When it comes to college basketball, Alabama rises above the rest, according to Charles Barkley.

The former Auburn and NBA star, who joined “The Next Round” on Wednesday, admitted as much about his former rival.

“Alabama’s the best team in the country, honestly,” Barkley said. “I’ve watched them play probably four times. They are the best team. Houston is right there with them, but they best Houston.

“Off the top of my head, Alabama’s the best team in the country and that’s painful for me to say.”

The fourth-ranked Tide is coming off a 78-66 win of Vanderbilt on Tuesday. Freshman Brandon Miller scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds as Alabama got its seventh straight victory. The Crimson Tide (16-2, 6-0 SEC) now has all six SEC wins by double digits, though Vandy threatened late with a 13-2 run.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi revealed on Twitter on Wednesday he has the Tide slotted as one of the four No. 1 seeds in his bracket and is currently the No. 2 overall seed in tournament.

Purdue, Houston and Kansas are the other No. 1 seeds.

He also has six SEC teams in the tournament and two more on the bubble.

Alabama (No. 1 seed), Tennessee (No. 2 seed), Arkansas (No. 6 seed), Auburn (No. 7 seed), Missouri (No. 9 seed) and Kentucky (No. 12 seed). The Wildcats are last in, thanks to Kansas’ loss to Kansas State.

Texas A&M is among the next four out, while Florida is being considered.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.