SEC Basketball: Updated early power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Matt Melton | Jul 17, 2021

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jahvon Quinerly #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide drives to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of their semifinal game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Alabama defeats Tennessee 73-68. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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SEC Basketball John Fulkerson Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Arkansas Razorbacks

Previous Ranking: 2

The Razorbacks had success early on in the offseason landing notable transfers in Pittsburgh’s Au’Diese Toney and Miami’s Chris Lykes. As expected, head coach Eric Musselman hit the Transfer Portal hard over the last month or two and has landed three impact players to add to an already talented group.

South Dakota transfer Stanley Umude will be an impact starter from day one for the Razorbacks, while Wichita State transfer Trey Wade and Texas A&M transfer Jaxon Robinson will help provide depth where needed. Arkansas will be deep with talent once again and will be a potential candidate to win the SEC in 2021-22 after finishing second in conference play a year ago.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Previous Ranking: 5

If Mississippi State isn’t the biggest riser over the past month, an excellent argument can be made for Tennessee who has since risen from a very good team to bonafide SEC title contender. The Volunteers already displayed talent headlined by the returning Victor Bailey Jr, Santiago Vescovi, and Josiah-Jordan James, as well as newcomers in five-star point guard Kennedy Chandler and Auburn transfer Justin Powell.

With the talent and depth already evident, Tennessee then added reclassified five-star Brandon Huntley-Hatfield and four-star Jonas Aidoo. Pair all that talent and depth with the returning experience and leadership of senior John Fulkerson, and it’s clear why Rick Barnes’ Volunteers will be considered one of the top teams not just in the SEC, but the country going into the 2021-22 season.

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