SEC football may dominate November, but SEC basketball is quietly off to a powerful start. After sending 14 of 16 teams to the NCAA Tournament last season, a historic accomplishment, the conference enters this year looking like another national heavyweight.
Through two weeks, the SEC remains deep, balanced, and tough from top to bottom. Not one team has a losing record. Seven are undefeated. Four sit at a perfect 4–0. The SEC is going to, again, be a monster.
SEC basketball standings (Through 2 weeks)
- Georgia: 4–0
- Ole Miss: 4–0
- Missouri: 4–0
- Vanderbilt: 4–0
- LSU: 3–0
- South Carolina: 3–0
- Tennessee: 3–0
- Arkansas: 3–1
- Auburn: 3–1
- Florida: 3–1
- Kentucky: 3–1
- Texas: 3–1
- Alabama: 2–1
- Mississippi State: 2–1
- Oklahoma: 2–2
- Texas A&M: 2–2
Mike White’s Georgia squad and Chris Beard’s Ole Miss team have emerged as early surprises, boasting balanced attacks and tough defensive metrics. Travis Perry hasn't found his stride yet, but he will be keen to play Kentucky later in the season.
The league is a gauntlet again. It has veteran point guards, NBA-caliber big men, elite coaching, and physicality at every spot. The middle of the conference right now, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, could be the top of the conference come February. The middle 8 is where the real chaos will start once SEC play opens in January as teams start to beat up on each other.
Mark Pope’s first Wildcats team was built on shooting and spacing. This team is built more to be a defensive style team, though they haven't played like it just yet. The Cats (3-1) have flashed offensive potential in every game, but their place in this crowded field is still unknown right now. The upcoming showdown with Michigan State will show how high their ceiling really is. That game is tomorrow night in NYC.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion