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Basketball season is quickly approaching, and with its nearing comes the first AP Top 25 of the season.
After some strong endings to the season combined with new recruits and transfers joining teams, several SEC teams found their way into the Top 25.
Tennessee leads the charge for the SEC, coming in at No. 9. After a Sweet 16 finish last season, the Vols have key returners like Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi coming back, along with a plethora of new players coming in. Tennessee seemed close last season, but couldn’t get over the hump to be an elite team. Perhaps the Vols have what it takes this season.
Arkansas is the next team on the poll, sitting at No. 14. The Razorbacks had a Sweet 16 finish last season and are looking for similar or better results this year. They will have to replace talent like Jordan Walsh and Anthony Black, but Eric Musselman has put together a consistently good team for the past few years, so Arkansas should be fine.
Texas A&M sits right behind Arkansas at No. 15. The Aggies had a hot end to the season, finding their way into the SEC Championship before falling to Alabama. They were knocked out of the tournament in the first round last year, but seem due for a big season.
The stretch of SEC teams continues with Kentucky coming in behind the Aggies at No. 16. The Wildcats had an unfamiliar season last year, never finding a ton of success, but they managed an NCAA Tournament appearance. Kentucky has some talent to replace this season, but with the No. 1 recruiting class coming in, it should have a solid season.
Alabama rounds out the SEC teams in the poll, sitting at No. 24 after an outstanding 31-6 season a year ago that saw the Tide claim and SEC Championship and reach the Sweet 16. Alabama’s big drop in the poll is likely due to the loss of talent they face this season.
