NCAA Basketball: Impact of Romeo Langford’s looming decision

What a commitment would mean for the Commodores

If Langford would go to Vanderbilt, it’s going to add another team with a realistic chance to make the NCAA Tournament. With top-15 recruits Simisola Shittu and Darius Garland already in the fold, it would form a tremendous trio for Bryce Drew and the program.

This would be a grand opportunity for the Commodores to showcase themselves for other potential “one and done” players to come here as well, with Drew showing a great ability to recruit stars. Now he’ll have to show that he can put them in the best position to succeed.

Ironically enough, the SEC as a whole should be rooting for his commitment. It’s a myth that teams can eliminate each other from NCAA Tournament contention from the same league, as the non-conference resume and the quality of wins are what matters most to the Selection Committee. Vanderbilt will already be good, and getting Langford would make them a really good, yet young and beatable team.

The league is going through a big metamorphosis, with a bunch of programs consistently getting top-100 recruits. With the Commodores getting added to that growing list, it makes everyone stronger, as well as other power conference leagues weaker. Langford would be a kind of recruiting coup that could set up Drew and the program for long-term success, for them and the SEC altogether.