a big game coming up against Memphis, but they should be able to get their record to 8-1 against the Tigers. After that, their schedule lets up for the rest of December.
The Volunteers have one of the best duos in college basketball in Schofield and Grant Williams. They combine for 37.8 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists a game. Their abilities set the tone for the Volunteers, but their supporting cast brings it every night. This team can legitimately contend for a championship this year.
What truly carries this team is their offensive efficiency. They rarely turn the ball over, and they rack up a ton of assists on offense. This type of unselfish play is what carries teams to victory. These skills will carry with them throughout the whole season, and it is why they are currently the best team in SEC basketball.