Teams to Watch - SEC
By Jim Feist
VegasInsider.com
The SEC has a bunch of teams loaded with talent, depth and athleticism. Kentucky won national championships in 1998 and 2012, Florida knocked on the door in 2000 getting to the title game against Michigan State, then won it all with back-to-back titles. Here's a look at some of college basketball's best teams in the SEC.
Kentucky: The Wildcats have another powerhouse young team for Coach John Calipari, who likes to groom them for one year before they head to the NBA. Kentucky is not as big in the frontcourt as in recent years and is led by the backcourt of 6-5 freshman Jamal Murray (18.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and 6-3 freshman Isaiah Briscoe (9.8 ppg, 5 rpg).
The frontcourt is surprisingly experienced behind 6-8 senior Alex Poythress (10 ppg) and 6-9 junior Derek Willis (7.3 ppg). They topped Duke (74-63) and Louisville (75-73), plus lost in overtime last month at Kansas (90-84), gaining valuable experience in close games – something last year’s team lacked. The Wildcats are on a 15-5-2 ATS run against the SEC, plus 42-21 under the total at home.
LSU: The Tigers hit the offseason jackpot with 6-10 freshman Ben Simmons (19 ppg, 12 rpg, 5.2 apg) and he hasn’t disappointed despite the high praise Lebron James comparisons. He has some help, with 6-9 sophomore Craig Victor II (12.5 ppg, 6 rpg). The backcourt has size, too, with 6-6 junior Tim Quarterman (11 ppg) and 6-4 senior Keith Hornsby (13.6 ppg).
The Tigers lead the SEC in points and have gelled quickly after a 4-4 start. They knocked off No. 15 Texas A&M (76-71) and lost to then-No. Oklahoma by a basket. LSU plays its best defense at home, on a 9-4 run under the total there.
South Carolina: Where did these guys come from? The Gamecocks were 17-16 a year ago but have been hot this season ever since a 14-0 start. Start with experience. 6-5 senior Michael Carrera (14.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and 6-5 junior Sindarius Thornwell (12.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg) are outstanding playmakers, rebounders and scorers.
Throw in 6-7 senior Mindaugas Kacinas and junior guard Duane Notice and there is ample leadership and experience. The Gamecocks are No. 4 in the SEC in scoring. After starting conference play 2-0, the team went 6-5, including losses at Missouri and Georgia as chalk. It wasn’t that challenging of an early season schedule, so perhaps they are coming back to earth?
Texas A&M: The Aggies are not an easy team to face with their attacking defense. They topped Florida, Texas and Gonzaga allowing 68, 73 and 61 points. 6-7 senior guard Jalen Jones (15.6 ppg, 7 rpg) and 6-7 senior Danuel House (15.6 ppg) anchor the backcourt and lead the team in scoring.
They got a boost from 6-10 freshman center Tyler Davis (10.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), who has been a key role player up front. Senior guard Alex Caruso is a terrific playmaker averaging 4.9 assists per contest. A&M is on a 13-4 run under the total, focusing on defense at the right time of the season.
Florida: Coach Bill Donovan went to the NBA so Mike White has been enjoying his stint taking over the Gators. This Florida team is great under the glass with 6-8 senior Dorian Finney-Smith (15 ppg, 8 rpg), 6-11 sophomore John Egbunu (10.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and 6-8 soph Devin Robinson (6 rpg).
Freshman guard KeVaughn Allen (12 pg) is the second leading scorer while sophomore guard Chris Chiozza is a fine playmaker with 4.4 assists per game, so this is a well-rounded group. They could use a few more signature wins, losing to Top 25 teams Purdue, Miami, Michigan State, Texas A&M and Kentucky. This weekend the Gators are at LSU then host Kentucky next Tuesday in a rematch.
Vanderbilt: Streaky Vandy has a balanced punch of 6-3 sophomore Wade Baldwin IV (14 ppg) in the backcourt and 7-foot junior Damian Jones (13.8 ppg, 7 rpg) and 7-1 junior Luke Kornet (9 ppg, 7.4 rpg) up front.
They are a fine three-point shooting team and good at shot blocking, though last in the SEC in steals. Vandy has also been a money-burner the last two months, losing to Ole Miss and Mississippi State as favorites, part of a 4-9 spread run. They host a showdown with Kentucky on Saturday.
Odds to win NCAA Tournament
Kentucky 10/1
Texas A&M 50/1
LSU 70/1
Vanderbilt 200/1
South Carolina 250/1
Florida 300/1