Why Kentucky Will Win The SEC

There's three days left until Midnight Madness kicks off all around the country, so it's safe to say that basketball season is officially here. I'm sure many of you have read at least one preview of what's to come this year. I'm also sure that many of you are chomping at the bit to see what could possibly be the best collection of talent under Calipari's reign take the court this Friday night for a sneak preview of what's to come.

If you are wondering how this group surpasses the John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledoe, and Daniel Orton group my answer to you is simple, more talented upperclassmen. Darius Miller comes back for his senior year as arguably one of the best defensive players in the country. Terrence Jones returns after a stellar freshman campaign and should be one of the leaders on this team. Likewise, fellow Sophmore Doron Lamb has had plenty of hype put on him this offseason, and if he ends up as half as good as people are saying he is, that is a serious weapon for the Cats. If that wasn't enough, center Eloy Vargas will provide depth in the middle and Stacey Poole is a solid wing player. Transfer Twanny Beckham is very talented as well and will provide a spark of the bench.

That's all without mentioning the talented Freshmen class. In comes Anthony Davis, arguably the best blend of size and skill to hit Lexington in the past five years. Joining him is the top point guard in Marquis Teague, a heady and athletic lead man that should keep the offense running smoothly. Mike Kidd-Gilcrist is a talented wing who's desire to win is matched by few, he will bring an intensity to this team as well as be another lockdown defender. Kyle Wiltjer was the lowest rated member of this class, as the #16 player in the country. The forward is more of a stretch four, which will give Davis or Vargas more room to operate in the paint, don't be fooled though, he is a complete player that can score on the block if need be. Bringing a kid like Witjer off the bench will be a luxary that Kentucky did not have last year.

When you look at the competition for the SEC crown, three teams come to mind. Florida has one of the best backcourts in the country, but Kentucky can counter that by throwing Davis and Jones on the floor, Patrick Young can't guard them both and Florida has a ton of question marks in their frontcourt. Vanderbilt probably matches up the best with the Wildcats. John Jenkins, Jeffery Taylor, and Festus Ezili all return will a solid cast of role playing vetrans and freshmen with them. Alabama is interesting because they have so much talent and are looking to make one last run into the tournament. It's hard to deny the impact Anthony Grant has had on that program but in the end I think Kentucky has too much depth for them.

What do you think? Will Kentucky win it all? Or Will one of the three teams above knock them off? Do you think a fourth team will be a serious contender to the SEC crown? Comment below.