SEC Basketball: Georgia, Mississippi State, Alabama rise in latest power rankings

2. Kentucky (12-2, 2-0)

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone complain about the work John Calipari has done across the last fifteen years in Lexington. Nearly every program in the nation would take these results, though a lack of Final Four appearances since that unbeaten run in 2015 does seem a bit concerning. The Wildcats have just a single Tournament victory in the last our seasons but are looking like a very strong team again in 2024.

There have been reasons for concern, especially early in the season. The Wildcats didn’t take advantage of their few chances in nonconference play, falling to Kansas in the Champions Classic and also losing an absolute shocker at home to UNC Wilmington. Since then, they’ve won six straight games, including a great outing against North Carolina and a road clash against Florida to open SEC play. This team is trending in a great direction at the right time of the year.

There’s offense all over this roster, with notable contributions from Antonio Reeves, Reed Sheppard, and Rob Dillingham, though there’s not time to give Calipari’s roster a deep dive. Frankly, he’s hit again on the recruiting trail and will continue to be one of the nation’s best in that aspect. His teams tend to gel and play better ball as the season goes along, but once again there’s plenty of competition in the SEC. Many winnable games loom ahead, but how will the Wildcats continue to handle these true road games?