SEC Trying To Rebound From Poor NCAA Showing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) _ The football powerhouse Southeastern Conference is
trying to reclaim that status in hoops.

A year after the SEC had only three NCAA tournament teams, Vanderbilt coach
Kevin Stallings says “don”t be surprised if this year is dramatically,
dramatically different.”

Stallings said at media days Wednesday he believes six or seven teams could
make the NCAA field. Missouri’s Frank Haith expects at least five SEC teams to
get into the NCAA.

Regaining that kind of March presence has been the focal point league-wide
since only Florida survived the tournament’s first weekend. That includes
strengthening nonconference schedules.

Even perennial power Kentucky had to settle for the NIT, and was one and done
there. Wildcats coach John Calipari has his team again the preseason SEC
favorite with a prized recruiting class.

More News