The SEC makes strong statement to the NCAA Selection Committee

Weak SEC makes statement in NCAA and NIT...

     Excuse me while I wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes. The supposedly weak Southeastern Conference has one team in the Final Four of both the NCAA and NIT. Only a miracle comeback kept the Florida Gators from being in the Final Four. So the SEC who found no respect from the National media or the NCAA Selection Committee got the last laugh on this one.
     Coupled with all that is the fact that the Alabama Crimson Tide landed on their feet in the Final Four of the NIT. I wonder if the Selection Committee members ever have remorse or admit they blew a few - again. They don’t seem to in any manner. Look for a the next episode of a continuing series next March. Tentative title? How about “Return of the Idiots”. Seems as good as any.

You have to admire Kentucky... 

     Hats of to Kentucky. John Calipari may leave not be the most above board coach in America. He may break a few rules to get good players.  Okay, he breaks lots of rules to get good players and eventually KU will find that out. But for the Wildcat fans today is a good day. The man can coach. He’s had too many good teams for any of what he does to be a fluke. He may get great coaches but it still takes great coaching to reach the Final Four as often as he has.  I sometimes think it takes greater coaching to lead great players than average ones. You can coach up the average players. How do you coach up those already in the stratosphere?

     Calipari pushed all the right buttons at the right time. SEC Coach of the Year Billy Donovan seemed to let his team get out of control when it mattered most. Outside shooting is one thing, but out of the building is the another. Still, who among us thought that the Gators would make the Elite Eight. Not me.

Bama can make another statement for the SEC...

     Suddenly the question of whether Bama belonged is moot. Not only did the Tide belong but they beat the Kentucky Wildcats on the road to an amazing season. Perhaps the amazement is not quiet over. The Tide has a tough one against the Colorado Buffs who also have a beef with the NCAA. ‘Bama is a 1.5 point favorite in Tuesday nights game.  Expect that number to tip off even. The loss of Andrew Steele is tough, but Hankerson has done a good job in his absence.  I’ve been impressed with Hankerson’s ability to play under control. He’s a shooter and the fact he has played within Grant’s system is to be commended. Next year it’s bombs away for the freshman who has three seasons left to prove he can be great. I have no doubt he can.

    One is now certain. Either VCU or Butler continue to play the role of Cinderella. No, let me retract that. They have proven they belong already. Too many teams in too many Tournaments are called Cinda-rellas.  Perhaps with so many of these continuing to prove NCAA wrong it is time to call them Cinda-reallys.


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