SEC Basketball power rankings: Kentucky tops after tough opening month

14) Texas A&M Aggies

Record: 3-5
We knew that Texas A&M was going to struggle in their first season under new head coach Buzz Williams, but the extent of those struggles may be worse than what many imagined.

While the Aggies have played a tough schedule, they have lost four games in a row, including a disappointing 67-62 loss to Fairfield in the Orlando Invitational. They only have one win by double digits and their best win is over UL-Monroe, who is ranked No. 265 by KenPom.

With TJ Starks opting to transfer a few weeks into the season, A&M simply lacks the kind of talent necessary to compete with SEC-caliber competition on a weekly basis. They may pick up a conference win or two, but not much more than that.

13) South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: 6-4
Before the season started, I had the Gamecocks on my list of potential breakout teams because of the depth and offensive potential they have. Through 10 games, however, South Carolina has been largely disappointing.

Their typically stout defense has been anything but, ranking 99th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency while offense continue to be a struggle. They rank 324th in three-point shooting and don’t stretch defenses with their perimeter shooting. Only five players have made a three and only one, Jair Bolden, is making more than 32.7 percent of their threes.

As a result, the Gamecocks don’t have a KenPom top 200 win. They do, however, have a sub-200 loss to Boston University along with blowout losses to Wichita State and Houston.

I think South Carolina has quality pieces – starting forward Keyshawn Bryant has only played in two games – and they started slow last year (4-7) before finishing fourth in conference play, but they have looked dreadful early on.