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SEC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

By Matt Melton

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 26: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks to the bench during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Wildcats 75-73. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - FEBRUARY 26: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the Kentucky Wildcats looks to the bench during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Wildcats 75-73. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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SEC Basketball
Florida Gators forward Colin Castleton (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

6. Florida Gators

Beginning a new era in Gainesville, the Florida Gators enter year one under new head coach Todd Golden ranked just outside the top five at No. 6 in our 2022-23 SEC Basketball power rankings.

Looking back at last season, the Gators finished with a 20-14 overall record under former head coach Mike White, as well as a 9-9 mark in SEC play. Just missing the NCAA Tournament, this was only the third time that Florida missed the big dance under White, with the Gators having come off a Round of 32 appearance the year prior.

As mentioned previously however, a new era begins in Gainesville this season as Golden comes to Florida after three seasons at San Francisco, a span that included an NCAA Tournament appearance a year ago. As for if Golden can get back there in year one with the Gators, well, it is certainly a possibility, and a big reason why is the return of Colin Castleton, a senior forward who is a legit contender for the SEC Player of the Year.

Alongside Castleton, the Gators also return a few other key names in Myreon Jones and Kowacie Reeves, while also having added multiple impact freshmen and transfers. Arguably the most notable names of that group are Kyle Lofton, Will Richard, Alex Fudge, and Trey Bonham, each of which transferred to Gainesville during the offseason.

Looking ahead, the Gators should return to the NCAA Tournament this season, led by one of the conference’s top players in Castleton. Florida is not likely a contender for the SEC regular season championship however, as the Gators should finish around the 6-8 spots in the conference standings.

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