BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team got its season started on Friday night with its first live action of the year. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons came to Birmingham to make the return leg of a home-and-home exhibition series.

Here's a look at the 2024-25 SEC basketball preseason poll and all-conference teams, led by Alabama and Mark Sears:

The Alabama Crimson Tide are expected to have one of the best basketball teams in the country this year, ranking second in the AP Top 25

Let's have a double-episode on Thursday on "The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral" as we look to catch up in a busy week. Our first episode of the day centers around our time in Birmingham as SEC Media Days was held on Tuesday to get everyone excited for the new season.