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2006 SEC Basketball Predictions

2006 SEC Preview

Although often ignored by the national press for most of last season, the SEC proved that is was a quality basketball conference. The Florida Gators, from the SEC East, were the only team left standing after March Madness and the South Carolina Gamecocks took the NIT. This season the conference will get more attention, as will the Gators. It’s a highly competitive conference, with Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky all possessing the potential to find themselves in college basketball’s national spotlight.

Southeastern Conference East Division

Florida looks to dominate the SEC. They have all but one player back, which ensures team chemistry. However, everyone will be gunning for the Gators. Both Kentucky and Tennessee will be competitive in the East. The Vols coach Bruce Pearl has brought in a great freshman class, while the Wildcats will depend heavily on their juniors.

Georgia can score from the outside but the Bulldogs need more pounding of the boards and rebounding. South Carolina and Vanderbilt have suffered big loses, which will put them at the bottom of the pack.

Southeastern Conference West Division

Alabama returns key players Ronald Steele and Jamareo Davidson and some fine second-year guys. The Tide has depth but could use one more consistent three-point shooter.

LSU, which made it to the Final Four last year, needs major output from guard Tack Minor, who returns from a redshirt season. A newly lithe Glen Davis, the SEC Player of the Year in 2006, will be making points and capturing rebbies at will. LSU will be a force with which to be reckoned.

Once again, Arkansas shows itself to be solid, especially upfront, but can they replace Ronnie Brewer’s points and leadership? The Razorbacks look for freshmen guards to come through and make them competitive in the post season.

Mississippi State, led by Jamont Gordon and Charles Rhodes, are young but could surprise some folks. Auburn returns starters but lacks depth, while Mississippi rebuilds with a new coach and quality transfer Justin Cerasoli.