Coaches: Don’t count SEC out before March Madness

Coaches: Don’t count SEC out before March Madness

NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Turnover is an apt description of the state of Southeastern Conference basketball, though coaches contend it’s only temporary.
Blame graduations, early defections to the NBA, transfers or injuries. Whatever the reason the SEC’s just barely hanging onto a single slot in the Associated Press Top 25 — Tennessee at No. 24.
The Vols split two games, so for the fist time in 20 years the SEC might not have a ranked team when the new poll is released Monday.
That will be reason enough for critics to pile on, denigrating the league where hoops is still regarded as a sideshow to football, despite winning two of the last three national titles.

iht.com
1/18/09