Bracketology: Kentucky Trending Toward 5/6 Seed Ahead of SEC Tourney
Finding a read on Kentucky basketball feels like a nearly impossible task.
The Wildcats have rode the highest of waves, then subsequently fell off the surfboard. Highest of highs, lowest of lows. The result is a 21-10 (12-6 SEC) record, but UK has no worries of not making the NCAA Tournament, something that appeared to be an issue less than a month ago.
Everyone and their mother has some sort of Bracketology projection at this point, and they've all been culminated by the geniuses at Bracket Matrix. A grand total of 107 projections have been compiled for each team that's currently surrounding the Big Dance.
Here's how it shakes out for Kentucky:
- 5 seed: 16
- 6 seed: 65
- 7 seed: 25
- 8 seed: 1
ESPN's Joe Lunardi crafted a late-night update on Tuesday, bumping the Wildcats up to the No. 5 line:
The draw appears favorable, though a 5-12 matchup against College of Charleston would be a testy affair for the Cats. The Cougars possess a potent offense, as five players average 10 points-per-game or more.
Other matchups in the region that could peak interest is a CBS Sports Classic rematch against UCLA, a rematch against SEC foe Auburn, a showdown against former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins and Providence, even a game against Texas, the school that spurred rumors for the departure of coach John Calipari.
Moving over to CBS, Jerry Palm still has UK in the No. 7 slot:
History speaks for itself with potential matchups here. Duke, Indiana, UConn, you get it. One thing to note here is UK being in the South Region. If it can maneuver through the first two rounds and crack the Sweet 16, the second weekend matchups would take place in Louisville, a superbly significant home advantage.
Sifting through the bevy of brackets, you'll find any mixture of teams entering conference championship week. Kentucky now has one final opportunity to make a jump. Getting permanently away from the No. 7/8 line is important, as it would duck a Round of 32 matchup against a No. 1 seed.
Though, Calipari sees the door as wide open as ever entering March Madness:
"Everybody is getting knocked off," he said. "It’s an interesting year and I’ll be honest, whatever team is having the most fun, whatever team is in the right mindset — you’re not playing not to lose. You’re just refusing to lose and having a ball playing, feel empowered."
An SEC Tournament championship would do wonders, in theory. Much has been said about title games on Sundays being meaningless, as the Selection Committee is thought to have already had its bracket solidified, only making adjustments if surprise teams steal a big with a conference tourney win.
Kentucky is No. 20 in the NET rankings, owning a 6-7 record against Quad 1 opponents. The rollercoaster ride continues inside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville this weekend.
"I told our guys to just lock it out, let’s go," Calipari said.
More on the win over the Razorbacks HERE.
Everything John Calipari said after the win HERE.
SEC awards for four Wildcats. More HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
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