Player of the Week
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
The 13–0 Vanderbilt Commodores have ridden the hot hands of their starting guards all season, and Tyler Tanner has been the standout during the team’s impressive run. The sophomore is averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while serving as the steady engine of the offense. In Vanderbilt’s most recent win over New Haven, Tanner filled the stat sheet with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. What stands out most is his efficiency, as he is shooting 53.3 percent from the field on the season. If Tanner continues to take smart shots and control tempo, he will remain a major problem for opposing defenses.
Who’s Hot
Alabama Crimson Tide
With conference play approaching, SEC teams used the week to tune up against non-power competition, but Alabama faced a legitimate test against the 11–1 Yale Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide seized control immediately, outscoring Yale by 24 points in the first half and never looking back in a 102–78 win. Aden Holloway led all scorers with 26 points, highlighting Alabama’s offensive firepower heading into league play.
Kuol Atak, Oklahoma Sooners
Kuol Atak may not be a familiar name yet, as his minutes have fluctuated throughout the season, but the freshman made the most of his opportunity this week. Given over 20 minutes on Monday, Atak erupted for a season-high 24 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point range. When he gets hot from deep, he can score in bunches. At 6-foot-9, Atak’s offensive skill set makes him a legitimate threat with NBA-translatable tools.
Who’s Not
Ole Miss Rebels
Despite winning this past week, Ole Miss continues to trend in the wrong direction. At 8–5, the Rebels are tied with Mississippi State for the worst record in the SEC. Unlike Mississippi State, which has a clear go-to scorer in Josh Hubbard, Ole Miss lacks a true offensive focal point. Malik Dia leads the team at just 14.5 points per game, and that absence of a primary scorer has contributed to the Rebels owning the SEC’s lowest-scoring offense at 74.6 points per game.
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn Tigers
For the second consecutive week, Tahaad Pettiford finds himself in the underperformer category. After scoring five points against Purdue, the sophomore matched that output with another five-point outing versus Queens University. While Auburn won comfortably, Pettiford struggled offensively despite playing 29 minutes. After starting 1-of-8 from the field, he shifted his focus to playmaking and finished with a season-high nine assists. While the passing was encouraging, Auburn will need Pettiford to break out of his scoring slump moving forward.
Top 5 Team Power Rankings
Entering Conference Play
5. Georgia Bulldogs
Ranking any team above the defending national champions is difficult, but Georgia has earned its spot. The Bulldogs are 12–1, fueled by the nation’s most explosive offense at 99 points per game. Jeremiah Wilkinson anchors the scoring attack, while Somtochukwu Cyril provides a defensive presence inside, helping Georgia rank among the conference leaders in rebounds and blocks. This roster is dangerous from top to bottom and built for a deep March run.
4. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee may lack the offensive flash of Georgia, but its résumé is strong. Wins over No. 8 Houston and No. 16 Louisville headline a quality nonconference slate. The Volunteers are led by Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament, who combine for over 30 points per game, and coached by Rick Barnes, who brings consistent March success. That blend of talent and experience keeps Tennessee firmly in contention.
3. Vanderbilt Commodores
After a first-round NCAA Tournament loss last March, Vanderbilt has returned with purpose. The Commodores are a perfect 13–0, led offensively by the trio of Duke Miles, Tyler Tanner, and Tyler Nickel. The primary concern is a lack of tested competition, as Vanderbilt has yet to face a ranked opponent. That will change soon, offering plenty of opportunities to validate their strong start.
2. Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas sits at 10–3 after navigating one of the nation’s toughest early schedules. The Razorbacks own ranked wins over Louisville and Texas Tech, along with competitive losses to Michigan State, Duke, and Houston. While they have proven they can compete with anyone, their offense leans heavily on freshmen Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, making consistency the biggest question moving forward.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Few programs enter conference play as battle-tested as Alabama. Under Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide have stacked SEC titles, Sweet Sixteen appearances, and a Final Four run. That fast-paced, high-scoring identity remains intact this season, once again producing one of the nation’s best offenses. With experienced stars and proven depth, Alabama looks positioned to make a serious national title push.