The SEC is improving as a conference. Elite coaching hires over the last decade has turned the league on its head. What was once a football conference that Kentucky dominated in basketball has turned into one with the potential for a revolving door of regular-season champions. This week in Nashville, Alabama will look to fend off a group of contenders led by Eric Mussleman’s Arkansas.
The Favorites
Alabama: What Nate Oates has done in Tuscaloosa has been nothing short of brilliant. In just his second year with the Crimson Tide, he has them locked in for a top-three seed. He has done this with his trademark up-tempo style and a new emphasis on the defensive end. They have made the remarkable jump from 114th to 3rd in the country in defensive efficiency. That defense is anchored by probable SEC Player of the Year, Herb Jones. The do-it-all point forward is the teams leader in rebounds, assists and steals. Surrounding him is an arsenal of shooters in John Petty, Jaden Shackelford and Jahvon Quinerly. That combination of talent will look to take care of business this week in Nashville.
Arkansas: The Razorbacks are the hottest team in the conference at the moment. Eric Musselman’s group has won their last 12 games including victories over Alabama and LSU. Arkansas combines freshman stardom with an array of veteran transfers to form a special group. The name to know here is Moses Moody. Another contender for SEC POTY, the likely lottery pick is a natural scorer. The freshman gets buckets at all three levels and at 6’7 is a valuable member of the Mussleman’s defense. Behind Moody, graduate transfers Jalen Tate and Justin Smith provide veteran leadership and scoring. This elite trio is looking to help the Razorbacks to the second weekend of the Dance for the first time in over two decades.
Teams to Watch:
Missouri: How many teams have more quadrant one wins this season than Missouri? Only three. The Tigers enter the SEC Tournament on a slide but their ability to play up (or down) to the competition makes them a team to watch in Nashville. Led by the two seniors in Dru Smith and Jerimiah Tilmon Jr., Missouri is one of the most experienced teams in the country. The x-factor will be junior guard Xavier Pinson. The microwave scorer has the ability to win or lose games for the Tigers. A potential quarterfinal game Friday Night against rival Arkansas would be must-see TV.
Kentucky: It is no secret that this has been a down year for Calipari’s Cats. That said, this roster is still littered with NBA Talent. Freshman Isaiah Jackson is a force on the defensive end and a potential lottery pick. The overall disappointment of guard BJ Boston has overshadowed his improvement throughout SEC play. While team has struggled, Kentucky has shown the ability to compete with the top of the SEC. Convincing wins over Tennessee and Florida, along with close losses against Arkansas and Alabama, has me thinking this team can make a run in Nashville.
Players to Watch
Herb Jones, Alabama: The Senior initiates the offense for the Crimson Tide while anchoring their defense. Alabama is a different team when he’s not on the floor.
Moses Moody, Arkansas: One of two candidates for SEC Freshman of the Year, this smooth scorer is averaging 17 PPG while shooting almost 40% from three.
Cam Thomas, LSU: The other candidate for Conference Freshman of the Year plays for the Tigers. The nations leading freshman scorer has an arsenal of moves on the perimeter. He will hear his name called early come June.
Dru Smith, Missouri: The SEC’s leader in steals was the Tigers most consistent player in 2021. The Evansville transfer shot 40% from three and led Missouri in assists.
Isaiah Jackson, Kentucky: He might be the most fun player to watch in the league. He blocks shots and controls the paint with an ability like no one else in America. Keeping him out of foul trouble will be vital to the Cats making a run this week.
The Prediction:
Its hard to pick against Alabama given how consistent they were in the SEC Season. That said, Arkansas is playing the best basketball in the league at the moment. Eric Musselman has an argument for the best coach in the league and Moses Moody is a star. I will take them to beat Tennessee on Sunday Afternoon in Nashville.