WBN SEC Basketball Power Rankings: 02-10-2013 Edition
By Wayne
February 9, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators center Patric Young (4) slam dunks during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the Stephen C. O
1. #4 Florida Gators (19-3, 9-1) Last Week- L 80-69 at Arkansas, W 83-58 vs. Mississippi State University: Ok so all I said last week about Florida only losing by not physically showing up at Arkansas…stupid. But it’s safe to say no one say Florida getting drilled by the Razorbacks but 16 turnovers will do that to a team. Of course this was an aberration because they drilled MSU on Saturday to right all things in the world of CBB. Reducing your turnovers by half (8) will go a long way for your confidence and shooting % which was over 51. However, in order for Florida to make an NCAA splash, Patric Young must assert himself more. 5 shots against MSU doesn’t match his ability. He’s Florida’s Alex Poythress…minus the amazing ability and ability. This Week: February 12 vs. Kentucky, February 16 at Auburn
2. Kentucky Wildcats (17-6, 8-2) Last Week- W 77-55 vs. South Carolina, W 72-62 vs. Auburn: It was home sweet home for the Cats this week as they played a couple of much needed tune up games against SC and Auburn. Martin and Co. didn’t stand a chance and Tony Barbee didn’t have much of one but did make it more competitive, if not chippy, which is exactly what these Cats need. Huge road test coming up against the Gators this week. At this point, I can’t call it either way. Having Willie Cauley-Stein coming off the bench has been HUGE. It looks like Cal has found his line up for the rest of the season. This Week: February 12 at Florida, February 16 at Tennessee
3. #21 Missouri Tigers (17-6, 6-4) Last Week: L 70-68 at Texas A&M, W 93-79 vs. Ole Miss: Balance is the engine what keeps Mizzou’s engine running. They didn’t have it against A&M as they continue their winless road streak. They don’t need the type of offensive game from Pressey, Oriakhi, and Bell they got against Ole Miss, but they MUST have a dominating presence down low and Oriakhi’s 18 rebounds (10 offensive) is domination. Unfortunately for Pressey, he still hasn’t found a shot he doesn’t like. This Week: February 13 at Mississippi State, February 16 at Arkansas
4. #16 Ole Miss Rebels (18-5, 7-3) Last Week: W 93-75 vs. Mississippi State University, L 98-79 at #21 Mizzou: “We are who they thought we were!” “We are who they thought we were!” Henderson and Holloway are the two that Andy Kennedy lives and dies by. The problem is that is neither is mature enough to be consistent nor are they able to keep their tempers in check. Buckner and Holloway were no match for Oriakhi. They won’t be a match for much of the SEC either. This Week: February 13 at Texas A&M, February 16 vs. Georgia
5. Alabama Crimson Tide (15-8, 7-3) Last Week: L 49-37 at Auburn, W 60-57 vs. LSU: What a turn of events for the Crimson Tide. Losing to Auburn away by scoring 14 points in the 2nd Half speaks to how desperate they are to have other players step in when Releford and Lacey aren’t saving their asses. Anthony Grant is starting four guards which historically hasn’t been a recipe for success. Fortunately they play in this year’s SEC because there’s always LSU. The Tide finished up strong last week but MUST make great improvements on the offensive end so their play isn’t so offensive. This Week: February 12 at Georgia, February 16 vs. Alabama
6. Arkansas Razorbacks (14-9, 5-5) Last Week: W 80-69 vs. Florida, L 67-49 at Vanderbilt: Clearly the beat down of the Gators set them up for the loss against arguably the worst team in the SEC. Unfortunately it’s pretty common and something Mike Anderson is working to correct. Arkansas had a chance to make some consistency out of their statement against UF but they failed. That’s a coaching issue. Their shooting was atrocious by hitting only 31% of their shots. That’s not going to get it done. Powell and Young were nonexistent with Mardracus Wade being their ONLY double-digit scorer. This Week: February 13 at Auburn, February 16 vs. Arkansas
7. Texas A&M Aggies (14-9, 4-6) Last Week: W 70-68 vs. #21 Mizzou, L 52-46 at Georgia: Kourtney Roberson and Fabyon Harris have been crucial to their success since the production of Elston turner has basically died since his 40 at Rupp. They follow up the huge win against Mizzou with an egg against a surging Georgia team. Consistency is key and they don’t have the pieces to be consistent. This Week: February 13 vs. Ole Miss, February 16 at Vanderbilt