SEC Basketball: Alabama, Mississippi State rise in latest 2022-23 power rankings

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 24: Jahvon Quinerly #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide brings the ball up court against the Michigan State Spartans at Moda Center on November 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 24: Jahvon Quinerly #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide brings the ball up court against the Michigan State Spartans at Moda Center on November 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Vanderbilt Commodores forward Jordan Wright (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

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.