As we enter the month of December, we now have a general grasp of what each SEC Basketball team might potentially look like this season. So, using what we have seen so far through both non-conference play and Feast Week tournaments, let’s update our 2022-23 SEC Basketball power rankings for the first time this season. (NOTE: Stats and records as of Friday, December 2)
Alabama, Mississippi State rise in latest 2022-23 SEC Basketball power rankings
14. South Carolina Gamecocks
Previous Ranking: 14
Beginning here with South Carolina, the Gamecocks remain at the No. 14 spot coming off a 3-4 start to the year, one that included three-straight losses to Colorado State, Davidson, and Furman in the Charleston Classic. The Gamecocks do however also own a notable 60-58 home win over in-state rival Clemson during that span, with star freshman GG Jackson also cementing himself as a contender for the 2022-23 SEC Basketball Freshman of the Year at 16.3 PPG and 7.4 RPG.
Looking ahead, South Carolina also has a road matchup looming this week at Georgetown, which will then be followed by a week-long break before returning home to face Presbyterian. It will be key for the Gamecocks to win a majority of these matchups, as well as for South Carolina to build some momentum with conference play looming in January.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores
Previous Ranking: 12
The No. 13 spot brings the first team to drop in this update in Vanderbilt, with the Commodores currently sitting at 3-4 overall, as well as having lost two of their last three games. Included in that stretch was a 1-1 record at the Paycom Wooden Legacy, as well as an 89-87 road win at Temple in what was the Commodores first victory of the year.
Vanderbilt is now set to host Wofford this Saturday in what could be a key matchup. That game could be crucial for the Commodores to help build momentum ahead of additional non-conference showdowns with teams such as Pittsburgh and NC State in December.