SEC East is Kentucky's to Lose
By Paul Jordan
With SEC play about to get under way here’s a close look at how UK’s main competition this season is shaping up (the SEC East, don’t even get me started on the West).
Vanderbilt (11-2, #24): Vanderbilt has looked the strongest (other than UK) going into conference play. Unlike other SEC East foe, they haven’t slipped up in any games versus low-major programs, and they’ve even played pretty well against tough opposition. Their two losses have been at Missouri, and a loss in Puerto Rico against West Virginia. They also have some pretty good wins against the likes of North Carolina and Marquette. The ‘Dores are deep this season with 8 players getting more than 15 minutes a game, and are a solid overall team. They can score the ball inside and out with John Jenkins and Jeffrey Taylor leading the way. There is no doubt Vandy will be a tough test both at home and at what they call a gym for UK this season.
Georgia (11-2): Georgia came into this season with high hopes getting props from mainstream media heads like Andy Katz and so far this season the ‘Dawgs haven’t really done anything to disprove that. The only problem is that they haven’t done anything to prove it, either. Their two losses were Temple and Notre Dame (in 2OT) who are both very good squads but haven’t really beaten anyone too strong. They have a couple average wins against Georgia Tech, Colorado, and UAB but nothing special. What the Bulldogs do have though is talent. Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie are two of the most talented guys in the league (do a quick search of DeMarcus Cousins-Travis Leslie on youtube if you want to see an example) and those two guys can carry a team to a win against anybody in this league. If UK can handle the two man show that those two provide then I expect two wins out of the ‘Cats but you never know.
Florida (11-3): The Gators have been a mystery so far this season. They get smacked by the Buckeyes, then they beat Florida State. They lose to Central Florida (which isn’t as bad as once thought), and they beat Kansas St. However, a loss to Jacksonville is unacceptable. For a team predicted to win the league they have been utterly unimpressive in my eyes. Are the Gators experienced? Yes. But does that really matter if you don’t have the talent? Hell no. UK gets the Gators on a Saturday night in Gainesville with GameDay there and you’d be dead wrong if the Gators weren’t amped for that one. UK wins that one (assuming there undefeated until that point) then they may run the table.
Tennessee (9-4): Yikes. What happened? Two weeks into December the Vols were in the top- 10 with wins over Villanova and Pittsburgh, and now they are reeling at 9-4 with losses to Oakland, Charlotte, USC, and College of Charleston. Not to mention the one point win over Belmont and a six point win over Tenn-Martin (who lost to Ohio St. by 60 I might add). Times aren’t looking good for the Vols and it’s only going to get worse from here one figures with Bruce about to start his suspension. The Vols do have talent, however, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they get back into their groove when Pearl comes back.
South Carolina (9-4): The season started off well for the Gamecocks with a 7-1 start with a win against rival Clemson and a competitive loss against Michigan St. But it seems the lack of talent on the Gamecocks is catching up to them, losing three out of five (all by more than 15 points) including a shocker against the powerhouse that is Furman. Darrin Horn’s team may not be the most talented but they are a scrappy bunch that can compete against other quality teams. Also, it seems South Carolina has found a Devan Downey 2.0 in freshman guard Bruce Ellington. Ellington is short like Downey (only 5′ 9”), shoots the ball a ton (at a low field goal %), and is a scrappy scorer. He may not be as good as Downey this season, but down the road I’d watch out for him.
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