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SEC Basketball: 2021 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Ian Mumm

Florida's Colin Castleton (12) is guarded by Tennessee's Jaden Springer (11) and Yves Pons (35) during an NCAA mens basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, March 7, 2021.Kn Ut Florida
Florida's Colin Castleton (12) is guarded by Tennessee's Jaden Springer (11) and Yves Pons (35) during an NCAA mens basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, March 7, 2021.Kn Ut Florida /
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Kentucky’s Devin Askew SEC Basketball Kentucky Sc 13
Kentucky’s Devin Askew SEC Basketball Kentucky Sc 13 /

Key Teams

Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tide’s 3-point barrage and efficiency from the perimeter have helped them to blow teams out early and often this season. Consistency in this area has been such a big factor in their smooth season to this point, but games are not coming as easily for Nate Oats group heading into March. Alabama has the backcourt talent to blow anybody out but needs to make sure they continue to stay grounded to navigate the tournament gauntlet prior to the Big Dance.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Eric Musselman’s squad has undeniably been the hottest SEC team in the 2nd half of the season. The Razorbacks have strung together eight conference wins in a row and 11 of their last 12. The transfer additions of JD Notae and Justin Smith have greatly boosted the overall strength of this program, but freshman Moses Moody is the undisputed leader of the team. Arkansas has the chops and momentum to spring the upset and bring home the title if any teams should stumble.

Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols are one of the top defensive teams in the nation and rarely get blown out when taking the court. The few times it’s happened this season have been the result of their own shots failing to fall through the net. Teams have to expect a dogfight given the physicality and pressure Tennessee applies throughout the game.

The guard trio of Jaden Springer, Keon Johnson, and Victor Bailey consistently produce at a high level and create plenty of second-chance opportunities for the Vols to win games. If this team can find their early season form, teams may be in trouble when facing them.

Kentucky Wildcats

Due to developmental issues and a lack of consistency, the only shot for John Calipari’s team to go dancing is to win the conference tournament outright. That’s a tall task for a 9-15 team that has not been able to find any momentum until the end of the season. However, a 4-2 record to end the season is the best this team has looked all year long. Maybe they’ve begun to figure things out and will come out playing well with absolutely no expectations on their plate.

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