ESPN’s Jeff Borzello thinks Kentucky will have a good shot of keeping their great chance of getting a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament if they win the SEC Tournament.
The final two spots will likely come from some combination of North Carolina, Duke and Kentucky, with Tennessee and Michigan State as potential dark horses. Duke’s fate depends on Zion Williamson’s availability, while North Carolina’s sweep of Duke and December win over Gonzaga puts them in a good spot. Kentucky has beaten Carolina and Tennessee, but either would have to win the SEC tournament or get some help to stay in its spot. If Michigan State or Tennessee wins its conference tournament, they have a shot — especially since the Spartans have 11 Quadrant 1 wins and swept Michigan.
John Calipari doesn’t agree with that process as he thinks his team should be the seed they earned before the tournament just like every other team.
Borzello has the Cats as the #4 team in his updated power rankings.
4. Kentucky Wildcats (26-5)
Previous ranking: 4
This week: SEC tournamentThey hit some snags in the road along the way, but the Wildcats are in position to earn a 1-seed — similar to projections at the start of the season. John Calipari’s team still has its issues, but the emergence of PJ Washington as a go-to-guy and Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson as consistent scorers have helped. The key will be the return of Reid Travis; his physicality and experience down low are a big boost to the frontcourt.
