SEC Basketball power rankings: Alabama rises, Kentucky and Arkansas drops

After a disappointing early-season loss to Rick Pitino and Iona, Alabama has bounced back with a road win over No. 3 Gonzaga and a home win over No. 14 Houston. These Quad 1 wins come in addition to two Quad 2 wins over Drake and Miami (FL) on a neutral court. Overall, the Tide have played the most difficult schedule of any team in the SEC according to KenPom and have come out of it 8-1 with two statement wins.

Alabama is led by a dynamic trio of guards in Jaden Shackelford (19.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG), Jahvon Quinerly (15.1 PPG, 4.3 APG), and Keon Ellis (11.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG). Shackelford has played like a First Team All-American so far, leading the No. 6 team in the country in scoring while shooting a ridiculous 45.6% from three on nearly nine attempts per game.

The Tide are one of the most physical teams in the country, more than making up for the fact that Nate Oats starts three guards and a 6-6 power forward. Oats loves to play fast and shoot the three, but he also recognizes the importance of defending the three as Alabama ranks No. 34 nationally in opponent 3P%.

Alabama’s difficult schedule sees no real break as they prepare for non-conference matchups with Memphis and No. 23 Colorado State before heading into SEC play with games against No. 18 Tennessee and at Florida.

Last season, Nate Oats and Alabama won the SEC regular season and tournament and earned a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament before losing to a red-hot UCLA team in the Sweet Sixteen. This year’s squad has similar potential, although they will look to push past the Sweet Sixteen and into the Final Four come March.