We know that Kentucky has the number one recruiting class in the nation, and returns starters (at least those who have started at some point) Darius Miller, Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb. UK is favored as the #2 team in the nation pre-season by most outlets, but there are several teams in the SEC that will give the Cats a run for their money.
[B]Vanderbilt[/B]
Vandy has the #23 recruiting class in the nation according to Maxpreps, but their strength is going to be their experience. The ‘Dores return all five starters from last season, and we will be facing all of those people we love to hate at least twice again next year (Festus Ezeli – 13 ppg, John Jenkins – 19.5 ppg and Jeffery Taylor – 14.7 ppg).
[B]Arkansas[/B]
Arkansas not only brings in the #5 recruiting class in the nation next year, but also an experienced new head coach who was a part of Arkansas’ national championship team in the past. Mike Anderson has managed to keep the stellar recruiting class AND 9 returning players (including sharpshooter Rotnei Clarke) after the coaching carousel impacted the Razorbacks program. At Missouri, Anderson went 23-11 last year – expect similar success his first year at Arkansas.
[B]Alabama[/B]
UK fans are quite aware of the talent they lost to Alabama in the form of Trevor Lacey, but Lacey is just one piece of a very intriguing puzzle. Alabama brings in the 9th best recruiting class in the nation, and returns seven scholarship players including JaMychal Green (led the team in PPG, 3pt%, rebounds and blocks) , Tony Mitchell (led team in steals) and Andrew Steele. Plus, Coach Anthony Grant has had two years now to get into a rhythm with his system and his players. Expect them to be atop the West again next year.
I still think Kentucky leads the SEC next year, but they won’t have an easy go of it when conference play begins.
