It appears outside expectations aren't very high for the Florida men's basketball team this season.

The Gators have been picked to finish next to last in the SEC East by a panel of 25 SEC and national media members.

Kentucky, led by new first-year coach John Calipari, was picked to win the East, followed by Tennessee, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. In the West, Mississippi State was picked to win the division, followed by Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Arkansas and Auburn. 

Kentucky is also favored to win the SEC championship.

Florida coach Billy Donovan knows the Gators have a lot to prove this season, coming off back-to-back NIT appearances and without starting guard Nick Calathes.

“I think that there are a lot of people who have a lot of questions about who this team is and what they can become and to me, that’s exciting and challenging,'' Donovan said. "I think our guys are working toward that. There are things that I’m seeing that as a team makes me feel like we are moving in the right direction.”