SEC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

By Matt Melton | Nov 5, 2022

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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LSU Tigers guard Mwani Wilkinson (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

8. LSU Tigers

Entering year one of the Matt McMahon era in Baton Rouge, LSU begins the 2022-23 season ranked as the No. 8 team in our SEC Basketball power rankings.

Parting ways with former head coach Will Wade late last season, LSU is coming off a 2021-22 campaign in which the Tigers finished with a 22-12 overall record, as well as a 9-9 mark in SEC play. Making their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, the Tigers 22-win total was also their highest since the 2018-19 season, with their nine conference wins however being the lowest since 2017-18 when LSU won eight SEC games.

A new looking LSU team this season, the Tigers only return a few players from last season, with Mwani Wilkinson and Justice Williams as the most notable names. Filling out the Tigers 2022-23 roster is a long list of transfer additions and freshmen, with almost all likely to see time for LSU this season.

Arguably the biggest of those names is KJ Williams, an experienced player in the frontcourt who should play a significant role for the Tigers this season. In addition to Williams, Cam Hayes, Trae Hannibal, Justice Hill, Tyrell Ward, Jalen Reed, and Derek Fountain should all make a key impact as well.

Even despite the massive roster turnover, combined with a new coach, it is still entirely possible that LSU is an NCAA Tournament team this season. Expect the Tigers to be around the middle of the SEC this season, and for LSU to be on the bubble with a chance to go dancing come March.

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