SEC Basketball: Alabama, Auburn leads way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

2. Auburn Tigers

The Tigers were terrific last year, boasting one of the best defenses in the country, reaching 27 wins and winning the SEC Tournament. However, their season ended with a dud, falling to 13-seed Yale in the Round of 64, 78-76.

Looking to put their NCAA Tournament upset behind them, Bruce Pearl has assembled a group that will look to compete for an SEC title next season.

To start, Auburn returns one of the best bigs in the country in Johni Broome. Broome averaged 16.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG last season and will surely find himself on the Preseason All-American list.

Chad Baker-Mazara and Chaney Johnson are back, helping bolster frontcourt retention on the wings.

Auburn also retooled their backcourt, landing Furman transfer JP Pegues, who was one of the better players in the Southland last season and Miles Kelly, a well-rounded guard who averaged 13.8 PPG and 5.5 RPG last season at Georgia Tech. Denver Jones, who started in 33 of 35 games last year, is also back.

The Tigers were also active on the recruiting trail, too, welcoming four-star guards in Tahaad Pettiford and Jahki Howard to the Jungle.

Bruce Pearl has assembled a roster that fits perfectly with his system: a tenacious defense with an offense that can get into the 80s consistently. A blend of returnees (with an All-American on the docket), instant-impact transfers and high-upside freshmen make the Tigers one of the best teams in the SEC in 2024-25