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SEC basketball 2020-2021: 5 bold predictions – Can Kentucky reclaim their crown?

By Cody Williams

Jan 29, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Wildcats (Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports) /

SEC basketball predicted order of finish for 2020-2021

  1. Kentucky Wildcats
  2. Tennessee Volunteers
  3. LSU Tigers
  4. Florida Gators
  5. Arkansas Razorbacks
  6. Alabama Crimson Tide
  7. South Carolina Gamecocks
  8. Ole Miss Rebels
  9. Auburn Tigers
  10. Texas A&M Aggies
  11. Missouri Tigers
  12. Mississippi State Bulldogs
  13. Georgia Bulldogs
  14. Vanderbilt Commodores

It’s become a familiar formula for the Kentucky Wildcats. Every year, the roster suffers wholesale losses and John Calipari simply replenishes it with 5-star talent. And lo and behold, they win the SEC more often than not. That should again be the case this year as, though the Wildcats lost their six leading scorers from last season, they now add the top recruiting class in college basketball.

Tennessee, as mentioned, has the best chance of any team in the conference to challenge Kentucky for the top spot. Not only do the Vols return four of their biggest contributors from last season but Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer, a pair of 5-star freshmen, enter the fray and could vault this team to new heights.

Beyond that tier of two at the top, LSU boasts an immensely talented roster, Florida might have the best player in the conference, Arkansas has a revamped roster that could be dangerous while Alabama has a ton of experience returning to Tuscaloosa this season.

Auburn could’ve been in the fold as a sleeper but the Tigers’ self-imposed postseason ban combined with the loss of their five top scorers from last season leaves Bruce Pearl’s team in a bad spot this year. They’ll likely settle down into the bottom tier of the SEC when it’s all said and done for the 2020-2021 campaign.