As some of you know, I went to the SEC Tourney for 34 years in a row, 1985 -- 2019. We had tickets for 2020, but it was cancelled. Our group was getting pretty old (not me but some others!)
so we haven't gotten the group together again since. This year, I really wanted to go and my wife agreed to go with me. She didn't feel great, so we didn't go to every game, 7 total I think. She's a trooper! It was different, but fun. Some observations:
Obviously, the top three seeds, UT, UK and Bama, all lost their first games. Don't remember that exact thing ever happening before, but there have certainly been lots of upsets over the years. One of the best times our group of guys ever had was that first year, 1985, when Auburn had fired Sonny Smith mid-season, and they won four games in a row to upset everyone and win the tourney. Then they went on to the Sweet 16. Auburn rehired him! After Kentucky was out, we all rooted for Auburn.
The SEC has improved TREMENDOUSLY over what it used to be, even 10 years ago. Eight teams in the NCAA, and they all deserve it!
I liked it better when they moved the tourney around to different locations. I'm tired of Nashville.
I could do without the LOUD music -- at EVERY break, even if it's just 5-10 seconds! When the recorded music is twice as loud as the pep bands, even if they're facing right at you, something is wrong. And I have learned to hate Hip-Hop!
Auburn plays really good defense. Wish we could. I remember, not so many years ago, when we did. Don't know if it's possible anymore, with mostly freshmen -- the AAU effect.
On the other hand, I don't think there was a foul, or possible foul, on the other team in the entire tournament, where the Auburn player didn't hit the floor, trying to draw the call. Got really tiring. I hate drama queens!
Rooted for Florida, after we lost. They played really well, then ran out of gas the last ten minutes, playing for the fourth day in a row.
I'm really impressed with Todd Golden. Not ready to anoint him "coach in waiting" yet, but definitely someone to keep an eye on.
I hate Hip-Hop!
Back to defense, we didn't guard anyone, at least at the guard positions. Well, Wagner did some, but Sheppard and Dillingham couldn't keep their men out of the lane to save their lives. This time of the year, Cal has got to be positive, but that's going to kill them, IMO. Just hope we win a few games first.
Doug ("TV") Shows and crew were TERRIBLE! I've heard the rumors about one particular official supposedly calling 20+ fouls on us and none on A&M. Don't know anything about that, and don't generally believe in conspiracy theories, but the officiating overall was awful, and it hurt us badly. If I'd been Cal, after the game was decided, in the last minute, I'd have gotten my money's worth and made them toss me.
Bottom line -- excellent tourney, played at a very high level. Disappointing loss, but A&M needed that one to get into the NCAA, and they just seemed to want it more. Congrats to them, and to Auburn for winning it. Go Cats!
Did I mention, I HATE Hip Hop?
