SEC Basketball: Way-too-early 2019-20 preseason power rankings

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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – MARCH 09: Ashton Hagans #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats attempts a layup while being guarded by Kevarrius Hayes #13 of the Florida Gators in the first half at Rupp Arena on March 09, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Kentucky Wildcats

In a stunning turn of events, Kentucky finds themselves again with high expectations on the new year. It might be unrealistic to put the Wildcats at the top of the list without knowing who will stay or leave, but there is still a lot of upside for Kentucky even in the worst-case scenario.

Most importantly, they probably have the best coaching situation in the SEC. Not only do they have one of the best coaches in Calipari, but they also have him secured for life. It is safe to say that Calipari will leave the game of basketball on his own terms, and it will be after he’s done coaching Kentucky.

Auburn’s Bruce Pearl isn’t quite yet out of the woods from the recruiting investigation, and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes has been linked to the open UCLA job. After watching the turnover on the SEC coaching carousel, it should make Kentucky fans sleep well at night knowing. that their coach is secure.

In terms of their talent on the court, it’s safe to assume that PJ Washington and Keldon Johnson will declare for the draft along with their senior Reid Travis. Tyler Herro might have worked himself into that category as well, along with any players who simply refuse to play another year in college.

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However, they currently have the second-best recruiting class in the nation with three 5-star talents. They also have Nate Sestina coming in as a transfer from Bucknell. It’ll take time for the chemistry to work with these new pieces, but the talent will be there in Kentucky uniforms, like it always is.

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