Ranking each SEC basketball team entering conference play
13. Texas Longhorns
Texas began the season in the top 25 and seemed poised for a strong year under Rodney Terry. At 11-2, that could still be the case, but the team has failed to rack up notable victories and has lost to the top two opponents on its schedule thus far: Ohio State and UConn. Texas has a top-15 defense in the country, a top-30 offense and sensational freshman guard Tre Johnson on its side. However, the Longhorns need to prove themselves against the SEC鈥檚 best to move up the conference rankings.聽
12. Missouri Tigers
Unlike some teams toward the bottom of this list, Missouri has picked up a signature victory this season, defeating No. 1 Kansas in early December. Meanwhile, the Tigers鈥� two losses have come to Memphis and Illinois, both teams that will likely remain in the NCAA Tournament mix. Mizzou has a top-10 offense in the country that puts up over 87 points per game, and despite a lack of size, its skilled group of guards featuring Mark Mitchell, Tamar Bates, Caleb Grill and Anthony Robinson II gives the Tigers a chance in SEC play.
11. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia鈥檚 12-1 start is its best in 94 years and the team has garnered AP Top 25 votes in recent weeks. The Bulldogs could become ranked at some point but face a gauntlet to begin the conference season. The Bulldogs鈥� only loss came to a highly-talented Marquette squad, while they defeated a ranked St. John鈥檚 team. Georgia puts up over 82 points per game but has also been strong defensively in Mike White鈥檚 third season, in part thanks to sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr. and freshman standout Asa Newell.
