Men’s basketball SEC Power Rankings for Jan. 15: Vols move up

Last week: Lost to the Kentucky Wildcats and Tennessee Volunteers

Last rank: 14th

If we go by talent, the Texas A&M Aggies are probably in the top half of our SEC Power Rankings. Heck, they are 0-5 in the conference and still have a Top 40 RPI. That’s because they have a Top 10 strength of schedule and scored some major non-conference quality wins.

But they are just now getting back to form. Admon Gildern and Duane Wilson got hurt and are finally returning to full strength. Meanwhile, Robert Williams had to overcome an illness. Meanwhile, DJ Hogg just got back from a suspension.

And they weren’t all back on the court together until they faced the Tennessee Vols on the road, a brutal team. Before that, at even less strength, they had to face the Kentucky Wildcats. So this team can’t buy a break.

As a result, we still have them in last place in our SEC Power Rankings. You simply can’t ignore being winless to this point.

But with everybody finally back together for the first time since conference play started, we expect this to change very soon. Texas A&M hosts the Ole Miss Rebels and Missouri Tigers this week. Both are winnable games, and Ole Miss is a should-win game.

Following that up with the LSU Tigers on the road gives them a chance at a three-game win streak before they face the Kansas Jayhawks on the road in the SEC/Big 12 challenge. So this is where Billy Kennedy’s team can get back on track.