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SEC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

By Jerran Anderson

Alabama head coach Nate Oats watches a shot fall in during practice for the Crimson Tide Men’s Basketball team Monday, Sept. 25, 2023.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats watches a shot fall in during practice for the Crimson Tide Men’s Basketball team Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. /
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SEC Basketball Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
SEC Basketball Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tennessee Volunteers

Last season: 25-11, 11-7 in the SEC

Head coach Rick Barnes’ return to the college sidelines has gone smoothly as he’s built up the Tennessee Volunteers into a top team in the SEC. They’ll loom as the team to beat at the No. 1 spot in the preseason conference power rankings after winning 11 games in conference action in 2022-23.

The trio of Josiah-Jordan James, Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler is back as is big man Jonas Aidoo, with an opportunity to take over the starting center role. Zeigler should lead the charge at the point guard spot after dishing out a team-high 5.4 apg in 2022-23. Vescovi led their perimeter attack with 91 made 3-pointers on 37 percent shooting. James is their biggest wild card given his versatility with 10.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.2 spg across 24 appearances, 14 starts. With a bigger role in the rotation, look for his production to really blossom.

Jordan Gainey (USC Upstate) and Dalton Knecht (Northern Colorado) should contribute as should top prospects Freddie Dilione and J.P. Estrella. Dilione enrolled early this past January and has been with the team since this past season.

Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2023-24. dark

The Volunteers showed they could compete during the month of March as they made the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Florida Atlantic this past season. They’ll play with an added chip on their shoulder with an experienced cast of players along with some players with NBA Draft potential. Look for them to play with an added edge by the time SEC play arrives this season.

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