SEC Prediction Time
There is no other way to put it. Last season, the SEC was down.
But though we admit a certain amount of bias, the BBL thinks the struggles were overblown. If the last place team in the conference could take out the Big 12 champs (Arkansas over Oklahoma) while another sub-.500 team could defeat the Pac Ten champs (Florida over Washington), it stands to reason that the SEC wasn’t *that* bad.
More than anything else, the SEC was victimized by a perceived lack of quality precipitated by two central factors: a dearth of top 25 teams and the inconsistency of its flagship program, Kentucky.
Both of those factors will change this season, as the SEC boasts three AP preseason top 25 teams (UK #4, Tennessee #10, Miss. St. #18) and at least four others knocking on the door (Vandy, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina).
We think the SEC gets six teams in the big dance, with UK and Mississippi State being Final Four threats, and several other teams showing Sweet 16 potential.
Here’s our predicted order of finish for the conference, with projected SEC record and postseason prospects.
SEC East
1. Kentucky - (13-3) - NCAA
Contrary to popular belief, the Cats won’t have a total cake walk through a stacked division, but they should be favorites in nearly every game.
2. Vanderbilt - (11-5) - NCAA
We think this team is deep and full of scorers, and rumors that they laid a beating on UNC in a secret scrimmage last week only reaffirm that suspicion.
3. South Carolina - (10-6) - NCAA
With Devan Downey leading an uptempo attack, the Gamecocks will be a threat to win every game.
4. Tennessee - (9-7) - NCAA
The Vols will be a tough out, but lack of shooting and ballhandling will once again be the achilles heel.
5. Florida - (7-9) - NIT
Billy Donovan will have his hands full for a third straight year, unless Kenny Boynton is every bit as good as advertised, and then some.
6. Georgia - (1-15) - None
New coach Mark Fox will understand the true misery that is the Georgia basketball program as he leads an utterly outmatched roster through a gauntlet of a schedule.
SEC West
1. Mississppi State - (12-4) - NCAA
Even without gifted incoming freshman Renardo Sidney, this is a team capable of beating anyone in the country on a given night.
2. Mississppi - (10-6) - NCAA
The Rebs sport three returning double figure scorers in the backcourt led by Chris Warren and Terrico White. They’ll be tough to guard.
3. Arkansas - (8-8) - NIT
If Coach John Pelphrey can navigate past a set of horrific offseason distractions, there is enough depth and talent for a run at the division title.
4. Alabama - (7-9) - NIT
Anthony Grant inherits a fast, experienced team capable of winning right away. This team cannot be underestimated.
5. LSU - (5-11) - None
Simply not enough talent or experience to repeat last year’s 27-win season.
6. Auburn - (3-13) - None
Back to rebuilding mode for Jeff Lebo’s Tigers after a strong NIT finish a year ago.
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