The SEC released its preseason predicted order of finish on Monday ahead of the 2024-25 college basketball season. Alabama was picked to win in the annual preseason poll, and its star guard, Mark Sears, was given conference Player of the Year honors after deciding to skip the 2024 NBA Draft and return to school.
The Crimson Tide are coming off their first Final Four appearance in school history and return a bulk of the roster that got them there, including star forward Grant Nelson — the hero of Alabama’s Sweet 16 victory over North Carolina. Alabama coach Nate Oats brought in a robust transfer portal haul, which includes guards Chris Youngblood (USF), Aden Holloway (Auburn), Houston Mallette. (Pepperdine), and big man Clifford Omoruyi (Rutgers).
Auburn was picked to finish second, followed by Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas A&M. The Tigers are coming off a loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Yale and bring back SEC Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome.
Here is the full poll, followed by overrated and underrated observations from the predicted order of finish.
SEC preseason predicted order of finish
Overrated: Texas
Predicted finish: 7
Texas debuted at No. 16 in the AP Top 25 poll released on Monday. The Longhorns, one of nine SEC teams ranked in the initial poll, were picked to finish seventh in the SEC in their inaugural season as a member.
Texas’ roster won’t be short of talent. Coach Rodney Terry reloaded by adding Jordan Pope (Oregon State), Tramon Mark (Arkansas) and Arthur Kaluma (Kansas State) via the transfer portal. The Longhorns also welcome Tre Johnson, the No. 6 overall recruit from the 2024 recruiting cycle, per 247Sports. For the most…
..
