BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The AP men's college basketball preseason top-25 was released Monday and Alabama will begin the season ranked No. 15.

The Crimson Tide finished last season 28-9 and made a run to the Elite Eight, which ended with a loss to No. 1 seed Duke, 85-65. Alabama lost its best player in Mark Sears, but returns some key players with tons of experience that'll make a difference, such as Labaron Philon, Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell.

In the preseason media poll, Alabama was picked to finish fourth in the conference behind Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee. Philon was named preseason First Team All-SEC and Holloway was named Third Team All-SEC.

Bama begins the season on Nov. 3 at home against North Dakota.

Here's a look at the top-25: • Purdue • Houston • Flori

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