Feb. 21, 2006

There are some detractors who say the SEC is down this season. Guess what, my friends, look at what happened last weekend. Sure, there isn't a dominant team like Kentucky has been in the past, but there are enough quality members to challenge for NCAA bids. I think the SEC has a legitimate shot at getting six teams into the big dance. Tennessee, Florida and LSU are certainly locks. Then there is the improved play of Alabama and Arkansas, plus Kentucky is lurking with a chance as well.

Last weekend was crucial for the three teams fighting to make it. Kentucky won at South Carolina with Patrick Sparks enjoying a big second half. It is not easy to win on the Gamecocks' home court. Alabama came out on fire and took charge early against Tennessee. Arkansas had a big home win against the highly-ranked Gators. Alabama and Arkansas have a huge game in Fayetteville on Tuesday night. In the first meeting, Arkansas appeared on its way to the winner's circle with a late three-point cushion until Ronald Steele was fouled attempting a three-pointer. Steele coverted all three free throws and the Tide rolled to an overtime win.

Say whatever you want, and the SEC is probably a bit down from where it was, but this is still one of the top five conferences in America. This league lost so much talent to the NBA draft early entry. How many conferences could survive losing the likes of Alabama's Kennedy Winston, LSU's Brandon Bass, Florida's Matt Walsh and Anthony Roberson, Arkansas' Olu Famutini and Kentucky's Kelenna Azuibuike?

I feel that if Kentucky goes 8-8 in SEC play, the Wildcats will make it. That won't come easily as the final four games are against Mississippi at home, at LSU, at Tennessee and Florida in Lexington. If they take care of business on their home floor and finish with nine league wins, they should be in. If they close 1-3 to finish 8-8 in conference play, there will be some questions. An earlier win over West Virginia would be a big one.

Arkansas would be in great shape if it wasn't for tough losses. Besides the aforementioned loss to Alabama, the Razorbacks missed a pair of crucial free throws in the final seconds in a loss to LSU. The Razorbacks allowed those two games to slide away. Alabama sits 8-4 in league play and a victory over Arkansas would go a long way in offsetting an early-season struggle. The Tide has moved in a positive way. I feel there is a great chance for six SEC teams to make it. Who would have thought that a month ago?

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.