There was a time in which I thought Tennessee Basketball would be a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a loss to Ole Miss last week, I no longer believe that will be the case.
Now, I believe the Vols should be a No. 2 seed. However, I still have doubts as to their seeding despite a banner season. Why? The Vols are rarely treated fairly by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee
Before this becomes a whiny column about Tennessee Basketball, let me be clear. The Vols have rarely received favorable treatment from the committee that decides the fate of 68 teams and more if you count the schools that are left out. Here are some examples.
In 2003, the Vols were completely left out of the tournament. With a 17-12 record, no one thought they should be a high seed, but they should have been in the tournament.
Former head coach Buzz Peterson said at the time the Vols were the first team out out. Why? They were left out primarily because they were without guard Jon Higgins, who was ruled academically ineligible because he took too difficult of a course load.
Then there was the 2008 season in which the Vols were a No. 2 seed when most believed they should be a No. 1. That team beat the No. 1 ranked Memphis Tigers on the road to reach No. 1 themselves for a period, won the SEC regular season title and entered Selection Sunday with a 29-4 record and No. 4 ranking.
How about the 2013 season, in which they were left out altogether again in Cuonzo Martin’s second year? So why have the Vols received a slight from the NCAA despite being one of the elite athletic department rankings in the nation? That’s easy.
Tennessee received shade from the NCAA Tournament Committee because the SEC is viewed (or was viewed) as a football league. If the Vols don’t land at least a No. 2 seed this season, there will be no excuse.
The SEC ranks No. 1 among basketball conferences in the nation. The all-mighty ACC is fifth. Yes, fifth. Also behind the SEC are the Big Ten, the Big 12 and the Big East, respectively. How long does it take perception to change? Hopefully this season.
Long gone are the days when Kentucky carried the flag for the SEC. Sure, Arkansas had a run, as did Florida. However, the days of mounting up talent for a one or two year run for the SEC are over. The days of just leaning on the Wildcats are also over.
It’s time for the NCAA Selection Committee to give the SEC its due. There is no other conference better in basketball. That should be common knowledge by now. However, until I see it, I won’t believe it.
I also won’t believe Tennessee will get a favorable draw in the NCAA Tournament – until I see it. Perhaps the committee will respect Tennessee coach Rick Barnes enough to give him a decent shot at making his second Final Four and, perhaps, even winning a national championship.
The problem with a bad seeding is it is a body blow to a team that is one game away from its season coming to an end. Sure, a great team should overcome that, but it rarely does.
So will the Vols be a 2-seed? I’ll believe it when I see it.
