Eight teams from the SEC made the annual Men’s NCAA Tournament. Below, I will rank the top five with the highest ceiling.
Which SEC teams have the best ceiling in the NCAA Tournament?
1. #1 Seed Alabama (South Region)
Any questions about Alabama’s end of the season struggles can now be put aside as they surged through the SEC Conference Tournament.
Led by freshman sensation Brandon Miller, this team is well balanced on both sides off the ball, scoring more than 80 PPG and allowing one of the worst FG% to opponents.
Even in an off game, they’ll come back to bite you in the end, perhaps that is why they are so dangerous.
As the top seed in the tournament, Alabama’s draw works in their favor.
Alabama’s ceiling: NCAA Championship
2. #7 Texas A&M (Midwest Region)
The Aggies are the SEC regular season runner-ups, as well as SEC Conference Tournament runner-ups. As a #7 seed they are perhaps the most undervalued team in the entire tournament, which, makes them even more dangerous.
Led by point guard Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies will face Penn State, and if they win, most likely #2 Texas to seal a Sweet 16 birth.
This region is stacked with teams like Texas, Indiana, and Miami, and, not to forget, Houston.
I don’t think the Sweet 16 is out of reach for them, and a late tournament run is definitely within realm.
I like A&M’s chances.
Texas A&M ceiling: Elite 8
3. #6 Kentucky (East Region)
In eight out of their last nine tries, Kentucky has made it to at least the Sweet 16.
I think they do it again this year.
Led by forward Oscar Tshiebwe, this team can hurt you from all over as four guys average double figures in PPG.
They’ve been known for their success in March, and I believe they can clear both #11 Providence and #3 Kansas St.
It won’t be easy, but, it’s possible.
Kentucky Ceiling: Sweet 16
4. #7 Missouri (South Region)
Before losing to eventual #1 overall seed Alabama, the Missouri Tigers had won five straight.
They will enter this tournament with a lot of momentum and a lot to prove.
Yes, they don’t quite have a favorable draw as they would have to beat both #10 Utah State and #2 Arizona, who is 6-1 against the AP Top 25.
I think they can take the former, but, not the latter.
Missouri’s Ceiling: Round of 32
5. #4 Tennessee (East Region)
A lot of people may be surprised that I have Tennessee this far down on the list.
I’ll tell you why though.
Having a record of 3-4 in their last 7, they are just too volatile at the moment, and in March, volatility is the exact opposite of what you want.
Injuries won’t help Tennessee either as they’ve been missing starting guard, Zakai Zeigler.
Then, there’s this.
Should Tennessee win their first round matchup against #13 Louisiana, they’d either face #4 Duke or #13 Oral Roberts.
Both teams are incredibly hot right now and I don’t see Tennessee beating either.
Not with the recent lack of consistency and injuries present.
Tennessee’s Ceiling: Round of 32