Disagreements in the comments section.
The 'Cats have been challenged lately, but all great teams are challenged at some point. This Kentucky team steps up to each challenge, and that's what makes it so good--and such a good bet to make a run for the national title. Anthony Davis, while not as flashy as former Calipari stars like DeMarcus Cousins or John Wall, is perhaps the most impressive recent Kentucky player.
The 'Dores weren't able to figure out Kentucky, but they're playing their best basketball as they head into the post-season. A very balanced, experienced team, they'll be a tough out in March.
This team has shown a higher ceiling at times than Vandy, but its overreliance on the long ball means that it will exit the tournament as soon as its shooters have an off game. Simply not balanced enough.
Anthony Grant would be my pick for SEC Coach of the Year. He's led his team through intermittent struggles and off-court problems to a spot that's fairly solidly on the right side of the bubble.
Another team that's weathered the storm and pulled it together late, Tennessee doesn't have a shot at an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament due to its poor OOC record, but it has the look of the kind of team that might surprise in the SEC Tournament, and that, if not, could challenge for an NIT Title. That would be a success for Cuonzo Martin's first year.
6. LSU Tigers
It's been a solid year for Trent Johnson, who entered the season on the hot seat. With its recent loss to Ole Miss, though, his team probably won't make the NCAA Tournament barring a deep SECT run.
The Bulldogs are currently in a free fall, but they still have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament due to a strong overall record. However, a loss this Wednesday at South Carolina would sound the death knell on their season.
A solid NIT team as long as it finishes well. That's not a bad job for Andy Kennedy, but it remains to be seen if the administration agrees.
Another team in a bit of a freefall, Arkansas still has a nice shot at the NIT with a decent finish. Their vaunted home-court advantage seems to have disappeared as of late.
10. Georgia Bulldogs
It hasn't been a pretty year for the Dawgs, but, after some recent successes, you get the impression that this team can be good next year.
11. Auburn Tigers
This team deserves some credit for staying with the season, but its just not good enough right now. Tough job.
One of the worst SEC teams in many years, and it loses its best player--Malik Cooke--next year. Yikes.