Kentucky coach John Calipari insists this building job lacks the usual foundation.
The defending national champion Wildcats lost six NBA draft picks and every starter, then reloaded with another top-rated recruiting class.
Calipari said at SEC media day Thursday anyone who picks his team preseason No. 1 "needs to be drug-tested. We're not very good right now."
He says this is a different challenge since he typically could complement newcomers like top recruit Noel Nerlens with more veterans.
Calipari's not getting much sympathy in a league that figures to get stronger with additions Missouri and Texas A&M.
The Tigers reloaded with four transfers to join preseason SEC player of the year Phil Pressey.
Florida must replace No. 3 NBA draft pick Bradley Beal after making two straight NCAA regional finals.