Is Alabama Basketball the class of the SEC?
Alabama basketball has been very impressive so far in the 2022-23 season, compiling a 13-2 record while navigating one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
The Crimson Tide’s only losses have come in neutral site venues against UConn and Gonzaga. The Huskies and the Bulldogs are legitimate contenders, both currently joining the Tide in the AP top-10.
Alabama’s quality non-conference wins include games against Michigan State, North Carolina, Houston, and Memphis. The Crimson Tide is actively on a four-game win streak that includes a 3-0 start in SEC play. Bama has won all three of its conference games by double-digits, winning by an average margin of 19.7 points per game.
Alabama hasn’t been feasting on SEC bottomfeeders, either. Kentucky and Mississippi State are both currently ranked in the top-30 nationally, and both have been ranked in the AP poll at various points throughout the season.
After opening up SEC play with three straight statement victories, the narrative surrounding this team has shifted to whether or not Alabama could actually be the best team in the SEC.
College basketball season is long and grueling, and Bama will likely lose at least a couple more games this year. However, if it can continue to perform with the consistency it has shown thus far, it will remain one of the nation’s elite teams.
Other ranked teams in the conference include no. 8 Tennessee, no. 13 Arkansas, no. 20 Missouri, and no. 22 Auburn. Alabama and Tennessee, both 3-0 in the SEC, appear to be several steps ahead of the field.
Like the Tide, the Vols have played a difficult schedule, including games against two current top-5 teams. Tennessee split those games, with a convincing win over Kansas and a narrow loss to Arizona.
The Arkansas Razorbacks have put together an impressive resume as well, but Eric Musselman’s squad has battled injuries and gotten off to a shaky start in conference play. Despite injuries to key players in Nick Smith and Trevon Brazile, Arkansas is a formidable team and will likely be in the hunt for an SEC championship by season’s end.
Alabama and Arkansas will square off in Fayetteville on Wednesday evening. In terms of both opponent and environment, it will be one of the toughest games yet for the Crimson Tide.
Next. Newcomers leading the Crimson Tide. dark
So, is Alabama basketball the class of the SEC? That has yet to be determined, but the Tide will have a chance to make another huge supporting statement this week.