College Basketball 09-10: SEC

SEC Basketball fans, just eliminate the 2008-09 season from your memory. Pretend like all the underachieving and getting only 3 teams in the NCAA's never happened. This season the league will get back to normal. Why? Because it looks like Kentucky will be well, Kentucky again.

BEST TEAM IN THE SEC: Kentucky

UK doesn't mess around. After tieing for 4th in the SEC East and going to the NIT, someone had to be whacked and that someone was former head coach Billy Gillispie. So Kentucky goes from a coach who couldn't make friends in Lexington (got to have people skills) to a coach who oozes charisma and talks the talk, John Calipari.

Hiring Calipari has brought the buzz back to Kentucky basketball plus UK hoops is top of mind again with the 5-star recruits. With outstanding talent Kentucky won't fall in the SEC standings any more. The Wildcats will cut down the nets at the SEC Tournament and win yet another SEC title. I would also expect Kentucky to make a final four run as well.

BEST PLAYER IN THE SEC: Patrick Patterson - Kentucky

When you have a big that can score consistently in double digits and rebound at will you have a player, that describes Patrick Patterson. Last season Patterson averaged 17.9 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game, great numbers but Patterson wasn't satisfied. The thing that has me believe that Patterson is in for a monster year is that he dedicated himself to improve his game. Patterson is determined to lead the Wildcats to a national championship. UK's SEC opponents, you have been warned. Patterson is on a mission.

OSG's SEC Predictions:

SEC East:

Kentucky

Tennessee

Vanderbilt

South Carolina

Florida

Georgia

SEC West:

Mississippi State

Ole Miss

LSU

Alabama

Auburn

Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: SI.com