BigOrangeBasketball.comTennessee Basketball

Several of you have asked me to make my predicitons on the order of finish this season in the SEC East and West and which teams will make the Big Dance in March. I usually like to wait a little longer into the season to make such predictions, but here goes.  I’ll tackle the West today and the East tomorrow.

SEC West

1. Alabama

I’m extremely bullish on the Tide now with Anthony Grant at the helm of the program. I predict Alabama will be a top 15 team by February…if not sooner…although their rankings in the popular polls will probably not reflect it.

2. Ole Miss

Andy Kennedy’s Rebels play harder than any team in the SEC, save for possibly Tennessee, and Terrico White is the best player in the league.

3. Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have return most of their team from last season and have added some talented freshmen.  However, it will be a disappointing season overall.

4. LSU

Heavy personnel losses from a year ago will hamper the Tigers this season.  But Trent Johnson can coach and Bo Spencer is one of the most underrated players in the league.

5. Auburn

Although the Tigers finished strong last season, it will be a disappointing year in 09-10.  Jeff Lebo is not keeping up with his SEC brethren in recruiting.

6. Arkansas

Things seem to get worse and worse for this program every time you turn around. The Hogs were a surprise disappointment last season, but no surprise this season. They will be the worst team in the league. John Pelphrey will be on shaky ground after this season in Fayetteville.

NCAA Predictions:

I like Bama and Ole Miss to make the NCAA Tournament from the West.  One of these two teams could very receive the SEC’s automatic berth by winning the conference tournament.