Alabama Basketball: SEC Basketball Power Rankings Jan. 20

Much has changed for Alabama Basketball over the last week. The Tide’s two wins lifted it into conversations of a NCAA Tournament Selection. Check out rankings for all the SEC teams.

Nate Oats’ team gained a signature win by taking down then No. 4 Auburn. A Saturday win over Missouri pushed Alabama basketball to 3-2 SEC record and 10-7 overall. This week the Crimson Tide travels to Vanderbilt Wednesday night. Saturday’s game will be part of the SEC – Big 12 Shootout, with Kansas State coming to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama basketball will be favored in both games. Vanderbilt is struggling under new coach, Jerry Stackhouse. The Dores lost two more last week and failed to make a single three-point shot in the loss to Tennessee. Kansas State is 8-9, having lost six of their last seven games. The Wildcats did gain a big win in their last outing, upsetting No. 12 West Virginia.

In Monday’s new AP Poll, LSU has gained the top spot for SEC teams. Auburn took the biggest poll dive after double-digit losses to the Crimson Tide and Florida. Check out all the SEC team’s ranking in the AP Poll, the NCAA Net Ranking and Ken Pomeroy’s rankings below. Those not familiar with Pomeroy should check out his subscription site kenpom.com.

SEC Team Rankings

Kentucky – No. 15 (AP); No. 27 (NCAA Net); No. 21 (kenpom)

Auburn – No. 16 (AP); No. 20 (NCAA Net); No. 26 (kenpom)

LSU – Unranked (AP); No. 23 (NCAA Net); No. 33 (kenpom)

Arkansas – Unranked (AP); No. 32 (NCAA Net); No. 31(kenpom)

Florida – Unranked (AP); No. 39 (NCAA Net); No. 25 (kenpom)

Alabama – Unranked (AP); No. 42 (NCAA Net); No. 43 (kenpom)

Mississippi State – Unranked (AP); No. 57 (NCAA Net); No. 41 (kenpom)

Tennessee – Unranked (AP); No. 64 (NCAA Net); No. 56 (kenpom)

Georgia – Unranked (Ap); No. 73 (NCAA Net); No. 83 (kenpom)

Missouri – Unranked (AP); No. 75 (NCAA); No. 75 (kenpom)

South Carolina – Unranked (AP); No. 98 (NCAA Net); No. 95 (kenpom)

Ole Miss – Unranked (AP Poll); No. 113 (NCAA Net); No. 113 (kenpom)

Vanderbilt – Unranked (AP); No. 143 (NCAA Net); No. 175 (kenpom)

Texas A&M – Unranked (AP Poll); No. 146 (NCAA Net); No. 157 (kenpom)

Last week we suggested many Alabama basketball fans realize Nate Oats is building a different program than Tide teams of the last decade. We predicted progress being made would lead to results. It was a great week for the Crimson Tide. At 10-7, it is possible for Nate Oats’ team to play its way into the NCAA Tournament. Two more wins this week would certainly place the Tide on bracket radars. NCAA bubble teams are not mentioned in the post. Whatever you may read elsewhere, there are no bubble teams in January.

Our weekly Bama Hammer SEC Power Ranking is offered below. It is simply a subjective listing of the best SEC teams from top to bottom. Actual win-loss records are a guide but do not determine each week’s rankings.

SEC Power Rankings – Jan. 20

1. Kentucky; 13-4
2. LSU; 13-4
3. Arkansas; 14-3
4. Florida; 12-5
5. Auburn; 15-2
6. Alabama; 10-7
7. Mississippi State; 11-6
8. South Carolina; 10-7
9. Tennessee; 11-6
10. Georgia; 11-6
11. Missouri; 9-8
12. Texas A&M; 8-8
13. Ole Miss; 9-8
14. Vanderbilt; 8-9

It is hard to find much separation between Arkansas at No. 3 and Georgia at No. 10. Right now, no team wants to face South Carolina, Arkansas or Alabama. It is wise to be wary of Mississippi State as well. The SEC does not have many top teams. Yet, it remains a tough league and winning on the road in the SEC is never easy.

That’s it Alabama basketball fans. Use the comments section to add your thoughts on ranking the SEC basketball teams.