WBN SEC Basketball Power Rankings: 12-30-2012 Edition
By Wayne
Dec 22, 2012; North Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Michael Qualls (24) dunks the ball against the Alabama A
8. Arkansas Razorbacks (8-4, 0-0) Last Week: W vs. Northwestern State 95-68: This was a slasher film from the onset. Powell and Young are a formidable F-G combo in the SEC. The Razorbacks are averaging 82.5 PPG which is pretty impressive considering Mike Anderson is a defensive minded coach. 14 players saw game action, with 12 playing 10+ minutes. That is an incredible experience builder. Expect them to improve as the season rolls along and be a contender in the SEC West. This Week: 01/05 vs. Delaware State
9. Ole Miss Rebels (10-2, 0-0) Last Week: W @ Hawaii 81-66: The difference in this game was 3-PT % with Hawaii only going 2-16. What is evident going forward is that Ole Miss MUST find a way to rebound better since they got out rebounded by HAWAII! On the positive side, Kennedy’s club had four in double figures and eight play more than 14 minutes. This next game isn’t a gimme for Ole Miss but what game ever is?? This Week: 01-04 vs. Fordham
10. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-4, 0-0) Last Week: vs. Tulane: Bama’s game began at 6 and is still in progress. I predict they bounce back after last week’s loss to Mercer but unless Lacey and Releford can find their 3-PT stroke again, Anthony Grant could be looking for work come the end of this season. This Week: 01-05 vs. Oakland
11. Georgia Bulldogs (5-7, 0-0) Last Week: W vs. Florida A&M: Breaking: We have a streak…a Win Streak!!! on a night where KCP didn’t have his best game against a weak opponent, reserve Nemanja Djurisic made a name for himself with his 21 off the bench. Georgia’s D was pretty stout, holding the Rattlers to 37% shooting. This isn’t where Georgia fans imagined their team at this point in the season, but any win streak has to be huge for them. It likely won’t translate well in the SEC. This Week: 01-04 vs. George Washington
12. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-7, 0-0) Last Week: L vs. Alabama A&M 59-57: Can’t say I saw this coming but I can’t say that I am ALL that shocked. Listen, MSU has been terrible and overrated for years, and a new coach, apparently, will not change this. They’re dogging it this year. This Week: 01-03 vs. New Orleans
13. Auburn Tigers (5-7, 0-0) Last Week: L vs. #12 Illinois: Ok, so Auburn lost to Winthrop the week before then play Illinois to a two point loss. The team identity for the Tigers is still a mystery, but what is undeniable is that they play aggressively, but without much control. Proof: Illinois shot 40 FT’s and Auburn is fortunate they only hit 60% or this would have been a blow out. Still a lot of work to be done but the close loss is encouraging. This Week: 01-02 vs. Florida State
14. Vanderbilt Commodores (5-6, 0-0) Last Week: L vs. #18 Butler 68-49: You’ve heard the old moniker, “anyone can beat anyone on any given day,” and that almost always applies…unless you are Vandy and Kevin Stallings going against Butler and Brad Stevens. Behind a game high 22 from Arkansas transfer Rotnei Clark. Butler had only one other player in double figures to Vandy’s one player in double figures (Junior Guard, Kyle Fuller). Vandy did manage 15 points from three guys scoring five points each. They really are terrible.. This Week: 01-02 vs. William and Mary