Betting Lines for SEC B-ball Teams in 2011 NCAA Tourney

by Mo Johnson
(VA)

NCAA basketball betting lines don’t have any of the five SEC teams in the Tournament as a favorite, but two of them are at least rated a contender, while the other three are longshots.

Florida – The Gators are taking heat as a No.2 seed in the Southeast, but they’re very capable of a deep run this month. They have a group of starters that have played together for two years, a rarity in today’s college game, and they have an excellent player in Chandler Parsons who is one of the great all-around players in the country.

Kentucky – The Wildcats beat Florida in the SEC tournament, and they’re a dangerous No.4 seed in the East with an incredibly athletic squad led by freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones. Kentucky is an active team at both ends of the floor, and they’re a better outside shooting team than last year, so the Wildcats are a definite threat.

Vanderbilt – The Commodores claimed a five seed in the Southwest, and they have a great duo of perimeter players in John Jenkins and Jeffrey Taylor. But the key to Vandy’s hopes lie with Festus Ezeli, who could be the most improved player in the country. It’s hard to find a good big man in the college ranks, and Ezeli could steal a game or two for the Commodores.

Tennessee – The Volunteers are a nine seed in the West, but they’re a dangerous nine seed because of their mental toughness and a coach in Bruce Pearl who is one of the best in the country at getting his team ready for a big game. Scotty Hopson is a veteran leader, but freshman Tobias Harris is the player that could carry the Volunteers past the first weekend.

Georgia – The Bulldogs earned a No.10 seed in the East, but they’re not an easy out. Georgia is a deliberate offensive team who is efficient, and they get after you on the defensive end of the floor. If they can limit their turnovers, Georgia can make it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.