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NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, St. John's, Tennessee rises in updated way-too-early top 25 power ranking

Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
13 of 25

13. Alabama Crimson Tide

2025-26 record: 25-10 (13-5 SEC)

Roster departures

  • Labaron Philon (22 ppg and 5.0 apg)
  • Aiden Sherrell (11.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg)
  • Latrell Wrightsell (13.2 ppg and 3.1 rpg)
  • Houston Mallette (6.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg)
  • Charles Bediako (10 ppg and 4.6 rpg)
  • Taylor Bol Bowen (6.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg)
  • Jalil Bethea (3.9 ppg and 1.7 rpg)
  • Davion Hannah (3.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg)

Roster returnees

  • Aden Holloway (16.8 ppg and 3.8 apg)
  • Amari Allen (11.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg)
  • London Jemison (6.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg)
  • Keitenn Bristow (3.6 ppg and 4.0 rpg)

Roster additions

  • Drew Fielder (14.7 ppg and 5.7 rpg at Boise State)
  • Brandon Garrison (4.7 ppg and 4.1 rpg at Kentucky)
  • Jamarion Davis-Fleming (3.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg at Mississippi State)
  • Cole Cloer (4-star wing prospect)
  • Qayden Samuels (4-star forward prospect)
  • Jaxon Richardson (4-star guard prospect)

Philon knew it was going pro, set as a projected lottery pick in the NBA Draft. The other key decision is Allen, a versatile forward who elected to return, a major boost to the frontcourt. He joins Holloway as the focal points of the roster.

Alabama’s hope is that the frontcourt takes a major leap. Fielder is one of the best spacing forwards in the country, while Garrison is a capable center. If Cloer and Samuels give them anything on the wings, the Tide’s offense will remain as one of the best in the country again.

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